Chapter 23
Sylvan’s sister had walked away from the prestigious job she’d worked so hard to get, choosing instead to become an army medic without a second thought, even it. it meant being disowned by the Leighs
stella had always admired her courage, which was why the news of her death had hit so hard.
My sister only enlisted because her husband was in the army. Celeste is theirs. Shortly after what happened to him, Celeste was left in my care,” Sylvan said. The weight of the troth stunned Stella. Her heart ached as she took in the sight of Celeste, comfortably nestled against Cindy in the hospital bed. Sylvan smiled and added, “Look how well Cindy’s raised her. There’s no need to feel sorry for Celeste. She’s got an incredible mom now, and I’ll be stepping her dad soon enough. Even though suppose she’s probably used to calling me ‘uncle” by now
Stella shifted uncomfortably. Here she was, Sylvan’s own family, oblivious to his relationship with Cindy, and even trying to help Arthur steal her away. The thought made her want to disappear. She shook her head in exasperation.
“Sylvan, there’s something I need to say,” Stella began carefully. “You know how Arthur has always”
‘been in love with Cindy?”
“Yeah.”
in as
Sylvan had spent those five years with Cindy and Anthur. He’d witnessed Arthur’s cruelty and indifference toward her more times than he could count, and it left Sylvan unable to understand how Arthurcould suddenly tall in love with her
“He’s a jerk,” Sylvan said flatly. “Stella, when you mentioned your job, you’re not saying you work for him, are you?
“I do” Stella hesitated. “But Arthur has this long scar running down his arm.”
That caught Sylvan off guard. His eyebrows shot up, but he stayed silent, waiting for her to explain.
“I didn’t mean anything by it, Sylvan,” Stella said.
She’d only seen it by accident while tidying up the CEO’s desk. She’d caught Arthur lounging back in lus chair, loosening his watch. That was when she’d noticed the
“Maybe Arthur really regrets what he did,” she added.
“Yeah, but apologizing doesn’t make everything right.”
Sylvan’s flat response captured the entire five–year history between Arthur and Cindy in a single sentence.
By the day Cindy was released from the hospital, Jorieston’s weather had turned perfect, she’d healed well, and after settling Celeste into the car, Sylvan came back
#1 can walk, you know, I’m not that delicate,” Cindy said, laughing-
Sviven didn’t give her a choice, sweeping her up effortlessly.
Celeste burst into delighted laughter, her face scrunching up with joy. “Mommy’s getting carried, too? Uncle Sylvan, you’re the best. You can hold both of us!” “Dann night,” Sylvan said, ginning as he fastened Cindy’s seatbelt and gently stroked Celeste’s cheek. This is the kind of praise I want to hear. No more calling me a big baby, deal?
Celeste responded with a rasp
La raspberry
The sunlight made everything glow with perfection. Cindy’s lone figure standing stiffly by the hospital entrance.
‘s eyes softened into a smile as she perhed past Celeste’s somewhat tousled hair, catching sight of the
Cindy paused. Just as the engine was starting, she gave Sylvan’s shoulder a light pat
“I’ll be night back,” she said.
The truth was, Sylvan had seen Arthur there from the beginning. He just hadn’t wanted to deal with him he hadn’t counted on Cindy noticing, too. With a defeated zipli, le killed engine
Gdy bit back a smile befour pressing a quick ass to his check “I’ll be back before you know it. Keep an eye on Celeste for me.”
“Uncle Sylvan! You’re all red!” Celeste anounced at full volume.
Cindy exited the car. She’d been back on her feet for some time, but Sylvan wouldn’t stop fussing over her as though she might collapse.
The wind founded Cindy’s untied hair as she spoke. She looked halter now, her face fuller, almost “what’s wong with your leg?” dlir asked
the sweet, unworldly young woman she used to be.
Author seemed sued that she’d actually come him. He jerked tils lead aside, staring at the pavensent, but couldn’t stop lds eyes from finding
“So, you’re leaving? When?” he asked, sidestepping the question, his voice so tight it barely came out as more than a whisper
finding their way back to
