บท 295: The Victim

Duke Li Taojun didn't know how to react to the hug. His arms rested stiffly by his side. 

He tilted his head downwards and saw how she had buried her head within his chest. He blinked and rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was just seeing things.

"Xueyue—"

"I've always wondered what it would be like to experience this with my birth parents," Li Xueyue muttered against his clothes. She pulled back a bit and tilted her head.

"Don't you?" she asked.

Duke Li Taojun wished she didn't peer up at him with those eyes of hers. Her pupils were sharp and clear, like a reflective pond that seemed shallow at first, but held the most depth.

Duke Li Taojun shakily wrapped his arms around her, catching both of them by surprise. He placed a hand behind the back of her head and tightly hugged her, wishing this moment wasn't so abrupt. 

Li Xueyue's expression softened. How strange. He hugged her as if his life depended on it.