Chapter 180: Chapter Hundred And Eighty

Suzy rushed towards Ryan, her heart overflowing with relief. She gave him a tight hug, almost tripping him in her eagerness. Ryan hugged her back just as tightly, his arms enfolding her protectively. He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. " Oh how I’ve missed you." He said , his voice a soft whisper as he inhaled her lavender scent.

He released her then turned his attention to Evan, his expression calm and composed, but his eyes held a hint of steel. "My apologies for my late arrival, my love," he said to Suzy, his voice soft and reassuring. "I was held up by some pressing matters." He then turned to Evan, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "Lord Evan," he said, his voice laced with a subtle warning, "I hope my duchess hasn’t been troubling you."

Evan let out a polite, albeit slightly forced, smile. "Not in the slightest, dear cousin," he replied, his eyes flickering between Ryan and Suzy.

Just then, Baron Hudson and his wife, Baroness Letitia, approached, their faces beaming with pleasure. "Your Grace!" Baron Hudson exclaimed, bowing slightly. "We are so delighted you could join us. We were told you are quite busy."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Baron Hudson," Ryan replied, his voice warm.

"We were just telling your duchess how much we appreciate her presence," Baroness Letitia added, her smile genuine.

"Unfortunately," Ryan said, his voice laced with regret, "I must take my duchess home. She’s not feeling too well."

Baron Hudson and his wife exchanged concerned glances. "Oh, we are so sorry to hear that, Your Grace," Baroness Letitia said. "Please, do take care of her."

"Thank you," Ryan replied. He turned to Noah, who was standing nearby. "Noah, please prepare the carriage."

He then placed Suzy’s hand in the crook of his arm, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Shall we, my love?" he asked.

Suzy nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. She was relieved to be leaving, to escape the tension that had filled the garden.

They walked towards the carriage, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet courtyard leaving the warm glow of the garden behind them. The coolness of the night air was a welcome change, a refreshing contrast to the stuffy atmosphere of the gathering.

As they reached the courtyard, Noah opened the carriage door, allowing them to enter. The carriage began to move, the rhythmic clatter of the horses’ hooves and the gentle sway of the vehicle creating a soothing rhythm.

Suzy reached out, cupping Ryan’s face in her hands, her thumb gently brushing his cheek. "How have you been?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with concern. " I was told you wouldn’t make it to the gathering."

Ryan took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. "I had to come, I needed to see you. These past few days without you have been torture," he murmured, his voice laced with longing. He brought her hand to his face, relishing the feeling of her skin against his.

Suzy smiled, her eyes filled with affection. "I miss you too, my love," she said.

Ryan leaned back, resting his head on her lap, his eyes closing. Suzy gently ran her fingers through his hair, her touch soothing and comforting. "The investigation is going smoothly," he murmured, his voice tired. "I should be done soon but I’m afraid I have to go back to Carleton this night."

Suzy paused, disappointment etched her face, her fingers continuing their gentle massage. "Is that so?" She asked, her voice laced with sadness. Ryan looked at her, his heart heavy. "I have to, my love. I can’t stay here for long."

Suzy nodded understanding the situation at hand. The rhythmic motion and the warmth of her touch lulled Ryan into a state of peaceful relaxation. His breathing became slow and even, and in a few minutes, he drifted off to sleep.

A sharp, cracking sound pierced the quiet space of his mind. It was a gunshot, followed by another, and then a third.

Ryan’s eyes snapped open, his body tensing instantly. He sat up, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked out the window, his gaze searching the darkness, but saw nothing.

Then, he looked at Suzy. Her eyes were wide with fear, her face pale. He saw a small red stain blooming on her chest, spreading rapidly across her dress. Another shot rang out, and Suzy gasped, her body jerking violently. He reached out to her, his hands trembling, trying to hold her up.

"Cassandra!" he cried, his voice filled with terror.

She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and love. A faint smile touched her lips. "I love you, Ryan," she whispered, her voice barely audible. " Thank you for making me happy."

Her body slumped against him, her weight heavy in his arms. He held her close, his hands stained with her blood, his cheek wet with her tears and blood. He looked at her face, her eyes still open, her smile frozen in place. Her body had become lifeless, the warmth fading from her skin.

He held her close, rocking her gently, his tears falling freely. He couldn’t believe it. She was gone. Just like that. He had failed to protect her. He had failed her.

Suddenly, Ryan’s body went rigid, his muscles locking up. He fell from Suzy’s lap, his body hitting the floor of the carriage with a sickening thud. The impact echoed through the small space, a jarring contrast to the quiet intimacy they had shared moments before.

Suzy screamed, her voice a raw, primal sound of agony and terror. "Ryan!!!" she cried, her voice cracking with fear. Her eyes were wide with panic, her gaze fixed on his motionless form. She scrambled to her knees, reaching out to him, her hands trembling.

"Ryan, wake up!" she pleaded, her voice choked with tears. She shook him gently, her touch frantic. "Please, Ryan, wake up!"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read