Chapter 22
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Chapter 22
In the days that followed, apart from continuing the search for Keira,
Vincent spent most of his time at Slater Manor.
This was where he had been exiled to when the Slater family deemed
him useless. So, it wasn’t exactly a welcoming or homely abode. The
roof leaked when it rained, and his room was often damp and chilly.
Even so, he loved being there because it carried Keira’s scent. It was
the only thing that could calm his restless heart. 2
He looked around the room, which was familiar yet unfamiliar at the
same time.
It was familiar because her presence had once filled this space with
warmth. Yet, it was unfamiliar because he hadn’t been able to see any
of it back then. Everything he had “seen” came from Kiki’s patient
guidance. She had been his only light in a world of darkness.
Vincent’s love for her went beyond romantic feelings. It was deeply
rooted in who she was as a person.
She had worried he would fall, so she taught him how to walk again and again. She had placed everything in specific positions based on his habits just to make things easier for him.
Although he couldn’t see her love back then, he could feel it in every one of her sincere and unwavering actions.
Past memories flooded into his brain like a merciless tide, drowning
Chapter 22
him in regret. Tears slipped down his cheeks soundlessly.
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Just then, Danny came to inform him that they had found Keira. She was in Ozalia and was currently preparing for an interview at a design
company.
Vincent’s nerves immediately tensed. The days without news of her had been torment. But now that he had her location, he felt afraid.
He was afraid that Keira wouldn’t forgive him. After all, he had failed to realize that she’d been Kiki all along. He had hurt her deeply, and thought that it was understandable that she would be disappointed in him.
“Book me the earliest flight. I need to go to her immediately,” Vincent
ordered.
“But with your current condition, you’re not fit to go on long flights,”
Danny said hesitantly, concerned about Vincent’s current state.
Still, Vincent didn’t care. Without saying another word, he stood up, straightened his clothes, and headed out.
Danny didn’t argue further and simply went to start the car. They drove straight to the airport.
As the plane flew through the sky, it left behind streaks of white
against the deep blue.
At that moment, Vincent’s heart was filled with nervous hope and anticipation.
Meanwhile, a light drizzle had started to fall in Ozalia, ruining Keira’s
Chapter 22
plan. She had planned to go out for a celebratory dinner with Stellan after passing her interview and getting the job.
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Upon seeing her peeved expression, Stellan offered a suggestion.”
Aren’t you a great cook? Since we can’t go out, let’s just stay in and
have stew. I’ve got some authentic stew mix from back home. Let’s
try it together.”
His words made her smile instantly return. She said appreciatively,”
I’ve been struggling to find a good stew mix here. You’re the best,
Stellan! I’ll make my specialty-oven-baked ribs with barbecue sauce.”
“Great. I’ll do the dishes, then,” Stellan said, smiling.
The two grabbed an umbrella and headed to the supermarket to pick
up some food ingredients.
As they walked past a puddle, a jeep sped by, spraying muddy water
in all directions.
Stellan instinctively pulled Keira into his arms. “Careful!”
The distance between them immediately vanished. They were so
close that their noses touched.
Keira could smell the faint woody notes of his cologne. It was the
first time she had seen him in such proximity. She couldn’t help but look at his long eyelashes.
Entranced by him, Keira just continued staring.
Stellan’s face turned bright red. He didn’t dare look at her or want to let go. “Keira?” he finally whispered after mustering up the courage.
Chapter 22
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That jolted her out of her daze, making her suddenly aware of what she’d just done. Her heart pounded so fiercely it felt like it might burst
from her chest.
Hastily, she changed the subject. “We’re almost there. Let’s hurry, or
the rain will get worse.”
Stellan didn’t say a single word. He simply followed her quietly,
holding the umbrella over them.
In his heart, he was secretly glad that his umbrella broke just before
they headed out.
