Chapter 12
Feeling bad about not recognizing Lance at first, Sylvie nodded and walked with him along Reldor’s streets. “Dr. Yule, are you in Reldor for a vacation too?”
Lance nodded. “The hospital approved my time off after you were discharged. I decided to travel around Elyndria, and as luck would have it, I ran into you, Ms. Clarke.”
As the sunlight fell on Reldor’s streets, Lance’s cheerful smile was especially bright.
It flustered Sylvie, and she hurriedly said, “You don’t have to be so formal, Dr. Yule. Just call me Sylvie.”
Lance replied, “In that case, you should call me Lance.”
The sky above Reldor was a flawless, cloudless blue as the two walked toward Trelston Church. They sat together on the stone steps, enjoying the gentle breeze.
Lance suddenly asked, “Sylvie, can you tell me why you came to Elyndria?”
Sylvie remained silent, and he quickly waved his hand. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. I just wondered why you chose to travel all the way from Cravonia to Presworth for treatment even when you had such serious injuries.”
He hesitated before adding, “I once attended a medical conference in Cravonia, and their healthcare is just as advanced as Fremoria’s. Your injuries weren’t
untreatable-”
Sylvie cut him off. “Because something terrible happened to me in Cravonia. I nearly died, and I almost lost everything.”
Lance looked regretful. “I’m sorry. I had no idea…”
Sylvie met his bright blue eyes. “It’s okay, Lance. Some things should stay in the past. You just have to move on and start fresh.“.
Lance’s eyes reflected Sylvie’s faint, contented smile as loose strands of her hair danced in the wind, lightly brushing against the bridge of his nose. A quiet warmth spread through his chest, and he lowered his head to hide his sudden shyness.
“Sylvie,” he said, extending his hand toward her. “I want to change my earlier invitation. I don’t just want you to join me in seeing Reldor. If you’re willing, I’d like you to spend the entire vacation with me.”
Sylvie felt her heartbeat flutter as she placed her hand in his. “I’d be honored to accept, Lance.“.
Lance’s face lit up. “There’s an amazing cafe right around the corner.”
Together, they entered the cafe, where the soothing notes of a piano floated through the air. Sylvie paused to examine the artwork on the walls, quietly appreciating each piece.
Lance explained in a thoughtful tone, “This is the oldest cafe in Reldor. Many famous Ithorian artists visit regularly, including sculptors, writers, and musicians.”
After they sat down, a waiter in formal attire took their order in Estravian. Sylvie asked for black tea, while Lance ordered a latte and a croissant.
As Sylvie quietly studied the cafe’s interior design, Lance slid the warm, buttery croissant toward her.
Giving her an encouraging smile, he said, “You should try this.”
When Sylvie bit into the crisp yet fluffy pastry, the rich creaminess invaded her taste buds. As she continued chewing, she noticed a subtle hint of citrus lingering in her mouth.
“This is amazing…” she murmured before putting the croissant down.
She lowered her head as tears started falling onto the table. Surprised by her reaction, Lance paused momentarily before getting up. He went to her and gently pulled her in for a comforting hug.
“Sylvie, what’s wrong?” Lance spoke softly as he comforted her, gently patting her back to help her calm down.
“I… I used to have a dog named Remy…” Sylvie tried hard to hold back her tears, but the heavy drops streamed down her face. “He was badly hurt while protecting me and accidentally fell from the second floor…”
Lance carefully rested her head against his shoulder, letting her tears soak his shirt.
“Back when I lived in Cravonia, every time I brought croissants home, Remy would rest his head on my lap and gaze up at me with these big, hopeful eyes while I ate.”
Suddenly, Sylvie let out a small laugh. “You know, sometimes he drooled so much it left a huge wet spot on my pants…”
Lance stroked her back and reassured her in a gentle voice, saying, “I know how hard it is to lose a dog, and I’d never tell you to just get over it. But…”
There was something almost magical about his voice. “If you ever miss him, you can come over to my place. I have a dog as well, and maybe he can help cheer you up.”
Sylvie quickly wiped away her tears. “Really? Thank you, Lance…”
Lance crouched down to her level. his ocean–blue eyes filled with warmth. “Yes, it’s true. He’s a mountain dog named Donut.”
The name “Donut” elicited an unexpected laugh from Sylvie. It was hard to imagine the refined and charming Lance going around his house calling for “Donut” all day.
He brushed the tears from her eyes, his gaze glimmering with emotion. “Do you know why I stopped you at the wishing fountain just now?”
Sylvie shook her head, and he smiled at her, his expression gentle.
“You were wearing a white maxi dress and strappy sandals, with the ribbon on your wide–brimmed straw hat fluttering in the breeze. Your gaze didn’t linger on me at all. Instead, you were watching the people walk by on the street.”
The amusement in Lance’s eyes grew. “You looked so gentle and beautiful, just like a graceful actress from an old black–and–white movie.”
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Sylvie’s heart pounded so hard that the noise drowned out everything around her, leaving just her and Lance.
“So, I walked up to you, only to realize it was actually you. After asking you to join me in exploring Reldor, I got greedy. I wanted you by my side for my whole vacation in Elyndria.”
Lance moved closer, and Sylvie’s mind went blank. She felt a faint cool sensation as his lips touched her right cheek. They lingered for just a second before he pulled
away.
“I’m sorry,” he said with an apologetic smile. “But at least you won’t be crying anymore from now on.”
