CHAPTER 49: CHAPTER 49: (NEW) FIRST KISS

"Adrian..." Talia softly called him.

Adrian Jennings pressed his lips against Talia’s face and replied gently, "I’m here."

"That time with Dylan, and the fight with Ethan a few days ago..." Talia bit her lip, "If your family finds out you lost control because of me and almost beat someone to death, will our engagement be called off?"

Adrian kissed Talia’s forehead, "I won’t let that happen. They won’t find out."

Talia lowered her eyes, feeling a tightness in her chest, her voice soft and light: "It’s not necessary to do that for me."

"Talia." Adrian’s warm, broad palm lifted her chin, making her face him, "It is necessary. I see you as more important than my own life."

The man’s eyes were as deep as ink, gazing at Talia with a burning intensity.

Talia was stunned.

Emotions surged in her eyes, and for a long time she was speechless.

She hadn’t realized she was this important in Adrian’s heart.

Talia’s eyelashes fluttered.

She was scared.

Afraid of dragging him down.

The thought that he almost went to jail because of her made Talia’s heart clench anxiously.

"Talia, didn’t you say you wouldn’t cry? Why are you tearing up again?"

Adrian’s voice pulled Talia back to reality, and she felt the wetness on her face.

She pouted slightly, "Then help me wipe away the tears."

Adrian’s slightly rough fingertip gently wiped the tears from the girl’s face.

Suddenly, Talia wrapped her arms around Adrian’s waist, burying her face in his chest, rubbing against him like a kitten.

Adrian’s heart melted.

Talia inhaled his scent, humming comfortably: "Adrian, you smell so nice."

Adrian chuckled, "If you like it, then smell more."

Talia acted coy in his arms, "Adrian, give me a kiss."

Adrian thought he misheard.

He widened his eyes slightly, placed his hands on Talia’s shoulders to push her away, and looked into her eyes, articulating each word: "What did you just say?"

Talia blushed, the redness spreading to her ears, biting her lip, voice as soft as a mosquito: "I said... kiss me..."

As soon as she finished speaking, Adrian’s overwhelming kiss descended.

His lips were very soft.

It was Talia’s first kiss, and she stood frozen, with her teeth clenched, unsure how to respond.

Her heart was beating rapidly.

Thump, thump, almost jumping out of her chest.

Adrian gently sucked on her lips.

After a while, his breathing became erratic.

Before losing control, Adrian voluntarily left her lips.

Talia heard the man’s heavy breathing and looked up to see his slightly flushed face and dazed eyes.

"Why did you stop?" Talia asked confusedly, her eyes full of bewilderment.

"Hmm, get some rest early, I’m leaving." Adrian steadied his breathing, pretending to be calm, "If I continue kissing, something might happen."

Talia naturally understood what he meant by ’something might happen’.

Her face was so red it was about to bleed, "Okay... be careful on the road."

Adrian gave her a deep look and squeezed out two words, "Very sweet."

"Hmm? What?" Talia tilted her head, her dewy eyes showing confusion.

Adrian raised his hand, gently pressing his index finger against her luscious red lips, his gaze obscure and unreadable, "Here, very sweet."

Talia felt an electric shock, her whole body tingling.

She quickly turned and ran into the bedroom, "Goodbye!"

Adrian watched her retreating back with a loving smile.

...

The next day.

Talia went to the Jennings family mansion for a banquet.

The Jennings family mansion was in the same villa area as The Rhodes Family villa.

Before going to the Jennings, Talia first returned to The Rhodes Family.

Shawn Rhodes and Lillian Young were home, and seeing her return, Shawn asked, "Where have you been staying lately, not at home?"

Talia already knew the truth about Shawn remarrying at that time, and remembering that it was her mother’s last wish, her attitude towards Shawn was not as cold as before.

She replied calmly, "I live in the apartment my cousin gave me, near the law firm, convenient for work."

Shawn nodded, "When you have time, I’ll introduce you to some uncles and elders to help you expand your cases."

Talia knew Shawn wanted to give her resources and connections, and she did not refuse, "Okay, next weekend then."

Jasmine Rhodes came running down the stairs and hugged Talia’s leg, "Sister, you’re back!"

Talia patted her head, "Yes."

Lillian stood aside smiling, asking Talia how she had been lately and if she was used to living outside.

Talia didn’t confront her like before and simply nodded lightly, "I’m going upstairs to get something."

Talia went back to her room upstairs.

"Shawn, I feel like Talia has changed." Lillian said with a smile, "Have you noticed? This time she’s much more relaxed with us."

Shawn nodded with great satisfaction, "Grown up, not so childish anymore."

Talia returned to her bedroom to change clothes, getting ready to do her makeup at the vanity when she noticed something on it.

It was a crayon drawing of a happy family of four.

Talia paused, feeling a mix of emotions.

This was drawn by her sister Jasmine, depicting their family of four.

The man and woman on the sides were Shawn and Lillian, the taller girl in the center was her, and the shorter girl was Jasmine.

Talia’s gaze fixed on the drawing, emotions surging in her eyes, lost in thought.

After a while, she rolled up the drawing and placed it in a storage box.

After doing her makeup, Talia went downstairs to join the others for the Jennings.

Today, she wore a cream-colored long-sleeve dress, paired with white high-heeled shoes, looking graceful and elegant, the kind of attire elders would appreciate.

Jasmine wore a red little dress, had two buns on her head, and wore red strawberry clips, a very cute and festive outfit.

Talia and Jasmine walked ahead, Shawn and Lillian walked behind, entering the gates of the Jennings mansion one after the other.

Adrian personally came out to welcome them.

Inside the villa, the Jennings couple came up with smiles to greet them.

Selina Hughes stood beside the Jennings couple, also exchanging pleasantries.

Talia’s gaze swept past her, expressionless.

Dinner was lavish, showing the Jennings had put thought into it, with a table full of Talia’s favorite dishes.

After dinner, the two families gathered around the sofa in the living room.

In a few days, Talia Rhodes and Adrian Jennings were getting engaged; they still had some engagement details to discuss.

Before the old lady of the Jennings could speak, Adrian suddenly spoke up, "While everyone is here, I have something to say."

Everyone focused their eyes on him.

"Selina, come over and apologize to Talia," Adrian said coldly.

Selina Hughes widened her eyes, her lips trembling.

The old lady of the Jennings frowned slightly, her tone displeased, "Adrian!"

Adrian ignored her, his gaze fixed intently on Selina, full of pressure, "I told you to come apologize, didn’t you hear?"

Mrs. Jennings looked bewildered, "What’s going on?"

Adrian’s voice carried a chilling coldness, his gaze sharp as a knife, "You can tell everyone what happened at the stables."

Selina’s face turned pale, looking pitifully at the old lady, "Grandma..."

The old lady felt a pang of sympathy, looking at Adrian with faint reproach, "Adrian, Selina already told me about the incident at the stables—it was a misunderstanding, don’t make it hard for her."

Talia heard this and tugged at the corners of her mouth, but said nothing.

Shawn and Lillian looked at each other, completely unaware of what had happened.

Shawn turned to look at Talia and asked softly, "Why does Adrian want Selina to apologize to you? What did she do?"

Talia replied flatly, "Let’s see what she says."

Adrian was already a bit impatient, his brows cold and stern, "Selina Hughes, tell everyone what happened at the stables truthfully. If you dare to hide anything, I’ll say it myself."