Chapter 288 Cling to Him
Juniper could stick by Magnus no matter what, even if it meant putting herself in danger.
But involving Jenny in this chaos, especially after the kidnapping ordeal, was unimaginable.
Seeing Jenny's little face now, guilt and worry hit her like a ton of bricks.
Using Jenny to get to her was Magnus's lowest move.
His hand brushed her face, his rough fingertips gently tracing her skin, a mix of comfort and regret. "I'm sorry, it's my fault you and Jenny got caught up in this mess. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be dealing with any of this."
Juniper looked up at him, her eyes red and full of hesitation.
She bit her lip and asked again, "Is it really just to lay low in Solara? Magnus, are you hiding something from me?"
She didn't see herself as fragile. Those six years apart from Magnus were tough, but she made it through.
Magnus's deep eyes gave nothing away, no hint of what he was really feeling.
He ruffled her hair, his gaze steady on her, and said softly, "No, don't overthink it. When this is all over, I'll come to Solara to get you, and then..."
"We'll get married." He paused, his eyes softening, a faint smile on his lips.
It didn't feel like a casual comment.
It felt like a promise.
But for some reason, Juniper wasn't buying it.
She suddenly got stubborn. "Then promise me."
Magnus looked a bit surprised and smiled helplessly. "When did you start acting like Jenny?"
Juniper responded seriously, "What, you scared?"
Magnus stared at her, chuckled, and finally said, "I promise."
Juniper teased him. "People who break promises get punished."
Magnus's eyes lowered, his lips curving slightly, his voice calm and steady.
"Are you scared? Well, punishment is pretty harsh, so forget it. Even if you break your promise, I wouldn't want you punished." As soon as she finished, he pulled her tight against him, his arms squeezing her like he wanted to merge her into his very being.
Juniper, held close, couldn't see his face but felt his intense longing and reluctance.
Pressing against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, she felt a bit reassured. "Punishment is too harsh. If you break your promise, I'll wait a little longer. But don't make me wait too long. Magnus, my patience has limits too."
Her voice was light and indifferent, retreating again and again, making Magnus's heart ache.
He kissed her forehead and agreed, "Okay, I won't make you wait too long."
Juniper was naive and inexperienced at eighteen, unable to protect anyone.
At twenty-five, she still wasn't strong, but she was trying to grow step by step. She wanted to be Jenny's shield and hoped that one day, she could stand with Magnus in the storm.
But once again, he was pushing her out of the chaos.
This time, Juniper compromised for Jenny.
She asked, "When do we leave? Are you taking us there? Solara should be snowing now. Jenny loves playing in the snow. Once we get to Solara, she'll probably want to build snowmen all day long."
After deciding to head to Solara and hearing him say they would get married when he got back, Juniper suddenly felt less scared and more open to the idea.
Hope could really change your perspective.
Seeing the hopeful look in her eyes, Magnus felt a lump in his throat. "I might not be able to take you there myself. If Ronald's tied up, I'll send Paul with a few folks to escort you."
"I get it..." Juniper felt a bit let down but understood. She knew SY had a ton of stuff for him to deal with.
At this crucial moment, she didn't want to add to his stress or make him feel like she was a burden.
Magnus couldn't help but remind her, "I bought an old house in Solara with a yard. Jenny can build snowmen there. I've also arranged for a nanny and some servants. There are streets and shops a couple of blocks away, but it's pretty cold now, so don't go out unless you have to. If you need anything, let the servants handle it. You catch colds and fevers easily. Without me around, wear more clothes and take care of yourself. Jenny's playful, so make sure to keep her in line. Don't be afraid to scold her."
Magnus was usually a man of few words.
But now, he was unusually chatty.
Juniper laughed. "I'm not a kid. I'll take good care of myself and Jenny. You don't need to worry."
"Juniper..." Magnus touched her hair, his voice rough. "Thank you for everything."
Juniper teased him. "Why say that? Jenny and I aren't going to Solara to suffer. You've even arranged a nanny. This is way better than those six years we spent alone."
Magnus looked at her, suddenly at a loss for words.
Juniper meant to comfort him, but her lighthearted mention of those six tough years felt like a knife stabbing into the softest part of his heart.
During their separation, Magnus had only indirectly asked Jenny how they were doing.
But now, Juniper casually brushing off those six years of hardship made his heart feel blocked and painful.
His eyes gradually reddened.
Juniper realized she had misspoken. "I didn't mean it that way..."
Before she could finish explaining, Magnus cupped her face and kissed her.
In the past, when they first started dating, he didn't really know how to love someone. His gloomy and stubborn nature often made Juniper angry, and he always struggled to comfort her.
Magnus wasn't good at expressing love. In this regard, he was clumsy and awkward.
But now, he had learned, yet his words still felt insincere.
Juniper instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist, responding to him.
She seemed to be completely falling for him, her eyes misting from his kiss.
They had endured years of separation before, but now, knowing it was a temporary parting, she still couldn't bear to let go.
She opened her eyes slightly to look at him, unable to help but sigh softly. "I've been spending so much time with you lately that I seem to be getting more and more attached to you. When I'm in Solara, remember to call us."
"If I'm too busy and forget, you can call me," Magnus said.
Lately, Juniper had been feeling insecure. She said somewhat possessively, "I want you to take the initiative."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
