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Novel Catalog
Chapter 46
Cordy straightened herself, brushing off the sudden wave of dizziness that had taken her by surprise. She had been holding herself together all night, but the strain was beginning to show. As she steadied herself, she noticed John’s lingering gaze. There was something soft in his eyes now, the usual intensity replaced with concern.
“You really should take better care of yourself,” he said, his voice low, but there was a hint of warmth in it that made her pause.
Cordy turned her head slightly to avoid his gaze, not wanting to appear vulnerable in front of him. “I’m fine, Mr. Levine,” she replied, her tone a little sharper than she intended. “I’m just tired.”
John’s expression didn’t change, but she could tell that he wasn’t convinced. Instead of pushing further, he gave her a small nod, though the protective streak in him was clear.
“Come on,” he said, his voice gently coaxing. “Let me get you home.” His words weren’t just a suggestion; there was an undeniable finality to them, leaving little room for debate.
Cordy hesitated for a moment, still torn between wanting to maintain her independence and feeling the unexpected comfort of his company. The idea of being alone in her current state didn’t seem so appealing, though.
“Alright,” she murmured after a brief pause. “But you’re not staying, right?”
John smirked slightly, the usual playfulness returning to his expression. “You really think I’d let you wander off alone when you’re this out of it?”
Cordy sighed, though she couldn’t help but feel a small warmth spread through her at his care. It wasn’t like her to be dependent on anyone, but in that moment, she couldn’t deny the strange sense of relief she felt with him by her side.
As they left the banquet hall together, the tension in Cordy’s shoulders seemed to loosen a little. She had to admit, John’s presence was reassuring—even if she would never openly admit that to him.
The night was cooler than she expected, and as they stepped outside, she instinctively moved closer to him. John, ever perceptive, noticed the subtle shift and offered her his jacket without a second thought. She gave him a quick, grateful glance but didn’t say anything.
The drive to her place was quiet, but the comfort in the silence was not unwelcome. When they arrived, John pulled the car to a stop and turned to her, his gaze lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
“Take care of yourself, Cordy,” he said, his voice softer now, almost as if he was trying to say something more, but held back.
Cordy swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat, unsure of how to respond. Instead, she simply nodded and gave him a small, somewhat distant smile.
“Thanks, John,” she said, opening the car door. “I’ll be fine.”
He didn’t reply, just watched her for a moment longer before pulling away. As she stood there watching his car disappear into the distance, Cordy felt a twinge of something she couldn’t quite place.
Maybe she was fine, but in that moment, she realized just how much she enjoyed the comfort of having him around.