Chapter 477

Joshua wandered around Allison's bedroom, taking his time and soaking everything in.

Her room had a simple, cozy vibe, all soft blue tones that made the space feel calm and inviting. There was a walk-in closet off to one side, and the air carried a faint trace of her favorite perfume-light and floral, warm and gentle, just like her. Joshua meandered from one spot to another, his curiosity obvious as he took in every detail. A crisp white cloth covered her desk, perfectly neat, with a vase of fresh pale blue hydrangeas at the center. Next to the vase sat a small, light-blue porcelain puppy. He remembered the story-Allison and her mom had painted it together, just the two of them. It had broken once, and Joshua had secretly arranged to have it restored for her.

He picked up the little dog carefully, turning it over in his hands. Whoever did the repair had done a flawless job. You'd never know it had been broken.

He set it gently back in its spot and glanced over at the wooden dresser, where a cluster of photo frames sat. Nearly every picture was of Allison and her mom: a tiny Allison in a pink princess dress, hair tied up with a bow, grinning from her mom's lap; Allison at eight, eyes squeezed shut to make a birthday wish, a sparkly tiara perched on her head, her mother smiling by her side; Allison at ten, clutching a trophy after a piano competition, both parents looking on, proud and happy.

These were all moments Joshua hadn't been there for-snapshots from a life he'd missed.

He traced a finger over the photos, his eyes softening. From now on, he promised himself, he wouldn't miss another moment.

was gone, and after making dinner for Brooklyn,

She pushed open her bedroom door. "You can come

Silence.

frowned and walked further in. The room felt oddly empty.

closet. "Joshua? Are you

Where would he go? He couldn't have just vanished. "Joshua?" she

back into a familiar

voice rumbled,

her neck, sending shivers through her. Her whole body felt

his voice dropping even lower,

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

Comments ()

0/255