When Left
CHAPTER 128

Chapter 128 Did He Touch You?

No sooner had I twisted the doorknob than he grabbed me by the collar from behind, hissing menacingly, “You little wench! You dare to deceive me? Damn it, see how I deal with you!”

I begged, “No… please…”

My

strength was already spent in that brief moment, and no matter how I struggled, I could only let him drag me back toward the bed.

*Do you hear that? Is someone arguing?” From the hallway outside, a refined middle–aged man’s voice suddenly echoed.

“Dad, they’re in a hotel room. It’s normal for couples to argue. Let’s go: I’ve already informed the restaurant to serve the dishes,” replied a younger voice, casual yet dismissive.

The man holding me had a fierce look in his eyes, only then noticing that I had opened the door. He threw me to the ground and reached out to close the door, but it was suddenly pushed open from the outside.

In front of me, a pair of polished men’s shoes appeared. My gaze traveled upward to see long legs encased in expertly tailored suit

trousers.

I initially mistook him for the middle–aged man who had spoken earlier Rushing over, I pleaded, “Please, help me! I have no idea who this

man is—I swear I’m not with him!”

Hope?” A voice called out from above, one that was achingly familiar and soothing.

Looking up, I locked eyes with Christopher’s dark, intense gaze. Relief washed over me, my entire body relaxing as my vision momentarily blurred. But then I noticed Kimberly and her family–standing just beside him.

The people who had spoken earlier were Larry and Kimberly.

A wave of embarrassment overtook me. I stepped back, holding back my tears and leaning against the wall to steady my weakened body. Kimberly, visibly shocked, covered her mouth and clutched Skylar’s arm

*Seriously, you were about to get divorced and now you’re in a hotel room with some random guy?”

Her words seemed to snap Larry out of his stupor. He glared at me, feeling duped, and hurled his accusations. “So, you haven’t got divorced. Couldn’t even wait a minute before finding someone to rebound with, huh?”

My hands trembled with anger, and just as I was about to retort, Christopher’s face hardened into an icy mask. He turned to Donald and sternly commanded, “Take him away and make him confess the truth!”

At that, Christopher swiftly removed his coat, wrapped it around my shoulders, and lifted me into his arms with a protective embrace. He glanced at Larry and said, “Mr. Harris, I’m afraid our dinner plans will have to be postponed.”

Larry nodded, a look of understanding in his eyes, though his gaze lingered on me momentarily. “I understand. You should deal with your personal issues first.”

Kimberly immediately tugged at Skylar’s sleeve, on the verge of tears. “Mon…

Skylar, always protective of Kimberly, addressed Christopher with a hint of coldness. “Mr. Valence, have you considered the consequences? Tonight’s dinner is crucial for the alliance between the families.”

Christopher’s expression remained steely as he replied, “I’m sorry. But my wife’s well–being comes first.”

Skylar persisted, “You need to weigh this carefully. Without the support of the Harris family, the Valence Group-”

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Chapter 128 Did He Touch You?

“No need to worry, Mrs. Harris Christopher interjected. “I will handle the situation myself”

Christophers expression grew even colder as he carried me away, his strides long and hurried, conveying his urgency. The lingering stares from those behind us made unease coil within me.

Even after he secured us in the car, he didn’t set me down. Gazing at my slightly disheveled appearance, he wrestled with his anger before asking. Did he touch you?”

I shook my head, my voice trembling. “No.”

If it weren’t for Evelyn’s hatred and her desire to capture something camera, I would have had no choice but to accept my fate.

Christopher’s eyes tumed fierce. “Do you know who did this?”

I replied, “Evelyn Valence, but she wasnt acting alone.”

Christopher’s jaw tightened, and he narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Who else?”

1 shook my head hesitantly, uncertainty clouding my thoughts. It could be Kimberly or someone else.

Christopher’s face hardened further. He pulled out his phone and made a call to Donald, his tone as cold as ice. “Once he confesses, put him and Evelyn Valence in a room together.

