Chapter 197: The Final Night

Gary chuckled when he noticed Xina’s flustered reaction, sensing her discomfort. "You smell good, my angel," he reassured her, his voice soft and teasing. Xina, however, wasn’t convinced. Gary always knew the right things to say, his words sweet but often leaving her unsure. She frowned and wrinkled her nose, leaning slightly away from him. "You’re just saying that to make me feel better," she muttered, still suspicious of her own scent after days on the road. Gary grinned, leaning in closer as if to prove his point, and sniffed her shoulder playfully. "No, really. You do," he insisted. His sudden movement caused Xina to jump, her cheeks flushing a bright red. "Don’t do that!" Xina hissed, pushing him away gently, though her embarrassment was evident. She shifted in her seat to create some distance between them, her face still burning. Gary only laughed again before gesturing toward the carriage. "Go ahead and rest inside. I’ll be along shortly," he said, turning his attention to a