Chapter 88

Guilt settled in Sarah’s chest. “I know, sweetheart. I’ve just been busy.”

Abby brightened. “That’s okay! Guess what? I started painting! Uncle Cole got me a big sketchbook, and I drew a picture of you!”

Sarah blinked in surprise. “You did?”

Abby nodded enthusiastically. “Wait! Let me show you!”

She disappeared off–screen, rustling through papers.

Sarah glanced at Cole. His face was unreadable, but there was a quiet softness in his eyes.

A moment later, Abby returned, holding up a simple drawing–her and Sarah standing together, both smiling.

Sarah’s throat tightened. “That’s beautiful, Abby,” she said warmly. “You’re very talented.”

Abby beamed. “Come see me soon, okay?”

Before Sarah could respond, a voice called Abby’s name from the background. The little girl pouted. “I have to go! Bye, Auntie! Bye, Uncle Cole!”

The call ended. Silence lingered between Sarah and Cole.

The two strolled through Spa Hills at night, the sound of rustling leaves and distant murmurs of other guests filling the silence between them.

The moonlight cast long shadows along the pathway, and the cool night breeze carried the faint scent of pine and mineral water from the hot springs.

Cole’s phone call with Abby had ended minutes ago, yet the words still lingered in Sarah’s mind.

When he had turned to her and said, “Abby likes you a lot,” there had been something strange in his tone–something softer than she had ever heard from him before.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

been a powerful and cold

emotions.

through arrogance but

14:09

Crippled

Chapter 88

on his face that could be

he has a tender side

figure stood watching them, her delicate features barely concealed by

Linda.

as she took in the sight of them walking side

she masked it well

greeted, her voice smooth and

without even glancing at Sarah, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are you coming to the party tonight?”

her position

had grown accustomed to. With practiced ease, she

a meeting tonight,” she murmured. “You

response, her footsteps quiet against

buzzing with excitement. The party was about to begin. Laughter

spirits, leaned toward Alex with an amused glint in his eyes. “Go ask your mom

she wanted to follow that

joining the party made him uneasy, as if her presence would somehow disrupt the relaxed,

been going smoothly–chatter, soft laughter, the occasional

chat..

could respond,

go,” he stated simply.

14:09

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255