Chapter 24
Serena was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t realized when Hugh bust entered the room.
He took the poetry book from her hands and returned it to the bookshelf, aflicker of complicated emotion passing through his eyes. She couldn’t quite understand what it meant
She felt as it she had somehow trespassed into his personal space with how curious she had been.
“sorry, I shouldn’t have touched your book,” she said
“It’s fine,” he replied.
He had told her to treat this place as it it were her own room. It wasn’t an offense, but it wasn’t the right moment to reveal the truth to her.
Hugh’s fingers unconsciously tightened, and he awkwardly adjusted his sleeve.
Seeing that his expression remained neutral, without signs of anger, Serena breathed a sigh of relief. She then leaned in to ask, “The bookmark inside the book is beautiful.”
He replied casually, “It’s something I bought by the side of the toad.”
“Really?” Serena couldn’t help but doubt his words.
That maple leaf bookmark was something she had treasured in high school, a limited edition prize from a niche event
Serena couldn’t help but wonder how it ended up in Hugh’s hands, only for him to claim it was just something bought on the side of the road.
But she wasn’t the type to pry into such things.
As his marriage partner, she had already crossed a line by touching his bookshelf. She had no intention of prying further. Perhaps it was just a coincidence.
Serena returned to the chair, about to find something else to do to pass the time, but her gaze caught a book placed on the cabinet
‘‘‘The Light of Antique Porcelain‘, so you’re also mterested in ceramics?”
The book covered many famous porcelain pieces. It included both museum–quality treasures and lesser–known cultural relics that had been passed down through the ages
Serena had always loved this book. Especially after her mother passed, no one else had been willing to share stories about those antique porcelains. The text in this book had become her comfort during that period.
Hugh followed her gaze to the book. “Fragile porcelain carries the weight of civilization and history. Each intricate design tells the story of its time, v
which is hard not to appreciate
Serena smiled. “That’s why these antique porcelains hold the value that transcends time. I didn’t realize you liked this ceralean porcelain too. When I first got this book, 1. couldn’t help but keep flipping to this page. I even traveled across the state to visit a musem because of it”
Serena visibly relaxed as she began talking about porcelains. Her fingers brushed the slightly curled pages of the book, wondering how many times Hugh had turned those same
It felt as though she were peering into a part of his past, one few people knew about. No one would ever guess that the cold and aloof Hugh had such a deep appreciation for porcelain or had studied it so thoroughly.
Hugh walked over to stand beside her, as the space in front of the bookshelf was too narrow. He positioned himself behind her, his long arm almost enveloping her as he flipped through the book.
“Here’s another one. I remember seeing it at a museum once, and I was amazed at the craftsmanship of the ancient artisans,” he said.
“Nowadays, it’s rare for anyone to replicate such craftsmanship,” Serena replied. “But I’ve heard that a potter abroad is studying it..
Serena opened up and began to talk; she didn’t notice how close they were standing. She was focused on the porcelain, completely unaware that while her eyes were on the pieces, Hugh’s were on her
The sunlight streamed in through the window, and their shadows intertwined, creating a beautiful image.
Behind them, from the doorway, someone was watching with satisfaction.
Calvin smiled and stroked his chin. “It seems like Hugh has finallycome to his senses.”
“Mr. Larson Senior, il you keep eavesdropping, Mr. Larson won’t be pleased.”
His assistant, Robert Whitehead, gently reminded him, but Calvin rarely witnessed scenes like this. Just as he was about to continue watching, the door was gently pulled open
Hugh stood there, his expression cold.
“Grandpa, what is it?” he asked, looking displeased.
Someone always sermed to interrupt their peaceful moments. Even his most beloved grandfather wasn’t the exception.
