Chapter 14
Arthur kept tuming up like a bad penny..
When Celeste was younger, Cindy’s health had declined so much that she could barely hold celeste for long. There were times when Cindy had to stay in the hospital’s chemotherapy ward for months.
That was why Celeste now worried that after this rare outing together, it might be long before she saw Cindly again. It was also why Cindy had refused conservative
Treatment,
Though Celeste spent more time with Sylvan, she had, unexpectedly, grown more attached to Cindy. Cindy couldn’t bear to see that quiet longing on Celeste’s tace
again
When Celeste was younger, she would cry and beg for Qindly, But as she got older, she came to understand that Cindy was sick, which meant there would be no long hugs or outings together
She grew more mature and obedient, never holding on to Cindy or becoming another weight on her shoulders. Raising a child was exhausting, but raising one like her was undeniably a blessing.
At that time, Cindy had lost all will to l live. Though deeply moved by Sylvan’s desperate efforts to save her, she couldn’t find it in herself to keep going.
Her cancer was like a ravenous beast, feasting on sylvan’s savings. Again and again, she tried to end her life, unwilling to be a burden any longer.
Then, one day, Sylvan came home with a baby–Celeste. She was so tiny, her cheeks soft as petals, her cries no louder than a whisper. Her little fingers wrapped
tightly around Cindy’s.
When Candy looked up at Sylvan in a daze, she saw the same uncertainty in his eyes.
“This is my sister’s child,” he said, taking a deep breath, his voice weighed down by griet. “Her husband was a soldier. He died serving the country, and my sister followed after him in griet. Celeste is only 18 months old. Let’s raise her together, alright?
Only then did Cindy realize that the cost of her illness had long since exhausted Sylvan’s savings as a doctor, Every treatment she received was now covered by the pension and inheritance left behind by Celeste’s parents
Cindy held the orphaned child close, as if cradling her own younger self, and wept. From that day on, she never thought about ending her life again.
She had someone just as important as Sylvan now Celeste, who needed her love and care. That heavy sense of responsibility became the anchor that kept her
Cindy loved Celeste, just as Celeste loved her.
The cat remained a warm haven, no matter how cold it was outside. Content with Cindy’s promise, Celeste drifted off to sleep
Cindy loosened her scarf and, in an even tone, asked, “That man by the lake was Arthur Forsyth, wasn’t it?”
Sylvan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. His first instinct was to deny it, but all he could offer was silence. And Cindy found her answer in his silence. She smiled, bereyes forming soft crescents.
“What are you afraid of, Sylvan?” she asked.
“Sylvan kept his eyes on the road; his voice low an
and sullen. “I’m not.‘
“I never love him again.” Cindy’s voice remained soft, yet there was no mistalding the resolve in it, “sylvan, I won’t keep bumiliating myself.”
“I didnt mean it like that,” Sylvan replied
Hecursed himself for his poor choice of words. But when he caught Cindy’s reflection in the rearview mirror, he noticed the faintest smile on her lips—no trace of
sadness or peluctance.
“You really are dense, Sylvan Seriously, Cindy said, her eyes shimmering
Though the remarkcaught Sylvan off guard, there was an undeniable warmthin it. He had to admit, part of him feated Cindy might fall for Arthair again. But more than that, he was terrified she’d end up hurt all over again.
The scene from three years ago had left a scar on Sylvan’s mind. He could still see Cindy, unconscious in the river, and yet his thoughts had never been so eerily clear. Without her consent, he had erased her identity records and taken her far to the South.
Now, it felt like the remnants of amplitmare. The moment Sylvan saw Arthuir again, his fists tightened on instinct. He would have hit Arthur without a thought it he weren’t holding Celeste..
After speaking, Cindy fell quiet. Her gaze lowried, and a faint smile crossed her lips as she gently stroked Celeste’s slightly flushed cheek while she slept.
For the past thatre years, bylvan had kept his feelings buried. His love for Cady had never wavered, but time and again, his own missteps and Arthair’s interference hart kept him from being with her.
Throughout all the times they’d relied on each other, be’d told himself that keeping her sate and ensuring she was happy was enough. Whether she loved him back didd’l inatter. Having her and Celeste in his life was more than lie could ever ask for.
hat now, in the way Cindy spoke to him with that indulgent tone, Sylvan want something that sent his heart racing like it already knew what was coming.
„he eased the cat in a stup, opened the rear door, and reached for Celeste, who was fast asleep.
Clody litted a hand, stopping Sylvan before he could say another word. Illness had drained the color from her skin, leaving it pale as trost, but her eyes still shone, deep and bright
She smiled and whispered, “illi. Let’s talk about this later,”
any promises with le catert still untested?
Evense, that didn’t mean Cindy would leave him hanging in uncertainty forever. She had made up her mind after the consultation brought hopeful news. If she survived the surgery, she would entrust her scarred self to Sylvancompletely.
Love, it seemed had taken not in the most unexpected way. She gently patted Celeste’s back, watching her sleep.
Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Burning
