Fled Believing She Was Scorned, Crowned as Everyone’s Only Love Chapter 10

The sea breeze drifted past.

Declan’s breathing turned ragged in an instant.

The next second, a kiss like a tidal wave swept over me.

Lips and tongues tangled together, inseparable.

Declan was like a wolf that had been starving for years. He clung to me, grinding against me, desperate,

nipping and biting my lips in reckless madness.

One hand cradled the back of my head, the other wrapped around my waist, pressing me fully against him.

Our chests pressed together, heartbeat crashing against heartbeat.

Halfway through the kiss, he suddenly stopped.

His forehead rested against mine, his breath hot and urgent. “Wait.”

He pulled a pill bottle from his pocket, twisted off the cap, poured two pills into his palm, tossed them into

his mouth, and swallowed them dry.

I stared at him, dazed.

He explained, “It’s the new medication. Before it kicks in, I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself.”

I pressed my lips together, the tips of my ears burning.

Then he kissed me again.

I didn’t know how long we’d kissed until I heard footsteps behind us.

Julian’s tone was casual. “Declan, be careful. Don’t kiss Romy to pieces.”

My face went up in flames. I struggled out of Declan’s arms.

Biting my lip, I said quietly, “Why did you all come?”

Milo grinned. “The family’s precious daughter ran away. Of course we had to come find you.”

He swept his gaze over me, then his eyes flashed with sudden understanding.

“You guys were smart. Romy doesn’t look anything like us. How did I not realize she wasn’t my real sister?”

I frowned. “How do I not look like you?”

“You look like a kitten.”

“And you guys?”

Sloane stepped out from behind him and rolled her eyes. “They look like a bunch of intimidating weirdos..”

She shot Declan a resentful look and muttered, “How did you get so lucky?”

She took my hand and said seriously, “Romy, I really like you. I never wanted to replace you.”

“The first time I saw you, I just wanted to thank God for giving me such a cute little sister.”

I gave her a sheepish smile.

I understood now. All this time, I had been the one misunderstanding her.

Mom and Dad followed right behind.

Mom pulled me into a hug, cupped my face with both hands, and said seriously,

“Sweetheart, it was Mommy who couldn’t figure it out.”

“Why did I ever think Romy had to stop being my daughter just because she might marry Declan?”

“When Romy can just be my daughter, and that little brat can be my son-in-law.”

Declan stood behind me and said in a low voice, “Exactly.”

My face burned even hotter.

Dad teased with a smile,

“Sweetheart, next time you want to kidnap Declan, just remember that unless he absolutely has to show up

for something, you can keep him locked up as long as you want.”

I turned bright red and mumbled, “You all knew.”

And here I thought I’d hid it well.

The whole family was laughing.

Milo laughed the hardest, doubling over and leaning on Julian’s shoulder.

Even Sloane curved her lips into a smile.

Milo mused, “Or you could just pretend you don’t know. We let Declan out first, and before you get home, we lock him back up.”

Mom scolded him gently,

“All right, stop teasing Romy.”

“Has my sweetheart been eating properly these past few days? The seafood here is the best. Mommy will make you seafood chowder.”

The sea breeze blew in, carrying a salty scent.

The whole family sat around one table,the clink of glasses and silverware mixed with everyone’s voices.

Declan sat next to me, his hand hanging at his side, gently holding mine.

I curved my eyes into a smile.

I thought, this was a beautiful day.

And it would be the most ordinary day in the future.