As dawn broke, Julian opened his eyes and heard faint movement beside him.
Scarlett was already awake, wrapped in the blanket, her cheeks flushed as she looked at him shyly.
Seeing him wake, her face turned even redder. “Julian… last night…”
Julian propped himself up and sat, rubbing his brow. He glanced at Scarlett’s hesitant expression, then at the glaring red stain on the sheets, his brows knitting slightly.
“Scarlett,” he said, trying to keep his voice gentle, “don’t worry. I’ll give you an explanation for last night. The Rivers family won’t mistreat you.”
Scarlett relaxed at his words, a pleased smile forming on her face.
She even began imagining herself brought back to the Rivers family, with Julian announcing in front of all the elders that he would marry her.
At that thought
