Chapter 28 : Trust and Temptations - 1 Chapter 28 : Trust and Temptations ( Olivia's POV ) I glanced lightly at Vanessa , then turned to Connor with an unreadable expression . The hospital room felt suffocating with tension . " If I say Vanessa is lying , would you believe me ? " I asked quietly . Connor froze , his ice - blue eyes widening slightly . The silence stretched between us , heavy and uncomfortable . I mocked myself inwardly . How could I have been foolish enough to ask such a question ? Of course he would choose Vanessa . She was the girl who had grown up with him , the one he saw as a sister . I was merely a mate - to - be he hadn't seen for three years , with little emotional foundation between us . Anyone would expect Connor to choose Vanessa . Yet , after only a moment's hesitation , Connor's ice - blue eyes grew firm as he declared , " I believe you . " I stood frozen , hardly daring to believe my ears . He actually chose to trust me over Vanessa ? Shock flickered across my face while Vanessa's expression turned ashen in an instant . " Con , she's talking nonsense ! " Vanessa protested , her voice trembling with emotion . " How can you believe her instead of me ? " Connor's gaze turned cold and sharp as he cut her off . " Enough . " The single word sliced through the room like a blade . " From the first time you met Livvy , you've shown her a strange hostility , " he continued , his voice dropping to a dangerous timbre . " When you said she kicked the horse just now , I already suspected you were lying . " His voice grew even colder . " Livvy is not that kind of person . That , I know very well . 1/4 < Chapter 28 Trust and Te + Points > You yourself admitted she has no grudge against you , so why would she harm you ? " I quietly watched him , feeling a complex , bittersweet swirl inside . I had thought that between Vanessa and me , he would never hesitate to side with her . Yet now , he was so resolute , so unwavering in his trust . My nose tingled with sourness , my eyes stinging with tears I couldn't voice . Connor then looked at Vanessa with an icy expression . " Vanessa Reed , don't forget , your surname is Reed . " The implication was crystal clear : Vanessa was merely a foster child , not a true Rivers , so she should not act recklessly under the Rivers pack's name . Hearing this , Vanessa's face grew paler , her lips trembling , tears streaming down uncontrollably . She opened her mouth , but no sound came out . Connor turned away indifferently . " Rest well . I'm leaving . " As he headed for the door , I looked coldly at the sobbing Vanessa and sighed softly , " Why do this to yourself ? " Outside the hospital , in the open - air parking lot , Connor walked beside me , his eyes full of apology . " Livvy , I'm sorry ," he said quietly . I turned to him , genuinely confused . " Why are you apologizing to me ? " Connor sighed , running a hand through his dark hair . " It's my pack's fault for not teaching Vanessa well . I don't know why she would slander you like this . Don't worry , I'll find out . " I gave a faint laugh . " No need . I already know why . " Connor looked puzzled , his brows drawing together . I met his gaze calmly . " Connor , can't you really see Vanessa's thoughts ? " He frowned . " What do you mean ? " " She targets me because of you ," I said unhurriedly . " She likes you , and she sees me as a rival . She did all this to create discord between us . " Connor fell silent , his expression thoughtful as he processed my words . I continued 2/4 < Chapter 28 Trust and Te … walking forward , the cool evening air refreshing after the stifling hospital atmosphere . +8 Points Connor hurriedly caught up with me . " Then from now on , I will keep my distance from her . " I paused slightly , turning to face him . " Why? " " You said she likes me , " Connor replied earnestly . " I never realized before . I only saw her as a sister , but now that I know her feelings , of course I'll distance myself ." His ice - blue eyes softened as they met mine . " Livvy , I want to give you a sense of security . " I shook my head slightly , then asked softly , " But why did you believe me unconditionally just now ? Vanessa grew up with you . You should have trusted her more , so why me ? " Connor looked deeply into my eyes , his voice gentle yet resolute . " Because , as I said , you are not that kind of person . " " Is that all ? " I pressed , needing to understand . Under the dim streetlights casting warm amber through the windshield , the look in Connor's ice - blue eyes was full of undisguised affection . He spoke slowly but firmly . " And because I love you . Love means unconditional trust . " My heart trembled violently . I turned away in a panic , cheeks flushed crimson , unable to speak . Was that … a confession ? Seeing my reddened ears , Connor smiled quietly to himself . I could feel his gaze on me , warm and tender . The following day , the examination results on Moonbeam came back . All indicators were normal , but a fresh scratch wound was found on the back of the mare's neck , likely caused by a sharp brooch or pin , in a location only accessible by a rider . Comments B Vote 259