Chapter 843
Sharon snapped out of her thoughts and turned toward Thomas. “Not particularly. I just don’t see these types
very often.”
The garden path was paved with delicate, artful cobblestones-beautiful to look at, but treacherous for anyone
in high heels.
Whether because of the uneven path or her own distraction, Sharon’s foot suddenly slipped. She nearly fell, but
Thomas’s quick reflexes caught her in time.
Even so, the misstep left her ankle slightly twisted.
She drew in a sharp breath. Before she could steady herself, her body lifted clean off the ground-Thomas had
swept her into his arms.
Startled, she froze, words poised on her lips. But in the next instant, he had already carried her to the nearby
pavilion and set her gently on a chair.
He crouched before her, removing her high heels with practiced ease.
Under the warm glow of the garden lights, his fingers gleamed faintly as he lifted her foot, brows furrowed in
concentration while he examined her reddened ankle.
His touch was firm yet careful as he pressed along the bone, testing for injury. Only after confirming nothing
was broken did he finally raise his gaze.
“It’s just a mild sprain. No fracture.”
Sharon stared at Thomas’s faintly furrowed brows, at the focus etched into his expression, and for reasons she
couldn’t name, an unfamiliar unease stirred within her.
It was a feeling she had never experienced before.
Her toes curled, and she pulled her foot subtly from his palm.
Thomas, about to continue his inspection, paused at the withdrawal. His gaze darkened, but he didn’t push
further.
Instead, he said calmly, “There’s a scrape on your ankle. You’ll need to treat it immediately to prevent
infection.” 1
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Chapter 843
She nodded. “Then let’s head back.”
As she reached for her heels, Thomas stopped her.
“You can’t wear those now.”
She was about to argue when she noticed the heel had snapped clean off during her stumble.
Speechless, she realized that even if she wanted to wear them, she couldn’t.
Thomas noticed as well. His dark eyes narrowed slightly.
“I’ll carry you back.”
“No.” Sharon refused at once.
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He held her gaze. “Your concert is coming up soon. If you injure your foot now, it could cause serious trouble.”
His words left her momentarily speechless. He wasn’t wrong.
But still… the thought of being carried on his back made her uncomfortable. It felt too intimate and suggestive.
After a pause, she said, “How about this… I’ll wait here while you fetch me another pair of shoes.”
Thomas scanned the garden, his jaw tightening before he shook his head.
“No. Leaving you here alone would be too dangerous.”
“This is the back garden of the banquet hall,” Sharon countered softly. “Security is strict. Strangers can’t get in,
and there are guards just a short distance away. If anything happens, I can call you immediately.”
Her voice gentled further. “Go on. The sooner you leave, the sooner you’ll be back.”
At her persistence, Thomas finally relented.
He soon found a pair of shoes that matched her size. As he stepped out of the cloakroom, he paused, then
reached for a coat from the rack and slung it over his arm.
Shoe bag in one hand, coat in the other, he strode briskly back.
To save time, he took a narrow shortcut.
But not far along the path, he froze at the sound of a cry.
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“Help! Anyone, please help me!”
It was a woman’s voice, tinged with panic. It sounded disturbingly familiar.
Then came a guy’s lascivious murmur, breath thick with desire.
“Johanna, I’ve liked you for so long… Please, just give me a chance. I promise I’ll treat you well.”
