Chapter 82
In Chapter 82 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” Renan returns to the room to find Savannah in a tense conversation with an older woman, Mrs. Malcolm. Renan immediately senses Savannah’s discomfort, noticing her rigid posture and the way her nails dig into her thigh. Acting on instinct, he approaches her, wraps his arm around her waist, and kisses her shoulder, providing her with the support she desperately needs. Savannah’s response to his presence is one of relief, as she intertwines her fingers with his, but the conversation with Mrs. Malcolm continues to weigh heavily on her.
As the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that Mrs. Malcolm is bringing up Savannah’s past, which causes her to stiffen. Savannah firmly cuts the woman off, maintaining a polite demeanor but revealing her inner turmoil. Renan tries to lighten the mood with playful banter, but Savannah’s tension remains palpable. She expresses a desire for a drink, but Renan, protective and assertive, refuses to let her indulge, hinting at their intimate connection. Their flirtation is interrupted when Savannah’s father arrives, disregarding her presence and instead focusing on Renan, treating him like a trophy to be paraded around.
Savannah’s father’s behavior deepens Renan’s frustration, as he feels her father is dismissive of her feelings. Despite Savannah’s insistence that she is fine, her forced smile and flicker of fear reveal her vulnerability. Renan’s anger toward her family grows as he witnesses Savannah’s struggle to assert herself in the face of her father’s authority. As they are pulled into a social circle where Renan is expected to showcase his accomplishments, he feels increasingly like an object rather than a partner. His discomfort amplifies when he notices Savannah standing alone, her expression vacant, which intensifies his desire to escape the superficiality of the gathering.
Renan’s irritation boils over when a woman in the group seeks advice on hedge funds, prompting him to bluntly advise against it. His refusal to engage further prompts his future father-in-law to try and diffuse the situation, but Renan remains resolute in his desire to check on Savannah. The moment he reconnects with her, their bond feels more genuine, contrasting sharply with the hollow interactions he had just experienced. However, their brief escape is interrupted when Chloe, in her wedding gown, announces that there is an important announcement to make, causing dread to wash over Savannah and signaling the potential for more turmoil ahead.
**Chapter 82: I’ll Test the You Aller p>
Renan
As I stepped back into the room, I spotted Savannah engaged in conversation with an older woman. Instantly, I sensed that something was amiss.
Her posture was unnaturally rigid, her back perfectly straight, shoulders tense as if she were bracing for impact. I could see her nails digging crescent-shaped imprints into her thigh, a silent testament to the discomfort she was enduring. It was clear that whatever the woman was saying was weighing heavily on her.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I strode purposefully toward them, my heart racing with the need to shield her from whatever distress was being inflicted.
I slipped my arm around her waist, pressing a gentle kiss to her shoulder from behind, disregarding every social convention in that moment.
She didn’t turn to face me; instead, she seemed to melt into my embrace, as if my presence alone was the anchor she needed to avoid unraveling. Her fingers intertwined with mine, gripping tightly as she continued to listen to the woman’s chatter.
“Oh my goodness, you two make such a beautiful couple!” the woman exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable as she momentarily lost her train of thought.
“Thank you,” Savannah replied, her voice polite yet strained, her grip on me tightening as if I were her lifeline.
“As I was saying, dear… It’s such a shame things didn’t work out between you and p>
Savannah cut her off, her voice firm yet courteous. “Thank you for your time, Mrs. Malcolm. Always lovely to see you. Please excuse us p>
Her smile remained perfectly composed as she tugged me away, leaving the woman blinking in surprise, her words trailing off into the background.
“Sorry about that,” Savannah murmured, the pulsating music around us almost drowning out her voice.
“Let me guess… chatty old lady?” I ventured, trying to lighten the mood.
“You could say that.” Her laugh was brittle, a fragile sound that caught in her throat, revealing just how much she was holding back.
“An obsessive ex?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
She stiffened at my words. “Yeah… something like that. College days. She still ships p>
Another lie slipped from her lips, and this one tasted even more venomous.
“Relax. You’re wound too tight,” I said, trying to ease her tension.
