Chapter 307

Jareth's fingers intertwined with Mari's, his grip warm and slightly damp. His gaze remained fixed straight ahead, unwavering.

He felt her palm slick with nervous sweat and couldn't help but chuckle. The sound was indulgent, laced with amusement.

"Mari, why aren't we heading to the underground parking?" Her voice trembled slightly as they neared the hotel lobby.

"My car's at the front entrance. The parking lot is too far."

"But the journalists—"

She stopped abruptly, her delicate frame shrinking under the weight of fear. "They'll write whatever they want."

"Let them."

Noticing her thin clothing, Jareth swiftly removed his red velvet blazer and draped it over her shoulders. His fingers worked deftly, buttoning it up with care. To her, he was both protector and lover.

"If they want to write, let them write about how I feel for you."

"They might say we're together," Mari whispered, her cheeks flushing crimson.

Her words brushed against his heart like a feather, sending shivers down his spine.

Jareth's eyes darkened as he swallowed hard, his large hand sliding up her back in a slow, soothing motion. "Good."

"W-what?" Her doe eyes widened in surprise.

"Mari, you're mine. Only mine. Do you understand what that means?" His grip tightened on her waist, his fingers tracing the delicate curve of her neck. Every inch of her was temptation.

She hesitated, then shook her head.

"It means I don't care what the world says. I want you by my side."

Mari gasped, her breath hitching under his burning gaze.

She wanted that too—more than anything.

Jareth pulled her closer, but she stiffened. Confusion flickered in his eyes. "Mari, what's wrong?"

"Let's take the back door."

Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded softly, "I'm scared they'll mock you."

"Mari?" His voice sharpened.

"We can stay hidden. No one has to know. Please." She clasped her hands together. "I don't care if they laugh at me, but not you. Everyone who's ever been with me has been ridiculed. I can't bear it if they—"

Jareth's pupils contracted violently.

His chest tightened, a wave of crushing pain washing over him. Rage surged—hatred for those who had hurt her, and even more for himself, for not being there sooner.

"Ah! Put me down!"

Her vision blurred as he suddenly swept her into his arms.

"No."

His eyes burned with fierce determination as he strode toward the exit. "Let them try. I dare anyone to laugh at my woman. If they do, I'll make sure they regret it for the rest of their lives."

Outside, the hotel buzzed with activity.

Journalists lingered, cameras at the ready. When Jareth emerged with Mari cradled in his arms, shock rippled through the crowd.

"Who is that with Mr. Jareth? His new girlfriend?"

"Open your eyes! That's Mari Abernathy—the youngest Abernathy heir!"

"No way! The reclusive Abernathy daughter? She's stunning!"

"Glynnis Abernathy always bought headlines, claiming to be Elmsworth's most beautiful heiress. She's nothing compared to her sister."

"Of course. Any woman Jareth chooses is top-tier."

Lily rushed forward with two bodyguards, forming a protective barrier around them.

Cameras flashed relentlessly. Mari buried her face in Jareth's chest, shielding herself from the blinding lights.

"Don't be afraid," he murmured against her ear.

"Okay."

That single word meant more to him than a thousand ever could.

"Mr. Jareth! Is Ms. Mari your girlfriend?"

"Mr. Jareth! Have you two officially confirmed your relationship?"

The questions came rapid-fire, excitement crackling in the air.

Jareth halted, tightening his hold on Mari as he faced the cameras head-on. "Whether we're together is her choice. She can refuse me, but I've already made mine."

The crowd erupted in stunned whispers.

Jareth Fairhaven—the domineering heir who took what he wanted—was deferring to her decision?

The chaos intensified. It took Lily and the bodyguards considerable effort to get them into the car.

As they sped toward the K Orld Hotel, Lily hesitated. "Sir, there might be backlash online. I'll handle it quickly."

"Why?" His voice turned icy. "Have I done something shameful?"

"No, but—"

"Do I look like I care about gossip? Is it wrong to love someone openly?"

Absolutely not.

Lily fell silent.

Mari trembled slightly, meeting Jareth's tender gaze. "Jareth."

"Don't speak. This is my choice, not yours."

He brushed back her sweat-dampened hair, tucking it behind her ear—then froze.

A red mark marred her cheek.

"Mari, who did this?"

"I—I scratched it." She tried to cover it, but he caught her wrist.

His eyes darkened dangerously. "Was it Glynnis?"

She bit her lip, silent.

That woman would pay.

"Jareth, please. I don't want to cause you trouble." Her voice was small, laced with fear.

He gave a bitter smile, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "You're no trouble. Everything I do, I do willingly."

My love for you demands no secrecy. I want you by my side—openly, proudly.

16

Right on time—7 PM at the K Orld Hotel.