Chapter 223 A Promise Under Pressure 

Chapter 223 A Promise Under Pressure 

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“So you want to break up?” Sidonie stepped out of his embrace and glared at him. “I thought you were different, but you’re just the same as the rest. Fine. Let’s end it. Pretend I never saved you” 

“No! That’s not what I mean,” Trent exclaimed. “Sidonic, I’ll never forget that you saved my life. I only 

engagement. want to wait until the company stabilizes and the scandal blows over, then we’ll announce the By then, I’ll persuade my parents, I swear.” 

“Really?” She searched his face. 

“Really. I swear,” Trent said, raising his right hand. “If I ever fail you, may lightning strike me, and I’ll be left forever wanting what I cannot attain.” 

Only then did Sidonie smile, nestling back against him. “Don’t you dare forget that oath. I don’t care how others treat me, but you must never betray me!” 

Trent’s lips tightened as he held her close. Yes, he could not betray Sidonie. 

In the beginning, he had treated her well simply to repay a debt of gratitude. Yet now, that gratitude felt like a mountain pressing on his chest, so heavy he could scarcely breathe. 

For the moment, Quinn was staying in Julius‘ apartment, though he had originally wanted her to move into the Whitethorn residence. In her view, however, they were not yet married; taking up residence in the family estate would be inappropriate. 

“So, when do you plan to marry me?” Julius asked with a half–teasing smile. 

Quinn almost sprayed the mouthful of coffee she had yet to swallow. “Marry?” 

“Or are you only toying with me–ready to toss me aside once you’re bored?” Julius bent low, hands braced on the couch, caging her between his arms with a raw, feral dominance. 

In that instant, Quinn felt like prey caught in a predator’s sights. 

“Hmm?” He was waiting for her reply. 

She pushed at his chest and set her cup on the coffee table. 

“We haven’t been together that long. Talking about marriage feels way too soon,” she said. 

The next second, Julius‘ arm wound around her waist. His face hovered a breath away. “You’ve never pictured marrying me?” 

His voice held a faint aggression, yet those normally cool eyes shimmered with seduction. 

Quinn swallowed the sudden rush of saliva in her throat. 

Julius, at this moment, was impossibly alluring–and unmistakably dangerous. 

She could read the hunger and gentleness in his gaze. 

However, when it came to marriage, they had moved from strangers to lovers in a blink; she hadn’t truly 

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Chapter 223 A Promise Under Pressure 

known him yet. 

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“I’ve been divorced once, so I’m extra cautious the second time,” Quinn said. “Julius, I like you, but I’m not sure that like is deep enough yet for marriage. Let’s wait until we’ve spent more time together until we understand each other better. Then we can talk vows.” 

As she spoke, a thought struck her. She lifted her hand and stroked his cheek. 

“Maybe after a while, you’ll realize I’m not as wonderful as you think. Maybe you’ll be the one to ask for a 

Her words were cut off when his lips sealed over hers. 

He kissed her, swallowing her every unfinished word. 

Only after a long moment did he pull back. His voice was hoarse and carried a sense of reluctance. “Don’t mention breaking up. I won’t, and you can’t either. I’ll make you love me even more. We will get married.” 

A misty sheen veiled his eyes. 

This version of Julius always softened her heart. 

This time, Quinn leaned in first and kissed him. “I think I’m already falling harder for you.” 

At least, she knew her feelings for him were deepening–far deeper than when they’d begun. 

Julius lowered his gaze, letting it drift, almost absently, over her abdomen. 

She still hasn’t promised we would marry. 

Is her love for me not strong enough yet? 

What must I do to keep her by my side for good? 

If she carried my child… would she stay? 

Just like Father once tried–using me to bind Mother to him… 

The notion jolted him; his body went rigid. 

“What’s wrong?” Quinn asked, having felt him tense during their kiss. 

“N–Nothing,” he responded. 

Studying his suddenly pale face, she murmured, “Julius, I told you before–no secrets between us. I want a relationship built on trust.” 

He fell silent, then confessed in a bitter whisper, “I’m terrified of turning into my father. One day, you might leave me as decisively as my mother left him.”