Chapter 3838
“I can walk by myself,” Duncan insisted, declining Liberty’s assistance. Although he could manage a few steps, his walking didn’t resemble that of a typical person. “I have something to support me, so it’s much easier to move around,” he explained as Liberty stood by, observing him as he approached.
“What’s wrong?” Duncan asked gently. “Are you okay? You’ve been sneezing a lot; maybe you caught a cold.” He wanted to express his care for her, just as she did for him, yearning for a relationship grounded in mutual support, understanding, and trust.
Liberty understood the reason for his concern. “I sneeze occasionally, but you don’t need to worry. I’ve been in Jensburg for a while, so I’ve adapted to the winter here,” she reassured him. “Maybe someone is talking behind my back, which is why I keep sneezing,” she joked.
Duncan, ever the protector, responded, “Whoever that person is, they dare to speak ill of my fiancée?” Liberty shot him a playful look, her face lighting up with happiness. His fierce protectiveness was something she had never experienced before; during her time with Hank, he hadn’t stood up for her like this. The disparity between genuine love and the façade of love was striking.
“Unless it’s your ex-in-laws, I can’t think of anyone else who would criticize you,” Duncan speculated. Liberty shook her head. “Don’t keep thinking about the Brown family. I have no ties to them anymore. We’ve been divorced for two years now.” She had long since moved on from Hank, completely leaving behind their toxic relationship. After Hank proposed and mistreated her, she had finally decided enough was enough. Now, her life improved every day.
She didn’t want to dwell on her ex-husband. Duncan’s voice turned sour. “You knew him longer than I’ve known you. You were married and had a wonderful son, Sonny. Even though you’re divorced now, I can’t help but feel a bit jealous that Hank once had you. It stings to think I didn’t know you first.” Liberty playfully pinched his cheek, smiling. “If you had met me first, you might not have liked me at all. Why be jealous of him? My whole life belongs to you. Hank and I were only married for a few years, but I have decades ahead with you. If anyone should be jealous, it’s Hank, not you.”
Duncan smiled back. “Exactly! I’ll have you for the rest of my life, far longer than Hank ever did. I shouldn’t be jealous of him; he should be envious of me! He’s probably saying bad things about us behind our backs. The news of our upcoming wedding must have reached the Brown family by now.”
Even if they hadn’t heard, Duncan was determined to let them know. “When we set the wedding date, I’ll personally invite Hank just to make him jealous,” Duncan declared. Liberty laughed. “…Do what you want.”
Duncan took her hand and kissed her gently on the lips. Liberty pulled her hand back, blushing. “This is the office! You should be more serious.” She didn’t want him to take advantage of the setting with kisses, even though the sweetness was nice.
Duncan took her hand and gently kissed her on the lips. Liberty quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushed. “This is the office! You should be more serious,” she exclaimed. She didn’t want him to take advantage of their workplace with such affectionate gestures. While the sweetness of the kiss was enjoyable, she would feel embarrassed if someone were to see them. In Duncan’s presence, she felt as if she were experiencing her first love all over again, and it made her a bit shy. Duncan loved to spoil her.