Bonds at War: The Untouched is Mine novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194 Two Pretty Best Friends

TESSA

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I told myself I wouldn’t stay. That was my condition for going. Spoiler! I stayed. How could I leave when Arden pleaded with me? I can’t just deny the bride’s request.

And now, somehow, Arden was glued to my side instead of her groom, though it appeared they were both happy about it. Cade kept glancing at us from the head table, his grin so obnoxiously proud.

“Arden.” I whispered, nudging her arm lightly with mine. “Shouldn’t you go back to your seat? You know, the one beside the man you just vowed forever to?”

She shook her head without hesitation. “Oh, I’m going to sit here until the end of dinner. The speeches are done anyway. Besides, we’ll be together forever after this one.”

I chuckled and shook my head in amusement. Her tone and way of speaking were still the same, which was comforting. It felt like the distance and time hadn’t changed us.

Somehow, despite her tears earlier, her makeup hadn’t budged. Her lipstick was still untouched, her cheeks glowing with just the right warmth. She looked exactly the same as she had hours ago. Props to the makeup artist. That person deserved a raise.

“You really are so pretty,” she suddenly said, her gaze softening.

My eyebrows raised. “Huh? What was that for?”

She shrugged. “Well, you were already pretty before. But you’re so much prettier now.”

“Speak for yourself,” I shot back. “The glow you have is different.”

She tilted her head, eyes sparkling in the candlelight. “It’s the glow of being loved by your husband.”

I playfully rolled my eyes. “Rub it in my face, will you?”

Her laugh was soft, and I found myself chuckling with her. And they, without warning, we burst into giggles, inappropriate for the elegant setting of a wedding banquet.

But that was how it was with Arden. With her, I never had to measure my words. It always felt comfortable with her.

Just then, someone cleared their throat.

My breath hitched before I even turned. Some instincts never dulled.

It was Zaria.

She stood with her arms crossed, wearing a perfectly polished expression that made people think she was carved by the Moon Goddess herself. But the scowl that flickered across her face when her eyes landed on me–ah, there she was. The same sister who used to sneer when I spoke too loudly, the same one who perfected disdain before she perfected diplomacy,

I couldn’t help it. My lips curved into a smirk. She hadn’t changed at all.

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14:15 Sat, 30 Aug

Chapter 194 Two Pretty Best Friends

“Good evening, Practor Luna,” she said, greeting Arden. She even inclined her head slightly.

“My name is Zaria.”

Arden turned to her with a smile. “Tessa’s sister, right?”

Zaria’s jaw tightened at being reduced to that. I bit my lip to keep the laughter from spilling out.

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“Sorry,” Arden continued, voice dipped in kindness that killed more thoroughly than cruelty ever could. “I want to speak with Tessa right now. I would appreciate it if you would leave.”

My lips trembled, the laughter clawing up my throat.

Zaria’s face didn’t crack, but I knew her well enough to catch the fury in her eyes before she spun on her heel and walked away..

The second she was out of earshot, I lost it. My lips parted, and the giggles I’d been holding back erupted.

Arden caught it, and then she was laughing too, clutching my hand as we leaned into each other.

I wiped at my eyes, breathless, my chest aching from too much laughter. “You-“I wheezed, pointing at her. “That was brutal.”

Arden only shrugged, her eyes mischievous. “She’ll live.”

After our giggles died down, Arden cleared her throat and glanced at something behind us. I leaned back against my chair and drank some water.

“Well, it seems you have a shadow,” he chimed.

I didn’t even need to ask who. I could feel his stare on my skin before I even turned. When I finally did, my suspicion was only confirmed.

Glass in hand, dark eyes narrowed slightly, lips pressed at the rim as he drank.

I clicked my tongue loudly and tipped back my own glass, letting the sweetness of the cocktail flood my mouth before the burn chased it down. It was smoother than I expected, almost deceptively sweet.

“Whoa,” Arden said, her eyes widening with amusement. “Since when did you drink?”

I tilted the glass back, watching the liquid swirl, and forced a smile. “Since now.”

She snorted, shaking her head at me.

Then, Arden adjusted her posture, cleared her throat, and placed her hands on her lap.

“We’ve been talking for a while,” she started. “But I’ve meant to ask.”

Her eyes caught mine. “How have you been?”

The words hit deeper than I expected. How have I been?

I bit my lip, debating how much to share. Finally, I let out a slow exhale.

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14:15 Sat, 30 Aug

Chapter 194 Two Pretty Best Friends

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+5 Free Coins

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