even more.X
Chapter 43.
Claire sat on the park bench for what felt like an eternity, long enough for the skies to darken and the streetlights to flicker to life, one by one. The soft, amber glow of the lamps bathed her in a melancholic light as she sat there, unmoving.
Her eyes were distant, staring into the void, while the passing cars rushed by, their gusts of wind tangling her hair–the perfect metaphor for the chaos of her life.S
Not far away. Vincent stood within the shadows, silently watching her. Seeing her slender figure, he felt an ache, as if countless needles were piercing his heart, spreading pain throughout every corner of his being.
He longed to step forward, to wrap her in his arms, and confess his regrets. He was willing to atone for the decisions he had made, if only she would grant him the chance to make amends, no matter the cost.
Yet, fear held him back. He dreaded that his approach might rekindle her disdain and resistance, that the chasm between them become even more insurmountable due to his actions.
So, he stood behind her, watching from a distance.!!
would
As night deepened, Claire finally rose, her movements slow and weary, and began to make her way toward the Linwood family residence. Vincent snapped back to reality, trailing her from afar…
It was fully dark by the time Claire reached the Linwood family home. As she approached, she spotted May standing anxiously at the yilla’s entrance. Upon seeing Claire, May’s worried expression melted into a relieved smile as she hurried forward.!!
“Miss Claire, you’re finally back,” May said, her eyes scanning Claire with concern. When she noticed the bandage on Claire’s forehead and her pallid complexion, a flicker of pain crossed her face. “Miss Claire, what happened to you?”
Claire shook her head slightly. “It’s nothing.”
May was still skeptical. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes.” Claire replied with a nod, taking a deep breath to steady her voice. “How is Mandy?“%
May’s face brightened instantly, her smile full of gratitude. “Thanks to the young master’s intervention, the school won’t expel Mandy”
She sighed with relief, “I don’t know what we would have done without him. Miss Claire, the young master is actually quite a decent person. If you two can clear up your misunderstandings, he would make a great brother.”
Claire remained silent, a trace of irony tugging at her lips. Watching May’s grateful expression toward Ethan only filled her with sorrow.
It was ironic how someone like Ethan could hurt others and still have his victims feel indebted to him.
Claire didn’t ask May what had happened to Mandy at school. For her, the details didn’t matter as much as knowing that Ethan was t
the instigator.
If Ethan wanted to, he could find countless ways to torment someone. This time, he used Mandy to manipulate her; next time, it could be May.
Claire wished she could just walk away from it all. Yet, she couldn’t bear to leave May and Mandy to be hurt by Ethan’s madness.
Forcing a smile, Claire reassured May, “As long as Mandy is okay”
With that, she trudged toward the villa.
Inside, the Linwood family was gathered around the dining table, enjoying a lively meal. The table was laden with sumptuous dishes, and the four of them were laughing and chatting, a picture of perfect contentment.)
Her arrival shattered the scene’s warmth.
Ethan set down his fork, his face openly displaying disdain. He skipped any pleasantries, opting instead for a sharp tongue. “Oh, you decided to come back. I thought you’d run away from home again.”
Adah frowned, casting Ethan a reproachful glance. “Ethan, that’s no way to speak to your sister.”
Then she turned to Claire with a gentle smile, waving her over. “Claire, don’t mind your brother. Come join us for dinner.”
Despite Adah’s warm demeanor, Claire remained aloof. “No, thank you. You all enjoy,” she replied, her voice cool and detached.X
She really didn’t have the appetite to face this family
