Chapter 9
The next day, Daphne paid a visit to the Sanctuary of Light Church.
She remembered the church’s three thousand stone steps–she’d once climbed them on her knees, heart brimming with hope and devotion.
That was four years ago. She and Nestor had been married just a year, about to celebrate their first anniversary. But fate intervened: a terrible car accident shattered their plans. In the chaos, Nestor had instinctively thrown himself over her, shielding her from every blow.
Back then, Daphne thought: if someone could love her so fiercely, risking his life without hesitation, then she owed him the same kind of love in return.
So when Nestor slipped into a coma in the hospital, Daphne was desperate. Someone told her the Sanctuary of Light was Emberfall’s most miraculous church. Clutching onto faith, she climbed those three thousand steps on her knees, praying for his recovery, and left with a silver pendant for his protection.
He eventually woke, and together they returned to the church to give thanks. Nestor had taken her hand and said,
“Daphne, we love each other so much–let’s promise to be together forever.”
She had believed every word. But now, standing before the church, she realized it had all been a lie.
On the third day, Daphne visited the ginkgo tree she and Nestor had planted together.
Its pale green leaves fluttered in the breeze, and on the trunk, a few faded, uneven letters remained–just legible enough to read: “Nestor loves Daphne, forever.”
They said ginkgo trees symbolized lasting love. That year, the two of them had planted it here, Nestor’s hand guiding hers as they carved their promise into the bark. With practice, the letters had grown steadier, the lines more sure.
Now the tree stood tall and lush, but their love had long since withered away.
Daphne waved her hand, and a group of workers–who’d been waiting nearby–stepped forward. The chainsaw roared to life, filling the air with its harsh, metallic
whine.
The foreman hesitated, glancing at the thriving tree. “Ms. Sterling, this tree’s in perfect health. Are you sure you want it gone?”
She was silent for a long time before answering, a faint, bittersweet smile on her lips. “It should never have existed in the first place.”
A tree born of lies belonged to the earth, not the light.
That night, Daphne lay awake until dawn.
The next day marked Josephine and “Leonardo’s” fifth wedding anniversary–and the day Daphne left the Bridges family for good.
From the upstairs window, she watched as the happy couple headed out early for the banquet hall, pausing at the door to remind her–yet again–to attend their celebration, to witness their love.
Daphne nodded politely while they watched, but as soon as the house was empty, she pulled out her suitcase.
A new message flashed on her phone: confirmation of her island purchase. She smiled faintly, closed the door behind her, and headed straight for the airport–without looking back.
Josephine. Nestor.
Whatever life you have ahead, you’ll never see me again.”
7-
Bluebell Gardens, Grand Hall.S
The anniversary banquet unfolded smoothly, but Nestor couldn’t shake a restiess unease that gnawed at him.
Josephine noticed his distraction, gliding over with playful concern. Slipping her arm through his, she teased, “What’s on your mind, darling?“N
he stiffened, abruptly realizing who had filled his thoughts all night. The realization only made him more unsettled. But with Josephine looking expectantly up at him, he forced a smile and brushed her off with a casual excuse.
*Just a rough night’s sleep. Nothing serious–don’t worry about me.”
She didn’t press him, only nodded and moved on%
Once she’d gone, Nestor beckoned his assistant–the one he’d assigned to keep tabs on Daphne. “Where has Daphne been these past few days? What has she been doing?
The assistant handed over a file, reporting each detail in turn.%
Moonlight Lovers‘ Bridge Sanctuary of Light Church. The ginkgo tree.
All places they’d once been together
Nestor’s heart pounded The emptiness inside him swelled, as if something precious was slipping out of reach. He tried to grasp it, but his hands closed on nothing Soon, the gift giving ceremony began Nestor found himself glancing again and again toward the entrance, searching for a face that never appeared. His anxiety only grew
Then suddenly, the banquet hall doors burst open-
All eyes turned as a sharply dressed attendant strode straight toward Nestor, bearing a polished gift box.8
“Mr Bridges, the attendant announced, this is a special delivery from Ms Sterling She asked us to present it to you personally “S