“I’m fine. I just need a drink.” She reached for a tray that was passing by, her eyes momentarily flickering with desire.
I caught her wrist gently but firmly. “No, you don’t p>
Her brow arched in surprise. “What now? Playing chaperone p>
“Just keeping you clear-eyed so I can fuck you again when we get back.” My hand slid lower, resting possessively on her backside. “This time p>
She froze, a wave of pink flooding her cheeks. A cough escaped her lips, a poor attempt to mask her embarrassment. Yet her eyes darted over my shoulder, searching for any onlookers who might be eavesdropping.
“We’re in public, Roman,” she hissed, glancing around anxiously. “Someone might hear you p>
“Yeah, you’re right. Wouldn’t be polite not to give them a show to go with that,” I shot back teasingly.
She gasped, swatting my chest playfully. “Roman p>
I couldn’t help but laugh. She was acting as if someone had actually overheard us.
Leaning in closer, she whispered fiercely, “Say something like that again and I’ll kick you where the sun doesn’t shine p>
“Go ahead,” I murmured, my voice low and teasing as the noise of the crowd faded into the background. “I’ll test it on you afterward. See if it still works.” I winked at her, enjoying the playful banter.
Another gasp escaped her lips, but before she could retaliate, a voice cut through the noise.
“Roman p>
Savannah turned, her expression shifting as she recognized the voice. “Dad p>
He completely ignored her, instead clapping a hand on my shoulder with an air of authority. “My wife’s been looking for you. Come on, my friends are dying to meet you. I told them all about you p>
Why does everyone around her treat her like a decorative prop? Now he’s going to parade me around like a trophy while ignoring her? This wasn’t happening.
I maintained a polite smile, though irritation simmered beneath the surface. “I’ll have to decline, sir. My fiancée’s tired. We were just heading out p>
The couple hadn’t even danced yet, and your sister says she has an announcement to make. You—
He frowned at Savannah. “Tired already? You should be here to support her, Savannah p>
Savannah’s smile turned into a porcelain mask, the hurt she was trying to conceal threatening to spill over.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll wait here, Roman. You go on,” she insisted, her voice steady but her eyes betrayed a flicker of fear.
“Savannah,” I said, my fists clenching involuntarily.
“I insist. On with Dad. I won’t move an inch,” she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.
And in that moment, I felt a surge of anger directed at the Harts. A family full of assholes.
“Good!” her father boomed, oblivious to the tension. “This way, Roman. They want to hear all about your Forbes interview. And that hedge fund you’ve built at twenty-four? Phenomenal p>
With one last look at Savannah, who managed a small smile in return, I followed her father, feeling like a prized possession on display.
He led me through the crowd as if I were a trophy, his hand firmly grasping my shoulder, as if he feared losing me to the throng of people.
We stopped in front of a group of men in expensive suits, their wives standing beside them with smiles that sparkled like diamonds.
“This is Roman. My future son-in-law,” he announced with a swell of pride that had nothing to do with me as an individual. “Brilliant mind. Scored multiple interviews with Forbes—and that hedge fund he’s built at twenty-four? Phenomenal. The kind of success people talk about p>
All eyes turned to me, expectant and eager.
“Impressive,” one of the men said, extending his hand. “Which sectors are you focusing on p>
“Diversified,” I replied, shaking his hand firmly.
“And what’s Forbes covered?” another asked, leaning in with interest.
“Business growth,” I stated flatly.
There was a pause, a silence stretching uncomfortably as they waited for me to elaborate.
But I didn’t.
Her father laughed too loudly, clearly trying to fill the void. “He’s being modest. This young man here has a mind for market timing p>
“How long have you been in the game?” another man interrupted, his curiosity piqued.
“A while,” I said, offering only the ghost of a smile.
Her father clapped my back as if I’d just delivered the punchline of a great joke. “See? Understated confidence. That’s what makes him so good p>
They bombarded me with more questions—about strategy, clients, overseas expansion. I offered them just enough information to avoid appearing rude, but nothing more.
I wasn’t here to indulge their ego-stroking circle; I had no interest in their shallow approval.
