SWNOVELXO Chapter 24: Chapter 24– Missy’s Decision
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Chapter 24– Missy's Decision
Night had fallen, and Missy sat on her bed, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. The soft glow of the city lights seeped through the curtains, casting a faint, golden hue across her room. But she barely noticed. Her mind was too full, spinning in every direction at once.
Her eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, unfocused, as she replayed every moment from that afternoon. Every word Arthur had spoken lingered in her head like an echo she couldn't silence.
The way he'd looked at her—so serious, so… honest.
He hadn't sugar-coated anything.
He hadn't played games.
He had just… told her the truth.
Missy clutched the pillow tighter, burying her face in it for a second before groaning softly.
— "A harem... — she muttered to herself, rolling her eyes with a mix of disbelief and frustration. — Seriously? Who even says something like that? What kind of guy looks a girl in the eyes and says: 'Hey, by the way, if you date me, you'll have to share me with other girls'? What even is my life right now?"
She let out a short, nervous laugh at the absurdity of it all, but the smile quickly faded.
Her gaze dropped to her lap as her hands fidgeted with the corner of the pillow.
Deep inside, she already knew the truth she didn't want to face:
If she said no to Arthur... then what?
She'd spend the rest of her life looking for someone even half as brave... half as kind... half as thrilling...
And let's be honest... she wouldn't find anyone like him. Not even close.
A guy who could control shadows, fight monsters, protect her from things she didn't even know existed... and still smile at her like she was the most important person in his world.
Her chest tightened.
Sure, the whole "harem" thing made her stomach twist. It wasn't like she'd ever imagined herself in a situation like that. It felt... wrong. Complicated.
But at the same time...
The thought of walking away from Arthur...
Letting someone else take her place at his side...
That hurt even more.
She stood up, pacing across the room, biting her thumbnail.
— "If I end up with some random, normal guy... will I really be happy?" — she whispered to herself.
A life with some average guy who'd never understand what she'd been through...
Someone who'd never make her heart race like Arthur did...
Someone who'd never pull her into a portal of shadows just to take her on a beach date...
Someone who... well... wouldn't be Arthur.
She stopped near the window, staring out into the night sky.
And worse... if she chose someone else... knowing deep down that her heart already belonged to Arthur... wouldn't that be a kind of betrayal?
Missy closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly.
When she opened them again... there was no more doubt.
She turned back to her bed and sat down, her expression hardening, her eyes now full of resolve.
— "Instead of settling for some boring, average life with someone who'll never make me feel alive... I choose him. I choose the craziness... the danger... the unpredictability... but I also choose his honesty... his smile... the way he looks at me like I matter more than anything."
Her hands clenched into fists on her lap.
— "Tomorrow... I'm going to tell him... I accept."
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The next morning, Missy sat at the kitchen table, staring at her plate of toast and eggs. The smell of coffee lingered in the air, but she barely noticed.
Her mom sat across from her, chatting about something trivial, but Missy couldn't focus on the conversation. She kept glancing at the clock on the wall... again... and again... and again.
Her heart pounded like a drum in her chest.
— "What if he doesn't come?" — she thought nervously. — "What if he changed his mind?"
Suddenly... "Ding Dong!"
The doorbell rang, loud and clear.
Her fork clattered to the plate as she jumped up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.
— "I'll get it!" — she shouted, startling her mom.
Missy ran through the house, almost tripping over the hallway rug. Her heart raced faster with every step.
When she flung the door open... there he was.
Arthur.
Standing on her porch like some hero from a dream.
That calm, confident smile on his face.
His eyes... warm... steady... full of that strange mix of power and kindness that only he had.
Missy didn't think.
Didn't hesitate.
She threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck.
And before he could even speak... she kissed him.
Fiercely. Emotionally. Pouring every ounce of feeling she had into that kiss.
Arthur froze for a second, caught off guard.
But almost instantly... his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her closer.
He kissed her back with the same passion... the same need.
The world disappeared around them.
There was no morning sun, no street sounds, no passing cars.
Just them.
Just that one perfect moment.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Missy kept her hands on his chest, her cheeks flushed, her eyes burning with determination.
Looking straight into his eyes, she said:
— "Yes... I've decided... I'll be your girlfriend."
Arthur's smile grew wider. He lifted one hand and gently brushed his fingers across her cheek, caressing her softly.
— "Then... I promise you... I'll protect you... and I'll give you a happy life."
Missy smiled back, her heart fluttering like crazy.
— "You better..." — she whispered.
The day had barely begun... but both of them knew...
This was just the start of something unforgettable.
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