Chapter 38
Yasmine’s frustration was palpable. How could Austin’s apparent self-destruction not infuriate her?
“Yasmine! Are you done yet?” Felicia’s voice was sharp as she grabbed her daughter’s hand tightly.
Austin, who had been walking ahead, suddenly froze.
Suzanne glanced up at him, sensing the change in the atmosphere. Both Felicia and Yasmine instinctively looked toward Austin, whose cold, piercing gaze had shifted to them.
The tension in the room thickened, and before anyone could react, Austin parted his lips slightly, speaking slowly, deliberately. “Suzanne Yates.”
Everyone fell silent, unsure of what he was about to say.
Then, with an air of finality, Austin continued, each word laden with weight, “She’s the one I’ll protect with my life.”
For a moment, the room was stunned into silence.
Suzanne blinked, processing what she had just heard. She couldn’t quite believe it but quickly composed herself. He was probably just making his stance clear. After all, they barely knew each other. How could he claim to protect her with his life?
Yasmine and Felicia were both shocked, their eyes wide as they tried to absorb Austin’s words. This was the first time they had ever heard Austin speak with such conviction. He had always been aloof, indifferent to everything. But now, he was different.
Before anyone could process the magnitude of his words, Austin was already pulling Suzanne toward the door.
Just as they reached the exit, Timothy, who had been sitting quietly on the living room couch, spoke up. “Ms. Yates, I hope you understand. Don’t think that you’ll have it all just because you’ve attached yourself to our family.”
Austin didn’t stop, but Suzanne came to an abrupt halt. She turned around and met Timothy’s gaze, her chin lifted slightly as she said firmly, “I don’t believe the Hall family is the end-all, but Austin is the man I’ve chosen. I hope you’ll show him some respect.”
Timothy’s expression darkened, his presence radiating with intensity and pressure. Very well. So, these were the manners of the Yates family’s daughter.
Without waiting for a response, Suzanne turned to leave.
As Austin watched her walk away, a subtle smile tugged at the corner of his lips, proud of how she handled herself.
The drive back home was quiet. The atmosphere in the car was heavy, with Suzanne staring out of the window, lost in thought.
Austin glanced at her, his usually detached voice now carrying a tone of comfort. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
Suzanne gave a slight smile, her eyes still focused on the passing scenery. “It’s no big deal.”
She truly didn’t mind the tension or the harsh words from Yasmine and Timothy. The words she had spoken had been meant to share some of Austin’s burden. She wanted to make it clear to his family that they had each other’s backs, that their connection was unshakable.
Austin’s gaze flickered slightly. She was wise and composed, with many admirable qualities. He couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for her.
After a brief pause, he spoke gently, “I’ll take care of this. My dad and sister showing up today was just an accident.”
Suzanne smiled lightly and turned to him. “Austin…” She paused, choosing her words carefully before continuing, “Today’s incident doesn’t bother me at all. Please don’t feel burdened. I’ve always been someone others looked down on and tried to undermine. I’ve gotten used to it. As long as I’m strong enough, nothing anyone says can touch me.”
Austin’s expression grew more complex, his eyes studying her with concern. Her words sounded so independent, but he could hear the hidden pain beneath them. If she hadn’t been through so much hardship, how could she have developed such a mindset?
True independence wasn’t something a person was born with. Sometimes, it was forged through repeated destruction and overcoming adversity.
Suzanne smiled softly, her gaze steady. “Although our marriage isn’t based on an agreement, and we don’t have any emotional foundation either, their words can’t hurt me. I’ll cooperate with you from now on.”
The temperature in the car seemed to drop as the weight of her words settled between them. Despite everything that had happened, there was a quiet understanding between them. Both of them were bound by circumstances, but it was clear that Suzanne had made her choice to stand by Austin, no matter what.
Austin’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, and for the first time, he felt the true weight of his commitment to her.
