Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld

Chapter 176 I Wanted to Be There for Lela

As Lela watched the faint light in Flora's eyes slowly extinguish, panic took hold of her. She rose from Flora's embrace, cupping her sister's pure and beautiful face in her hands, tears welling up in her eyes. "Mom's gone, but you still have me. You need to live. Let me stay by your side, okay?"

At that moment, Lela couldn't think of anything else. She didn't know if her actions were selfish; she just wanted Flora to stay alive. After such a long search, she had only recently confirmed they were sisters.

The stories that her mother told were not that many, and Lela had been too young then to grasp much of the situation.

That's why the search had taken so long.

She didn't want to lose Flora.

Tears fell despite her efforts of holding them in, making this only the second time Lela had wept in her life.

Flora, heart aching at the sight, gently wiped her tears, then tenderly cleared the tears from the corners of Lela's eyes, offering her a frail smile. "Okay, I promise to be there for you, always."

Flora was exhausted, now yearning to simply be there for Lela.

like starting over

vehemently, holding her sister close, a tribal lullaby

in his pockets, eyes downcast and tinged with mixed emotions. He listened to

Manor, in the early morning; Lela lay in bed wearing a pink strappy nightgown, her delicate collarbones and slender, and fair ankles exposed. Her peaceful face was the picture of serenity in sleep. Flora lay beside her, gazing at Lela with adoration in

press a kiss to Lela's forehead, a smile gracing her

work awaited Flora;

rose slowly and slipped out of

in his loungewear, scanning the latest financial news without much of an exchange when Flora

world, his sole gentleness, patience, deep affection, and doting

had

Flora, he hadn't even managed to hold Lela,

if this woman was Lela's sister, it

respectful and earnest. "I want to thank Mr. Gomez for his hospitality these past few days. I must be leaving today, but please, take

couch, his attitude detached and nonchalant. At her words, he let out a scoff and frowned,