Chapter 273
\nMarked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 273<\/p>\n
**Chapter 273: The Confession She Doesn\u2019t Want to Hear**<\/p>\n
**Deanna\u2019s POV:**<\/p>\n
I waved my hand dismissively, a gesture meant to brush away the weight of the past. \u201cIt\u2019s fine. That\u2019s all in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n
In truth, I had fully moved on from that entire situation. Those old memories felt like shadows, fading with each passing day, their significance diminished to mere whispers in my mind.<\/p>\n
Soon enough, the waiter began to present plate after plate of beautifully arranged dishes, each one more extravagant than the last. The moment the distinct, fishy aroma wafted towards me, my stomach churned violently, and I instinctively covered my mouth, letting out a soft \u201cugh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite my morning sickness improving lately, the smell of seafood still turned my stomach. It was a strange irony; I had thought I was past the worst of it, yet here I was, grappling with an aversion to something so commonplace.<\/p>\n
Malcolm, ever perceptive, glanced at me with concern etched on his face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Is the food not to your liking?\u201d<\/p>\n
I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it difficult to respond. \u201cI need to use the restroom.\u201d<\/p>\n
As I stepped into the bathroom, I splashed cold water onto my face, hoping it would quell the nausea that had taken hold of me. The coolness felt refreshing against my skin, and gradually, the queasiness subsided.<\/p>\n
Emerging from the restroom, I spotted Malcolm waiting by the door, a warm, damp towel in his outstretched hand.<\/p>\n
I accepted the towel gratefully, wiping my hands while offering him a smile that was genuine. \u201cMr. Faulkner, has anyone ever told you you\u2019re very considerate?\u201d<\/p>\n
His eyes sparkled with warmth as he returned my smile. \u201cI rarely eat dinner with women, and men don\u2019t exactly compliment me on being considerate. You\u2019re the first.\u201d<\/p>\n
Returning to the table, I noticed that all the seafood and fish dishes had been cleared away. His observational skills were nothing short of exceptional.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth times we\u2019ve eaten together, you\u2019ve gotten nauseous. Is your stomach bothering you? The medic at the Grisclaw Pack specializes in treating these kinds of conditions. I can introduce you.\u201d<\/p>\n
I shook my head, trying to maintain a light demeanor. \u201cThat\u2019s not necessary. I\u2019m just not used to the smell of fish.\u201d<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t exactly divulge the truth\u2014that I was pregnant and the very scent of seafood was enough to send my senses into a tailspin.<\/p>\n
The remainder of the meal unfolded without incident, a quiet tension hanging in the air between us, punctuated by the clinking of cutlery against fine china.<\/p>\n
My grip tightened around the glass, my heart racing as I bit my lip, the weight of his words crashing over me. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Malcolm nodded, his smile still intact, his composure remarkably graceful despite the rejection.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay. I\u2019m not trying to pressure you. I just heard you were leaving and couldn\u2019t help saying it. If I\u2019ve made you uncomfortable, just pretend I never said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
His honesty was disarming, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me, yet the awkwardness lingered, heavy in the air.<\/p>\n
After we finished dinner, Malcolm offered to drive me home, but I shook my head firmly. \u201cI\u2019ll just catch a cab.\u201d<\/p>\n
Malcolm smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to avoid me just because of my confession tonight, are you? That would make me regret being so impulsive.\u201d<\/p>\n
I paused mid-step, the realization dawning on me that I still needed his help with my situation. I didn\u2019t want to create unnecessary tension between us.<\/p>\n
So, I turned back, forcing a smile that felt a bit too strained. \u201cAlright then.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-2355","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}