Chapter 103. Overreaction

"Wasn't that a bit too cruel to Celia?"

"Cruel? I don't think so."

Xavier gently pressed her head against his shoulder, his palm softly patting her back, as if he were coaxing a child to sleep.

"Serena, you wouldn't give me a chance before, but now... things are different. From now on, I hope you'll let me protect you. I won't allow anyone to disrespect you-not even a little. No one."

Serena leaned against his shoulder, her chest tightening slightly.

For a moment, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to be the delicate woman who relied completely on him.

But not long after, she forced herself to snap out of it.

She lifted her head, looked at him, and gently urged, "Let it go. Celia did what she did because she liked you too much. She di