Chapter 38
25 BONUS
“When we were in high school, we were lucky enough to be placed in the same class. One time, the class organized
hiking trip, and someone suggested we climb a mountain. About seven or eight of us decided to go.
Wer
ended up walking quite far without realizing it, and eventually, we got lost. As the sun began to set, some of the girls started crying in fear. But you–It was remarkable you didn’t cry. You calmly suggested that we follow the North Star, and your composure in that moment put us boys to shame.
By the next morning, we found our way back to school. All the parents had shown up, crying with relief as they embraced their kids. But you stood alone in the corner, with no one to comfort you. It was then I realized that your strength, your calmness, your ability to face challenges without flinching–was the very thing that made you so heart–wrenchingly fragile.
You had no parents, just your aunt and uncle who raised you. You understood that you were different from the other kids; your aunt and uncle weren’t obligated to spoil you the way parents might.
Later, we went to the same university. I wanted to start my own business, and you worked part–time while studying to save money for me. You didn’t even want to tell me that you were ghostwriting for others late into the night to help fund my dreams. I only found out because your roommate was fed up with the constant typing sounds keeping her up.
And after that…” Duncan suddenly paused. His eyes stung with unshed tears, but he refused to let them fall. He held Lucy tightly in his arms.
“Audrey, promise me that no matter what happens in the future, I will always believe in you. I will always stand by your side. All I ask is that you never hide anything from me again. Don’t bear all the pain alone. We are supposed to be there for each other until the end, weathering the storms together.”
Duncan’s mind wandered back to the days when Audrey was alone in France, sitting on the swing by herself for entire days, sometimes quietly crying while looking at his picture, enduring both physical and emotional torment
in silence.
She did it all in the hope of returning to him, healthy and whole.
She was human–someone with flesh and blood, who could feel pain, who could cry, and one day, who would die. But when she came back, not only did he fail to cherish her, he pushed her away, using Heather to provoke her. He had never given her a moment’s peace.
But now, she was still here. Still by his side.
Duncan pressed a deep kiss to Lucy’s forehead. “Audrey, thank you. Thank you for staying with me. Thank you for not holding all my mistakes against me. Thank you… there are just too many things I need to thank you for.”
Lucy looked at Duncan, who was full of gratitude, and her heart ached. This man wasn’t just strikingly handsome; getting to know him better revealed his true radiance and unwavering devotion. While there may still be men with depth of feeling, few could match him in loyalty and love.
It was impossible not to fall for a man like Duncan; it was impossible not to get attached.
“Duncan, I’ll never leave you. I promise, I’ll stay by your side for the rest of my life,” Lucy whispered, her voice trembling as she hugged him tightly. She didn’t want to leave, but one day he would wake up and realize she wasn’t Audrey. When that day came, he wouldn’t hesitate to push her away.
Duncan was deeply devoted, but also single–minded in his love. He could only be gentle with the woman he truly loved, and Lucy knew she wasn’t that woman. Once he discovered the truth, his tenderness wouldn’t extend to her.
Lucy understood that all too well.
Chapter 30
+25 BONUS
Unknowingly, tears streamed down her face. She wiped them away hastily and stood up, pushing Duncan aside. ” I’ll cook for you today.”
Duncan followed her to the kitchen, wanting to help, but Lacy gently pushed him out.
An hour later, Lucy had prepared a simple and light breakfast.
Looking at the dishes laid out on the table, which were far better than anything he had ever made, Duncan couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt.