Brandon's eyes widened, filled with disbelief and shock.

Valarie had her eyes shut, her eyelashes trembling.

Brandon's gaze darkened as he wrapped his arms around her, taking the lead.

By the time the kiss ended, Valarie was breathless, resting against Brandon, too exhausted to move. If she had known it would take this much out of her, she wouldn't have been so impulsive.

Brandon held her waist, his expression darkening. "Valarie, you started this. I won't give you the chance to back out."

He laced his fingers with hers, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. It was gentle like a breeze brushing past.

Valarie looked down, feeling a bittersweet pang in her heart. She had convinced herself that love was out of reach, but Brandon made her feel cherished. Wrapping her arms around him, she leaned into his chest without saying a word.

Even if this didn't work out, she knew she wouldn't regret it.

Suddenly, the door burst open!

Valarie's parents rushed into the room, only to stop, stunned, at the sight before them. They had come running to the hospital after hearing about Zayn's assault attempt, but what they walked in on was their daughter in Brandon's arms.

Jonathan blinked in disbelief and exchanged a look with Phoebe, both of them equally shocked.

Hearing the noise, Valarie quickly pulled back from Brandon. She looked at her parents with embarrassment and asked, "Dad... Mom... What are you doing here?"

Jonathan finally snapped out of his daze, remembering why they had come.

Striding over to her, he said, "We know what Zayn tried to do to you, and we're not letting this go. He'll pay for what he did!"

Phoebe took a seat by the bed, scanning Valarie's face closely. She was relieved to see her looking well, and her gaze softened, though a tear escaped.

She took Valarie's hand, her voice

thick with emotion. "Sweetheart, why

didn't you tell us? We found out

through the police. Were you planning to keep us in the dark?"

Guilt flickered in Valarie's eyes-she had planned not to tell them.

"I was... caught off guard and didn't get the chance to. I even ended up

injuring Zayn, and they say he still

in emergency care..." Valarie tried to explain.

"Whatever happened, you should've called us right away! Not kept everything from us!" Phoebe exclaimed, her eyes full of worry and pain.

Valarie quickly took her hand and reassured her, "Mom, things just happened too fast. Don't be mad... Next time, I'll come straight to you and Dad."

"Good!" Phoebe huffed.

She and Jonathan wanted to know the details.

After hearing the story, Jonathan was ready to march off to the Updikes' house that instant.noveldrama

Valarie held him back. "Dad, the police are handling it now. Showing up at their house could make things worse. Let's leave it to the authorities."

Seeing Valerie's pale face, Jonathan

let out a sigh. "It's my fault. If the

Weir Group still had the same influence as before, Zayn wouldn't dare lay a hand on you."

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