Chapter 6
He visibly relaxed, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating.
But I knew it wouldn’t be an attempt to keep me.
He was probably relieved he didn’t have to be the bad guy.
Fighting through the pain, I continued: “And how dare you pity me? It makes me feel pathetic. Stop sending flowers too–I absolutely hate the ones you send.”
Confusion flickered across his face before he quickly looked away.
Obviously, they really weren’t from him.
The cold wind scattered my thoughts to pieces. Time seemed to freeze as I stared at the man before me who couldn’t
find words.
His phone rang again with impeccable timing. Just from Raine’s expression, I knew who was calling.
He instantly forgot about the flower conversation, his brow smoothing, his tone softening: “What is it? Maddox is looking for me? I’ll be right there.”
After hanging up, his mood lightened considerably. He cleared his throat and said: “Lyra, we’ll discuss this later.”
He hurried away.
Looking at the freshly turned soil in the garden, I felt oddly reflective.
Twelve years ago, he personally buried my wish bottle here. And just now, he personally dug up Jade’s.
For someone who insists on changing bed sheets daily, he willingly got his hands dirty digging through earth.
But what about my wish bottle? Does he even remember it?
I must have been a fool. His affection and tenderness foolishly led me to believe my secret crush had been reciprocated. But the forgotten supporting character never shines brightly enough to capture his heart.
He simply enjoyed my worshipful gaze when he was heartbroken. Whether it was soft–hearted pity or empathy, it wasn’t love.
I crouched on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.
The villa blazed with lights, but the garden lamps suddenly dimmed.
No one heard my cries carried away by the cold wind, just as no one saw my small form running to catch up in childhood.
I don’t know how long I cried, until my voice grew hoarse.
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Chapter 6
Then I heard Jade calling from a distance: “Uncle Julian, I’ve almost lost all my spending money! Come help me win
some hands!”
I followed her voice and saw a tall man on the second–floor balcony. From that position, he could overlook everything happening in the garden.
Against the light, I couldn’t make out his expression, nor could I tell how long he’d been standing there or whether he’d heard our conversation.
“Uncle Julian, what are you doing out here?” Jade pushed open the balcony door.
I hastily wiped my face, searching for somewhere to hide when the man’s voice carried down:
“Don’t come out, it’s cold. I’ll be right there.”
He turned, pushing Jade back inside.
Coincidentally, Maddox called me: “Where are you? Come upstairs after you’ve eaten something. Say hello to Uncle Julian.”
Outside the card room, a crowd had gathered.
Julian Storm sat at the card table, impeccably dressed in a dark suit, exuding authority. He raised his hand slightly, and the fawning crowd quickly dispersed.
Maddox sat across from him, pulling me forward to greet him.
I said softly: “Hello, Uncle Julian.”
Julian looked up, examining me with a somewhat probing gaze, but didn’t respond. He probably didn’t even remember someone as insignificant as me.
I’d always been somewhat intimidated by him and shrank behind Maddox.
Fortunately, he didn’t mention seeing me in the garden earlier, suggesting he hadn’t overheard my conversation with Raine. This was slightly reassuring.
Maddox was a terrible card player, his chips dwindling.
Julian seemed equally unskilled–Jade had already lost everything.
Only Raine had chips stacked high before him.
Frustrated with his poor play and blaming his injured arm, Maddox pushed me toward his chair: “I’m done. Lyra, take over for me.”
I found myself sitting directly across from Julian, meeting his gaze. His eyes were extraordinary–deep, cold, with irises so dark they seemed bottomless.
I played a fifty–thousand chip.
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Chapter 6
Raine followed with his own fifty thousand.
Julian went for the win with a four–six combination, needing exactly Raine’s five.
Raine grimaced: “Uncle Julian, you didn’t take the last five thousand, but now you’re taking mine…”
Julian’s lips curved upward, though the smile never reached his eyes: “Sorry. Game–ending play.”
Raine showed his cards to everyone: “I specifically arranged my hand to avoid giving you the winning piece.”
Julian responded coolly: “Abandon a good hand, lose accordingly.”
He didn’t look at the cards or at Raine. His gaze was fixed on me.
My mind went blank, and I immediately averted my eyes.
My sixth sense warned me again–Julian had seen everything.
1 Cala the Spotlight
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.