Over their shoulders, I caught sight of Savannah standing alone in the crowd, sipping water, her eyes vacant and fixed on nothing in particular.
With each passing second her father kept me here, parading me around like a show pony, the urge to walk away grew sharper, more insistent.
One of the wives leaned in, her perfume hitting me like a sledgehammer.
“So, Roman… Any tips for someone looking to dabble in hedge funds? My husband’s been talking about moving some of our p>
“Don’t,” I interrupted flatly, my tone leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Her laughter faltered, confusion flickering across her face. She thought I was joking.
I wasn’t.
Her father jumped in, clearly eager to diffuse the awkwardness. “Ah, he’s just being coy. You know, keeping his edge close to the chest. That’s what makes him p>
“I should check on my fiancée,” I interjected, already stepping back from their circle.
“Stay, stay,” he urged, his hand catching my arm in a futile attempt to keep me there. “I told them all about your mergers and p>
“I’m sure you did,” I replied, my voice polite enough to pass but cold enough to warn. “My fiancée’s been standing alone for too long. Excuse me p>
Before he could pull me back into his circle, I was already moving, threading my way through the crowd and leaving his strained laughter behind.
The moment I reached Savannah, her eyes lifted to meet mine, and the fake smile she had been wearing softened, revealing the warmth beneath.
“You looked like you wanted to bite someone’s head off,” she said under her breath, a playful glint in her eye.
“I almost did.” I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers. “Let’s get out of here before I actually do p>
We barely took two steps toward the exit when the music screeched to a halt, drawing every head toward the stage.
Chloe stood there in her snow-white gown, a glass of wine in hand, a smirk sharp enough to cut glass.
“Before anyone leaves,” she cooed, her voice dripping with faux sweetness, “we have a little announcement to make p>
Savannah’s grip on my hand went rigid, a sense of dread washing over her as the room fell silent.
In the swirling chaos of the evening, Renan’s protective instincts for Savannah emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the suffocating expectations of her family. The tension between them, palpable and electric, highlighted the stark contrast between the superficial world surrounding them and the genuine connection they shared. As he navigated the minefield of social pleasantries, his frustration with the Harts’ dismissive treatment of Savannah intensified. Yet, in the moments they stole together, their playful banter served as a reminder of the sanctuary they found in each other, even as the shadows of their respective pasts loomed large. Renan’s refusal to be paraded like a trophy, coupled with his determination to prioritize Savannah’s well-being, marked a pivotal moment in their emotional journey, solidifying their bond against the backdrop of familial pressure.
As the music halted and Chloe’s voice cut through the air, the weight of the moment settled heavily upon Savannah, revealing the cracks in her carefully constructed facade. Renan’s heart raced, not just for the impending announcement but for the realization that they were standing on the precipice of a significant change. The dread in Savannah’s grip mirrored the uncertainty of their future, yet the strength of their connection offered a glimmer of resilience. Together, they faced the unknown, ready to confront whatever revelations awaited them. In that charged silence, the emotional arc of their relationship reached a crescendo, intertwining their hopes and fears as they prepared to navigate the unfolding drama, determined to emerge stronger together, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter p>
As the tension in the air thickens, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions and revelations in the upcoming chapter. With Chloe poised to make an announcement that could change everything, the stakes have never been higher for both Renan and Savannah. Will the truth about their relationship be revealed? Or will the secrets lurking beneath the surface come to light, forcing Savannah to confront her past and the suffocating expectations of her family? The looming threat of Chloe’s words promises to shatter the fragile peace that Renan and Savannah have fought to maintain, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
Moreover, the dynamics between Renan, Savannah, and her family are set to evolve dramatically. Renan’s protective instincts are ignited, and the simmering anger he feels towards Savannah’s father and the superficial world he represents will likely boil over. Will he finally confront the Harts and assert his place in Savannah’s life, or will he remain the silent observer, caught between love and obligation? The next chapter hints at a confrontation that could redefine their relationship, leaving readers eager to see how Renan’s boldness will influence Savannah’s decisions and the course of their future together. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as loyalties are tested and hidden truths come crashing to the forefront.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.