A wave of nostalgia washed over her, memories of the past year flickering through her mind like the lights outside.
Still, she remained silent, lost in her thoughts.
The next morning dawned with Nathan waking up unusually early.
The anticipation of accompanying Lucinda to visit the Roberts family today left him restless, caught between excitement and anxiety.
Dressed in his suit, he perched on the edge of the hotel bed, staring out at the skyline, deep in contemplation.
The moment Lucinda woke up, she found him deep in thought.
Nathan was sitting upright, dignified, and facing away from her.
He had a deep presence and an elegant poise, even while lost in thought.
Anyone who saw him could say that even his back looked quite handsome.
Lucindaâs slender fingers slipped from behind into Nathanâs dark suit jacket.
She hooked onto the belt at his waist and gave it a tug.
âWhat are you thinking about?â she asked.
âWhy are you up early in the morning to sit like a statue? Is there something on your mind?â
Nathan turned his head when he heard her voice.
He bent down, cradled her face with both hands, and ki*sed her soft pink lips twice.
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After the ki*ses, his thin lips moved to her forehead, chin, and eyes, as if unwilling to stop.
Lucinda was almost overwhelmed by the ki*ses.
She barely managed to regain her breath by pressing her palm against his face.
âWhat are you doing? Suddenly, youâre all passionate and wild, and itâs making me uneasy, like weâre on the brink of saying goodbye,â
Lucinda stated worriedly.
Nathan wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her neck.
âWeâre not parting ways, never.
I was just reminiscing about the first time I laid eyes on you in Stastle, even with a mask on, you saw through me,â he murmured.
Lucinda comforted him, patting his back gently.
âBecause youâve always been in my heart.
Iâve never forgotten you,â she whispered solemnly.
Once, she had deluded herself into thinking she could walk away from this love.
However, Nathanâs steadfast grip on their relationship prevented her from doing so.
If he hadnât fought for them relentlessly back then, maybe she would have truly let go.
But with each battle Nathan fought for their love, even risking fading from her world, she realized she couldnât easily move on from the man sheâd cherished for three long years.
Nathan remained silent.
Since arriving in Forden yesterday, his spirits had been noticeably low.
However, Lucinda couldnât discern the cause.
It was either he harbored a secret or feared something.
âHoney, is there something about the Roberts family youâre keeping from me?â she inquired with concern.
Nathan buried his entire face in the crook of her neck, concealing his expression, while his back stiffened momentarily.
After a moment of hesitation, he spoke in a subdued tone.
âIf I were to deceive you, would you retaliate?â
Lucindaâs expression turned serious as she pinched the muscle on his side, suggesting a silent threat.
âWhat do you think?â