Chapter 17
Author: Mel Hope
last update2025-05-27 03:46:15
Meanwhile, back at her home, Elaine paced restlessly across the grand marble floors.

The silence of the enormous house wrapped around her like a suffocating shroud as she stared out the tall windows into the night.

Memories of Antonio came flooding back.

She remembered his gentle touch when she was sick, the way he laughed softly under his breath when she made a joke, how he had always brought her coffee just the way she liked it even when they were fighting.

Her heart ached bitterly
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  • Chapter 660

    Adrian forced himself to maintain his pleasant smile.He refused to let the disappointment on his face become obvious.Instead, he picked up his teacup and took a slow sip, buying himself a few moments to compose his thoughts.The Kessington family clearly favored Donald.That much had become undeniable.Margaret had not openly said Donald would become her son-in-law, but every word she had spoken pointed in that direction.Adrian looked at Evelyn.She had laughed when her mother mentioned marriage.She hadn't agreed.But neither had she completely dismissed the possibility.That alone made him uneasy.Setting his cup down gently, Adrian smiled."Mrs. Kessington, I believe every parent wants the best for their child."Margaret nodded."Naturally.""I can understand why you admire Doctor Donald."A faint smile crossed Margaret's face."He's an admirable young man."Adrian continued carefully."Still, marriage shouldn't be decided simply because two people have a child together."Margar

  • Chapter 659

    Antonio closed the front door after inviting David Collins into the living room."Please, have a seat.""Thank you."David sat down neatly, placing his briefcase beside him.Antonio remained standing for a moment, staring at the sealed envelope in his hand.His name was written across the front in Emily's handwriting.He let out a slow breath before finally breaking the seal.A neatly folded letter slid into his hand.He unfolded it and began to read.Antonio,I know you probably don't want to hear from me after everything that has happened, but I believe we owe each other one honest conversation.This letter is not meant to embarrass you or create another public scene. There are too many people speaking for us already.Our son deserves better than that.I know you have made it clear that you do not intend to marry me, and I heard your decision before my family. I won't pretend those words didn't hurt.Still, no matter what happened between us, we are now connected through our child.

  • Chapter 658

    The lawyer studied Antonio for several moments after hearing his answer."I want my wife back."There was no hesitation.No uncertainty.Antonio had answered almost instinctively.The lawyer slowly closed the file lying on his desk."Then that gives us somewhere to begin."Antonio leaned forward."What do you mean?""You have two battles in front of you."He held up one finger."The first concerns your responsibilities as the father of Emily's child."Then a second finger."The second concerns your marriage."Antonio nodded quietly."You cannot ignore either one.""I know."The lawyer continued."If your priority is reconciling with Cynthia, honesty will be your greatest ally."Antonio lowered his gaze."I should have told her the truth months ago.""You should have.""I thought I was protecting her."The lawyer shook his head gently."Secrets rarely protect anyone.""They usually become heavier with time."Antonio sighed deeply."I've learned that the hard way."The lawyer slid a not

  • Chapter 657

    Antonio sat motionless for several minutes after the call ended.The silence in his study felt unusually heavy.He glanced once more at the framed photograph of himself and Cynthia that rested on the corner of his desk. It had been taken just a year after their wedding. They had been laughing about something neither of them could remember now, but the happiness on their faces had been genuine."I've made a terrible mess," he murmured.His phone was still in his hand.Almost instinctively, he dialed Cynthia's number again.The familiar automated voice answered."The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable..."Antonio slowly lowered the phone.Again.She still wasn't answering.He rubbed his temples, exhaustion evident on his face."No matter where you are," he whispered, "I just need to know you're safe."Meanwhile, several miles away, Cynthia sat quietly on the balcony of the small guesthouse where she had been staying.The evening breeze brushed gently against her fac

  • Chapter 656

    Mary Gibson finished her work later than usual that Friday evening.She shut down her computer, gathered her handbag, and exchanged a few words with her colleagues before leaving the office. The moment she stepped outside, she pulled out her phone.There were three missed calls.All of them were from the same person.Cynthia.Mary frowned.It wasn't like her cousin to call repeatedly.She immediately returned the call.The line rang several times before Cynthia finally answered."Mary?""Cynthia, what's going on? I've been trying to reach you too.""I'm sorry," Cynthia replied. "I left my phone on silent."Mary could hear the exhaustion in her voice."You don't sound alright."There was a brief silence."I'm... managing."Mary knew her cousin well enough to recognize that answer."No, you're not."Cynthia sighed."I just need some time to think.""Have you decided what you're going to do about Antonio?""I don't know."Mary slowed her pace along the sidewalk."Have you spoken to him?"

  • Chapter 655

    Emily spent the rest of the night unable to sleep.Every few minutes, she glanced at her phone, hoping it would ring with fresh information. The silence irritated her. She had expected locating Cynthia to be simple. After all, Cynthia had not disappeared from the face of the earth.The following morning, the investigator called.Emily answered before the second ring."Tell me you've found her.""Not yet," the investigator admitted. "But we're making progress."Emily's expression darkened."I don't pay people for progress. I pay them for results.""I understand.""What have you found?"The investigator opened the file lying before him."We've confirmed that Mary Gibson is indeed Cynthia's cousin."Emily waited impatiently."And?""They grew up together."Emily remained silent."They've maintained a close relationship into adulthood," he continued. "According to several people we've interviewed, Cynthia often turns to Mary whenever she's going through personal difficulties."That finall

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