My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash and Hera) novel Chapter 1982

It was the night before the Summit of Ten Thousand Dynasties.

In Kreiz Prison of Yerusia, a facility specifically designed to detain and control Espers, resided individuals who defied the Illuminion or had been deemed useless pawns by them.

Having caused a ruckus at the palace, Sven was transferred to this prison. Here, he encountered Marie.

By a twist of fate, they were placed in the same cell.

Upon hearing someone approach, Marie instinctively hid in a corner. Meanwhile, the guards merely locked Sven in and left.

"Marie, it's me," Sven said excitedly.

Marie's frightened expression softened slightly, but her eyes still showed traces of fear.

"Sven? Is... that you?" she stammered.

"Yes, it's me!" Sven walked forward eagerly.

Marie quickly stepped back, hastily wiping the dirt from her face and raising her hand to stop him. "Don't... come any closer. If you touch me, you'll die."

Sven was stunned. Only then did he notice the layers of protective gear she wore on her hands and body.

"Why are those things on you?" Sven asked, confused.

Marie's expression turned from sorrowful to cold as she shakily explained, "M-My body is strange. If anyone touches my skin, their heart stops..."

Her voice trembled, sounding as if she was on the verge of tears.

Sven ignored her protests and approached her.

Even during the life simulation, she had never felt like this. People avoided her as they feared her powers. Seeing others play, laugh, and hug, she longed for someone to hug her too.

She finally could enjoy someone's embrace now. She relished Sven's warmth but was too scared to hug back and too fearful to push him away.

Releasing her, Sven sincerely said, "It's okay. With me here, everything will be alright."

Marie was still shaken and stammered, "This... This..."

"See? I'm fine," Sven said with a fond smile.

"No... No, it's not okay... I..." Marie struggled and squirmed as she panicked.

In her frantic movements, her glove slipped off, and her wrist touched Sven.