Chapter 1447 Bernard stared at the man before him, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Caleb. For a fleeting moment, it was as if he saw Caleb clawing his way out of hell and staggering toward him, proclaiming, âMr. Law, I clawed my way out of that hellhole. Pretty badass, huh?â
How often had Bernard wished for such an ending, even dreaming it into existence. Yet the indifferent gaze that met his was not like Calebâs-whose eyes, despite being weathered by storms, still sparkled. This manâs eyes held a detachment from worldly concerns.
It took only a glance for Bernard to differentiate Caleb from the man before him, Zephyr. But due to their shared features, a sliver of hope persisted in Bernardâs heart, and he finally broke the silence, âIâm here for you.â
Hearing Bernardâs voice, Katherine, who had been sipping honeyed tea, felt a surge of anger darken her expression. The anger was tempered, though, by her recent practice of meditation, which had smoothed her once volatile temper.
She restrained her fury and turned to face Bernard, who had just entered with Eleanor, âIf Caleb hadnât come back safe and sound, I would have killed you.â
Seeing Katherine, Bernard felt a deep sense of guilt. Caleb should have been there to live a happy life with his love and their child, but because of Bernard, Caleb was gone, and his beloved was condemned to a lifetime of pain.
The usually haughty Bernard, with his cool, detached eyes, couldnât help but reveal a trace of remorse buried deep in his heart, âIâm sorry.â
Sorry for causing Katherine to lose her husband, and sorry that Caleb hasnât come back-this latter thought Bernard couldnât voice. Who could be so cruel as to sever Katherineâs last thread of hope?
Sometimes, itâs the blissful ignorance in life that spares us from regret. Let her believe Zephyr is Caleb. How else would she go on living?
Seeing guilt in Bernardâs eyes was rare, and Katherine wanted to seize it to lash out at him. But when her hand brushed Eleanorâs pregnant belly, the harsh words sheâd prepared retreated, âYouâre pregnant?â
Eleanor touched her belly, feeling a momentâs guilt. Katherine had lost her child, her Caleb, yet Eleanor still had her husband and child. It seemed so unfair.
Unable to face Katherine, Eleanor was taken aback by her smile and the understanding in her eyes, âIf my child had lived, theyâd be about as big as yours now. But itâs okay, Caleb and I will have more children.â
With kindness, Katherine added, âWith the baby so far along, you shouldnât have troubled 1/2 08:57 yourself coming to see Caleb. You need to take care of yourself so the little one can be comfortable in your belly.â
Eleanor lowered her gaze, ashamed, âKatherine, Iâm sorry. If it werenât for me, your child might still be...â
Seeing Eleanorâs face, Katherine remembered the time she had lost her temper and scalded her. Katherine felt even more remorseful, âItâs not your fault at all. I was the one with the temper. I caused my own loss.â
Having said her piece, Katherine didnât want to keep apologizing for past grievances. She rose from her wicker chair to make room for them, âYou two catch up with Caleb. Iâll leave you to it.â
She swept past Bernard without a glance, but as they brushed shoulders, she caught his whispered apology once more, âIâm sorry.â
It was a sincere apology, heavy with regret, as if Caleb truly were dead, prompting the proud man to say sorry again and again.
Katherine, unfazed, gestured toward Zephyr, âThe one you should be apologizing to is Caleb.â
With that, she strode away. Once she was gone, Zephyrâs gaze softened, and he made a welcoming gesture to the two guests, âIf you donât mind, please take a seat. Would you like a cup of tea?â
Caleb never liked tea. He favored strong coffee to stay alert, ready for when Mr. Law would call him to action.
Bernard glanced at the tranquil tea setup and wondered if Caleb, had he not been sent away by his own family on that ill-fated ship, might have enjoyed a peaceful life like Zephyrâs, not having to live on the edge for him.
There were no answers, no way to trace back the past. One could only live in the present, where all past things seem beautiful through the misty veil of memory.
Bernard helped Eleanor to a seat across from Zephyr. Few words were exchanged, but in Zephyrâs calm demeanor, Bernard saw something extraordinary, âOn the way over, Robin told me about Calebâs background. I didnât expect him to be your brother.â
A Second Chance At Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard)
ï¤Chapter 1446 Impulsive Vow to an Enigmatic Husband (END)
ï¤Chapter 1765 (END)
After pouring tea for them, Zephyr offered a light smile, âI thought you might mistake me for Caleb, like Katherine did. I was wondering how to explain.â
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