Lopened my mouth to protest. “Wouldn’t that be..

Christopher anticipated my concern and explained gently, “He’s Evelyn Valence’s ex–husband. This time, she needs to experience the

consequences.”

At his words, a realization dawned on me. I remembered that Evelyn’s former status had isolated her within the Valence family gatherings; Christopher’s grandpa disapproval had seen to that. Thus, I had never crossed paths with her ex–husband.

1 had always abided by the principle of live and let live, but Evelyn’s incessant scheming had driven me to the edge. It was clear: she was intent on destroying me, and I could no longer afford to show mercy.

Seeing me lost in thought, Christopher gently rubbed my head. “Are you hurt?

I shook my head. “No.”

Despite my words, the memory of the scene in the room lingered, leaving me with a residual tremor in my hands.

Christopher’s eyes were fathomless, but I could detect a flicker of pain within them. He held me patiently, his hand moving circles on my back, his voice a soft murmur. “It’s okay now, darling, here.”

moving in soothin

After a while, I managed to regain my composure and some semblance of strength, shifting to the seat beside, finally leave Christpher’s embrace. Still wrapped in a shroud of surprise, I spoke. “You actually believe me.”

I had feared that, just as he once doubted me in regard to Cecil, he would again question my integrity in the face of false accusations.

Christopher frowned slightly. “When have I not believed you?”

I reminded him, “Cecil Lewis.”

“He’s different,” Christopher said coldly and then instructed the driver to start the car.

After taking me to Jacquar One, Christopher exhibited no intention of departing. Instead, he ascended the stairs beside me, crossing the

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Chapter 128 Did He Touch You?

threshold into the sanctuary & my home. A frown knitted my brows. Christopher Valence, this is my do

With a

a sigh that spoke of reluctant helplessness, he replied,

“You look incredibly pale. Il take

my leave once I know you’re alright, okay?”

I averted my gare, resigning to his presence without further protest, and headed straight for the bathroom to take a shower.

As the water cascaded over me, the tumultuous scenes from the hotel replayed incessantly in my mind. In an effort to dispel them, I shook my head vigorously and surveyed my surroundings.

I was home, a place devoid of strangers–a haven where I had already sought refuge

After what felt like an eternity, a concerned voice disrupted the silence from just beyond the door. “Hope?”

Sniffing, I opened the door a crack. “What is it?”

Christopher’s voice was imbued with a gentle tenderness. “I was worried about you.‘

I replied, attempting to steady my voice, “I’m fine.”

I reached for the hairdryer, though my hands trembled. The aftereffects of the drug and the exhaustion from the shower rendered even this simple task Herculean.

Suddenly, a large, warm hand settled on my head, gently taking the hairdryer from me. Christopher’s awkward yet sincere efforts to dry py hair surprised me. Through the mirror, I caught a glimpse of his tender expression as he raised his voice slightly. “Is this okay? Too

hot?”

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. “It’s fine. Really, it’s okay.”

This moment–a scene of domestic intimacy–I had yearned for countless times, though it had always seemed just beyond my reach.

Christopher’s long fingers moved gently over my scalp, his actions patient and deliberate. Time seemed to decelerate, each second stretching into an etemity.

Out of nowhere, his voice cut through the quiet hung of the hairdryer, Hope, I’m sorry.” His words were not loud, and I strained to catch them under the noise of the hairdryer.

Perplexed, I met his eyes in the mirror. What did you say?”

His movements faltered as he looked down at me, his lips parting as tough to release a burden.

Amidst the noise, his voice reached me fragments, eamest and raw “I didn’t know you liked me. I thought you just wanted gifts. I ignored anniversaries, your birthday. I watched your efforts from distance, never stepping in. Hope, I’m sorry. I failed you when you needed me the most. And then, you left. It’s not that I don’t care for you. I just…”

He abruptly looked up, meeting my gaze directly through the mirror. His eyes, red from the steam, mirrored a depth of regret and tervor that caught my breath.

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