Chapter 8 Suddenly , a shadow crossed Xavier's face as he released her from his grip . " Violet , do you really feel ashamed to be seen with me ? " he demanded . " I'm nothing like Gabriel . I earned your love honestly - so why would I have to hide it like some secret ? " " My family holds firm values . Once I choose a woman , I don't back down . A secret marriage isn't something I would ever agree to ." He stepped away , assuming she still doubted him . But before he could put distance between 1/9 Chapter 8 + 5 Points them , Violet tightened her embrace , pulling him close again . " Xavier , is that how little faith you have in me ? " " Do you truly believe I'm the kind of woman who'd betray a man ? " " Are you questioning me … or your own judgment ? " Xavier had always been a man whose word was absolute - in the family and the boardroom . No one had ever dared speak to him like this . No one except Violet . " So what are you saying exactly ? We're getting married , but keeping it under wraps ? How is that any different from cheating ? " 2/9 Chapter 8 + 5 Points Noticing the storm of anger and frustration in his eyes , Violet couldn't help but smile . She chose to provoke him . " And what about the last three years ? Every time I closed a deal , you sent me gifts with some excuse . What was that supposed to mean ? Some side lover's peace offering ? " Xavier's posture stiffened , but his voice softened slightly . " How did you know those gifts were from me ? " She met his blue gaze , lips parting just a bit . " Because nobody else in this world remembers my birthday . " When she was just the maid's daughter , the maid herself told her they were mere servants - unworthy of celebrating such ' luxuries ' 3/9 Chapter 8 + 5 Points Later , as the Martins ' heiress , her birthday coincided with Ruby's , and the family always celebrated Ruby's instead , fearful their dirty secrets might come to light . Only Xavier remembered - year after year for seven years always sending her a different gift . He felt a stirring in his chest as he realized she had quietly understood his affections all along . Yet he couldn't stop himself from asking , " If you knew how I felt , why did you pick Gabriel three years ago ? What does he have that I don't ? " Violet cast her eyes downward , a brief smile of irony flickering in her gaze . " There's nothing he has over you . When I was fifteen , 4/9 Chapter 8 + 5 Points though , I was falsely blamed for breaking a vase at my family's house . I spent three days and nights kneeling in the snow , and just as I was about to lose consciousness , he was the one who came to my rescue ." The moment those words left her lips , Xavier's eyes narrowed , and his voice tightened with restrained anger . " Who told you … he was the one who saved you ? " This time , frustration took hold and he pushed her away . There was hurt there too- something deeper . Violet wasn't sure which part of her story struck him so hard , but she answered anyway . " When I woke up in the hospital , he was 5/9 pter 8 + 5 Points bsm 19ting beside me , taking care of me . " LE kavier laughed bitterly . V Violet , you were always smart . Who would've thought you'd grow up not even recognizing the person who saved your life ? " en His words hit her like a cold wave , freezing her in place as her mind spun . " What are you saying … that I misunderstood ? If he wasn't the one , then why was he there ? Why did he remain by my side ? " His expression turned icy , his tone sharp and cutting . " Listen carefully , Violet . The one who saved you … was me ." 6/9 Chapter 8 + 5 Points " At that time , there was a crisis with my family , and I had to leave in a rush . I asked Gabriel to look after you while I was gone . " I was the one who rescued you the entire time . Any assistance Gabriel provided- I covered the cost . I offered the Bennetts a business deal as compensation . " Violet's mouth opened slightly , but she couldn't find the words . Xavier stepped closer , pressing her back against the wall . His voice was steady , serious - more so than she'd ever heard before . " Violet , if that moment was the sole reason you fell for Gabriel , then believe me - you chose the wrong man to give your heart to ." 7/9