Chapter 19
Daphne lowered her gaze to the ring, catching the pleading look in his eyes as well.
This time, it seemed he truly meant it. He’d come with real sincerity, honestly hoping for forgiveness, wanting to rewind everything to before it all fell apart. He spoke as if they could return to a life together–peaceful, happy, just as he promised.
Suddenly, the air grew still.
The whole villa fell silent, save for the gentle tapping of rain against the windows.
Daphne turned away and found the umbrella she’d handed Nestor yesterday. She held it out to him once more, her voice calm and composed, her words delivering a final sentence.
“Of course I haven’t forgotten. But just as I remember every moment of happiness we once shared, I also remember that all of those happy moments–my happiness–was just a lie.”
“Nestor, maybe you’re the one who’s forgotten. There was never a ‘once upon a time‘ for us. All we ever had was deception.”
“The rain’s eased up today. Take this umbrella and go home. Let’s just pretend this meeting never happened.”
The dismissal landed with brutal clarity. Every ounce of hope in Nestor’s eyes faded. He stood, shoulders slumped, the weight of defeat settling over him. He took the umbrella from her, but before stepping out the door, he made one last, desperate attempt.
“Daphne, are you really saying… there’s no chance for us at all?”
Daphne had answered that question too many times before. She had no desire to repeat herself.
A heavy silence hung between them until, at last, Nestor gave in. He turned and trudged toward the door, but just as he reached it, he paused. His voice was soft, laced with sorrow.
“My grandfather’s health has gotten much worse. The doctor says he might not have much time left. He always cared about you, Daphne. He’s been worried sick all these years, not hearing from you. Please, come back with me. Let him see you one last time.“\
It was his final plea–his last card to play.
If even this couldn’t soften Daphne’s heart, he had no i
what would.
This time, though, she didn’t refuse.”
-8
The plane sliced through the clouds. Daphne, wearing an eye mask, rested quietly, her posture and silence making it clear she wanted no conversation. Nestor, seated a few rows away, could only sigh in resignation.
He had a stack of work documents open in front of him, but he couldn’t focus on a single page. His mind was a jumble of nerves and frustration.
Over the years, Nestor had flown countless times–short trips, long hauls, it didn’t matter. But never had he wished so badly for a flight to end quickly. Not until now. He couldn’t help but think: if Daphne were sitting beside him, even if she did nothing but sleep quietly, he’d be content–hé might even wish the journey would last a little longer.
But wishes were just wishes. The Daphne sitting across the aisle now was no longer the woman who could share peaceful silence with him.”
After nine long hours, the plane finally landed. The whole way, Nestor trailed after her like an assistant–carrying her suitcase, buying her food and drinks–doing everything he could to make things easier for her.
Five years had passed since Daphne last set foot in the Bridges Mansion, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of loss.
Nestor wheeled her suitcase straight to the bedroom. Daphne followed, only to realize he’d chosen the very room they once shared.
Her suitcase stopped at the threshold. She lingered at the doorway, unable to bring herself to step inside.
Noticing her hesitation, Nestor felt a new wave of disappointment. He pressed his lips together, meeting her steady gaze, and managed a strained smile.
“Don’t worry. No one has stayed in this room since you left–not even me.” He nodded toward the room across the hall. I stay over there now. If you need anything, just let me know.”
He was telling the truth
When Daphne left the Bridges family years ago, she’d taken everything that belonged to her. Anything connected to him, she’d thrown out as well. Now, every item in the room had been painstakingly restored to the way it used to be.
Nestor had been afraid–afraid that if he stayed in there, he might accidentally damage something she once treasured.
