“Since you’ve recognized my irrationality, perhaps you should both keep your distance,” Corrine retorted, her smirk deepening.
“I have neither the time nor patience for things I despise. What offends my eyes, I eliminate from my sight.”
Bruce’s expression darkened further, his fists clenching at his sides.
“Direct your anger at me if you must. Leave Leah out of this!”
“Fighting over worthless garbage?” Contempt dripped from Corrine’s words as she regarded him.
“You truly overestimate your importance.”
Bruce’s frown deepened into a warning glare.
“Hate me all you want, but I won’t allow you to harm Leah.”
He bent to gather Leah in his arms, casting one final furious look at Corrine before departing.
As their figures retreated, the tears Corrine had suppressed began to surface. Three years of dedication had crumbled to dust. She had sacrificed her family ties only to be left clutching at emptiness.
Yet from the moment she had resolved to end it all, returning had never been an option.
Her eyes drifted closed in an attempt to contain her emotions, but the tears escaped anyway, streaming down her cheeks as a silent farewell to a love she had once cherished with such fierce pride.
“Are you alright?” A deep, magnetic voice materialized beside her.
When Corrine opened her eyes, she found herself gazing into Nate’s striking features. His unexpected presence startled her into an unguarded question.
“What are you doing here?” The words tumbled from her lips before she could contain them.
Their earlier parting felt like mere moments ago, yet here he stood. Nate cut an impressive figure in his bespoke suit, every inch of him exuding refined sophistication.
“Visiting an elderly family member,” he explained, his penetrating gaze studying her face. Something flickered in his eyes before he repeated his earlier question.
“Are you alright?”
Their eyes met and held, the intensity of his gaze causing her heart to falter.
“I’m fine,” Corrine managed, struggling to maintain her composure.
“I meant here,” Nate clarified softly, touching his chest.
“Most women would allow themselves to break down in such moments. Perhaps you should consider it?”
He extended a crisp handkerchief toward her.
A faint smile touched Corrine’s lips after a moment’s hesitation.
“Tears solve nothing. Why waste them on someone undeserving?”
“But it hurts, doesn’t it?” Nate’s expression softened as he observed her. Corrine’s gaze drifted to the dancing willow branches overhead, her voice barely above a whisper
“How could it not…”
The pain of realizing her passionate devotion had been met with emptiness still cut deep.
Nate’s eyes lingered on her profile before he spoke, his rich voice carrying an unexpected warmth.
“It’s futile to fight for things unworthy of the effort. Save your tears for those who truly value them.”
His words sent her heart racing unexpectedly. Their eyes met briefly before Corrine looked away, suddenly unsettled by the intensity of the moment.
Hesitation flickered across Nate’s features as he continued, “Why fight for his love when his heart has already departed? A clean break surpasses prolonged suffering.”
His directness surprised her.
Their acquaintance hardly warranted such intimate counsel, yet his words resonated with truth.
Corrine had never been one to hesitate, and the prospect of watching Bruce’s and Leah’s daily displays held no appeal. Drawing a steadying breath, she regained her composure.
“We’ve already separated. There’s nothing left between us.”
Shock registered briefly on Nate’s face before he mastered it, suppressing a smile as he responded with careful control.
“Unrequited passion deserves release. Miss Holland, your spirit is more free than I anticipated.”
“As you said, a clean break surpasses prolonged suffering,” Corrine replied.
“Besides, what must be begged for is mere charity. True gifts flow freely from the heart.”
Admiration flickered in Nate’s gaze as he arched an eyebrow.
“It seems we share similar philosophies.”
Their conversation flowed easily, time slipping away unnoticed until an elderly woman’s voice interrupted them.
“Sir, your grandmother requests your presence,” she announced, offering Corrine a warm smile.
“Perhaps this young lady would care to join us?”
Corrine turned to Nate with questioning eyes. His features softened as he gazed at her, a gentle warmth touching his expression.
“Would you mind greeting my grandmother?”
The invitation carried a hint of hopefulness that caught Corrine off guard. Her gaze drifted to the elderly woman standing nearby, noting the anticipation in her expression. After a moment’s consideration, Corrine gave a subtle nod of acceptance.
Evelyn Hopkins’ face illuminated with unbridled joy as she watched Nate and Corrine approach. Her hand lifted in an enthusiastic wave, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“My dear, I hope you’ll forgive the sudden invitation.” This marked the first time she had ever observed a woman in her grandson’s orbit, and she could barely contain her delight
“Hello, ma’am,” Corrine responded with graceful politeness.
Evelyn’s smile deepened as she clasped Corrine’s hand between her weathered palms, stroking it with maternal affection.
“Oh, what a lovely girl you are. The more I look at you, the more charmed I become.”
Though somewhat flustered by the unexpected warmth, Corrine maintained a polite, if slightly awkward, smile. Nate, perceiving her discomfort, smoothly intervened by adjusting Evelyn’s blanket, creating a subtle buffer.
“The sunshine is pleasant today, but the breeze carries a chill. We must keep you warm, Grandma.”
Evelyn’s eyebrows arched in astonishment. Could this attentive, considerate man truly be her typically aloof grandson? Her years of wisdom allowed her to read between the lines of his actions. A knowing smile played on her lips as she recognized her grandson’s protective gesture toward the young woman. Perhaps he wasn’t as emotionally distant as she had feared.
Her gaze softened with affection as she turned back to Corrine.
“Tell me, young lady, how long have you known each other?”
Understanding dawned on Corrine as she realized the direction of Evelyn’s thoughts.
“Oh, ma’am, there’s been a misunderstanding. We only just met by chance.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.