Fleming saw the blood this time. He strode over, frowning, and took Esmeralda's hand. "Careless, aren't you?"

His words sounded like a scolding, but his actions were quick-he dug into his bag and pulled out antiseptic and a bandage.

He bent his head, carefully cleaning the thin line of blood on her skin. His brows stayed tightly knit the whole time.

Watching his expression, Esmeralda suddenly felt a dull ache in her chest.

She bit her lip and, almost against her will, blurted out, "Fleming, if Lucy weren't your sister, would you still want to marry me?"

He froze for a heartbeat, then his face grew cold. "What are you even talking about?"

"I don't want to keep having this conversation with you. There's no point getting lost in what-ifs."

He finished with the bandage and let go of her hand. Clearly, the question had annoyed him.

But why-what was really underneath that reaction-Esmeralda couldn't say. She knew Fleming's tone; he didn't want her being "unreasonable" in his eyes. She glanced down at the bandaged cut and nodded quietly. "Alright. I'll let you get back to work."

She hurried off.

Elodie Thorne was

was off with Esmeralda. She paused, walked over, and tilted her head in concern.

even know how to describe

only one making a fuss—as if she was searching for reasons to be upset. After all, they're siblings and get along well, so why did it bother

down at her feet. "Not

cheerful and open-hearted, could be a little naive

Elodie said gently, taking Esmeralda's hand. "If something makes

not getting any younger, and I've been waiting for him to move back for so long. All I want is

As for everything else...

just spent too

but the process matters too. How you feel along the way-that's

a deep breath, then shrugged, trying to shake off the gloom. "You're right. Relationships

returned, and she leaned over to hug Elodie's arm, her eyes bright with hope. "Things will get better, right? Besides, the wedding's only a few months

would be a fresh start-a new sense of responsibility

to

loving, sheltered family, always the bright center of attention, endlessly optimistic. But that

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

Comments ()

0/255