Chapter 699
Chapter 699:
His voice dropped to a near whisper as he asked, “Is that true?” Jenessa rushed to reassure him, her voice soft but firm.
“Rick, you don’t need to worry about it. The competition is about to start, and I just want to concentrate on doing my best. Everything else is secondary. If I can prove myself through my abilities, that’s what matters p>
Richard held her gaze for a moment longer, his eyes searching hers before he finally nodded.
“Alright,” he said, though a hint of reluctance lingered in his voice.
“I trust you p>
As the crew buzzed around, signaling that the competition was moments away from starting, Jenessa stood, preparing to head backstage.
She turned to Richard and offered an apologetic smile.
“Rick, I really have to go now p>
But Richard didn’t release her hand. Instead, he pulled her closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur.
“It’s been days since we last saw each other, and now you’re leaving me again. Don’t I at least deserve a goodbye kiss p>
Jenessa hesitated, her eyes darting nervously across the bustling crew.
“But there are so many people here…” she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she looked around, clearly feeling self-conscious.
Someone nearby overheard and chuckled teasingly.
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“You two are already engaged; what’s there to be shy about p>
Another voice chimed in with a playful lilt, “Exactly! Look at how eager Mr. Lloyd is. Sloane, just give your fiancé a loving kiss already p>
Jenessa’s face turned an even deeper shade of crimson under their teasing. With nowhere to hide, she swallowed her embarrassment and, summoning her courage, rose on her tiptoes to plant a delicate kiss on Richard’s cheek.
But as soon as Jenessa tried to step back, Richard’s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. Before she could protest, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.
Jenessa was startled by his boldness and had half a mind to call him out on it, but the words got caught in her throat. Amid the buzz of the crowd, she suddenly felt a sharp, piercing gaze fixed on her from somewhere behind.
A strange, unsettling feeling washed over her, tugging at her mind with a faint but familiar presence.
Her thoughts spun in disarray as she looked around. She scanned the room, but the crowd was alive with motion, everyone engrossed in their own conversations and laughter. Could it just be her imagination?
Richard, seemingly oblivious to her inner turmoil, smiled with satisfaction. He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Go on. I’ll be watching you from the audience p>
“Alright,” she replied, forcing a smile as she tried to push the strange feeling aside. With a deep breath, Jenessa turned and headed backstage, determined to focus on the task ahead. There, Hector and Martin were already seated, their imposing figures radiating authority.
“Good day,” Jenessa greeted them, her voice steady.
But the two men turned a deaf ear to her, their gazes locked straight ahead, expressions unreadable.