Shattered Longings

Chapter 23 Your Woman Is With Me

After wandering for a while, Bella found herself back in the small town where she had lived with Dorothy before she was five.

This place was far from the bustling city, and it still had the same clear blue skies and fresh air as she remembered. It felt like nothing had changed.

After Dorothy passed away, her body was buried here, fulfilling her final wish. This was their birthplace, the place where both she and Dorothy were born, and also where Dorothy’s suffering began.

Returning to this starting point meant that she might never see Dominic again. It also meant that she would have to treat the past two decades as a long–forgotten dream. But fully waking up from that dream? That was easier said than done.

Fortunately, the house she and Dorothy had rented was still standing. The house came with a courtyard, and it had been renovated over the years. But the ownership had changed, and someone else was living

there now.

The house was quite large, enough to be rented out in parts. She had a special attachment to the place, so she managed to get the new owner’s contact information and called to inquire about renting a room.

After getting the owner’s permission, she went to the house to discuss it in person.

one answered.

When she arrived, the gate to the courtyard was open. She called out a few times, but no one After a moment’s hesitation, she stepped inside.

and the

that the rose bush she had planted as a child was still alive. It had been pruned but had grown tall.

to recall that she once dreamed of creating a perfect garden for Dominic. Now,

in thought, a clear male voice sounded behind her. “Are

and met a pair

in a light gray tank top and matching sweatpants. His slightly was tied back partially. He had a tall, lean build and looked as if

hair

something about him that didn’t feel unkempt. Perhaps it was just that good looks were powerful. Bella had to admit that

live

a room. Do you here? Would it be possible to rent

man walked over to the faucet in the courtyard, filled his cup with water, and began brushing his teeth as if no one else were around. With his mouth

he turned and winked at her.

preparing to say, “Maybe I should keep looking

three months‘ rent upfront. Minimum stay of three

Your Woman to

you

town had been developing over the years, turning into a scenic area

reluctantly repeated her question, “So,