Chapter 130 It's Better to Forget This Way
Caroline's eyes lit up instantly.
She stared at Liam in disbelief. "Really? He… he's actually letting me design the terrace?"
Liam nodded with a smile. "Yes, ma'am. Mr. Hamilton's orders."
A flush of color warmed Caroline's pale cheeks. She forgot about her injured leg and began to rise, but Kenna caught her arm just in time.
"Careful, ma'am!"
"I'm fine!"
The joy on her face was impossible to hide.
She turned to the designers. "The terrace is right outside. Shall we take a look?"
Caroline led them onto the spacious terrace.
The warm glow of evening spilled across the space. A breeze carried the scent of grass and flowers from the garden below, lending the air a gentle warmth.
She stood in the center and gestured as she spoke.
"Here… I want a small round table, just right for two people. Natural wood with visible grain would be best—something warm."
"Two armchairs beside it. Comfortable, with cushions in soft colors—cream or light gray."
"Fresh flowers on the table, refreshed daily. A small vase, nothing fancy. Whatever's in season, with morning dew still on them. Something fragrant…"
"A couple of potted plants in the corner. Easy to care for. Maybe ones that bloom, just to add some life…"
"Soft evening lighting. A floor lamp, maybe. Or string lights…"
Her voice was gentle, filled with longing.
The designers worked quickly, sketching preliminary renderings on their tablets. Once Caroline approved, they called in workers to begin the installation.
Liam stood behind her, watching her gaze follow the workers with such hope that his chest tightened.
She smiled so purely, so happily—all because Alexander had let her design a terrace.
He stepped forward and lowered his voice. "Ma'am, does this really make you that happy?"
Caroline turned at the sound, her smile widening as she nodded firmly.
"Of course I'm happy! Because I'm not designing this terrace for myself."
She looked back at the space taking shape, beaming.
"I'm hoping that when Alexander's under a lot of pressure, when he's exhausted, he'll have somewhere to catch his breath. Even if it's just for a few minutes—to drink some tea, let his mind drift, look at flowers, feel the breeze, and not think about complicated things."
"I'm happy because he finally listened to me. Because he's willing to give himself a chance to rest."
She turned her gaze back to Liam.
"As long as he's healthy, as long as he can relax a little, I'm happy."
Liam looked at her pure, radiant smile, and his throat tightened.
He had worked for Alexander for years. He remembered Caroline from when she was younger.
Back then, she had come from an elite family—beautiful, graceful, one of Grandhaven's most sought-after socialites.
She had always smiled, handling people with perfect courtesy. She seemed bright, generous, gentle.
But even then, Liam had sensed something beneath the surface—something she was holding back.
Her smile never faltered, but her eyes carried a shadow. A sadness that never quite lifted.
She seemed to have so many thoughts, so many feelings, but no opportunity—or courage—to express them.
Until one day, Liam had gone to the Neville Mansion to deliver something from Alexander to Edith. He had wandered into the back garden by accident and found Caroline hiding behind a wall of blooming roses.
Her back was to him. She held a small watering can, absentmindedly sprinkling water on the flowers.
She made no sound, but he saw her shoulders trembling, tears falling and hitting the damp soil.
Then he heard her choked whisper carried on the wind. "What am I supposed to do? Dad… how do I explain this to you? I don't know what to do… if you knew…"
The rest was lost, but the helplessness radiating from her in that moment had stolen Liam's breath.
He hadn't dared to approach. He hadn't wanted to shatter the fragile composure she fought so hard to maintain—it would only make things worse.
From that moment on, Liam understood: this woman who seemed to have everything carried pain most people couldn't imagine.
She wasn't invincible. She had her own vulnerabilities. Her own need for support.
And now, with her fractured memories, Caroline was more docile around Alexander. But Liam noticed something else—she seemed more real than before.
Her joy, her sorrow, her worry, her hope, her tears and laughter—all of it showed now, unfiltered.
Liam's emotions churned. He didn't know whether to feel relieved by her simple happiness now, or heartbroken over her brutal past and uncertain future.
Finally, he swallowed the ache in his throat and spoke quietly. "Ma'am, you… taking care of your health is what matters most. I'll keep an eye on Mr. Hamilton. Don't worry too much. You just… try to stay in good spirits."
Caroline smiled more now than she used to.
Liam thought about that. Part of him hoped she could stay this happy—even if that happiness was built on a false foundation.
Caroline turned to him, her gaze clear.
"I'm happy every day now. Even though… strange things happen sometimes. Things that scare me. But as long as Alexander's with me, as long as I know he cares about me—even just a little—I'm happy."
Liam's throat tightened. He could barely speak, lowering his head quickly to hide the sudden wetness in his eyes.
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
Liam pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and his expression shifted—barely noticeable.
He looked up and gave Caroline an apologetic smile. "Ma'am, sorry. I need to take this."
Caroline assumed it was work and waved him off. "Go ahead. Don't worry about me. The designers are here."
Liam nodded. Still holding the vibrating phone, he left the terrace.
He walked quickly down the hallway to an empty corner. Only then did he answer, keeping his voice low. "I know. Wait at the gate. I'll be right out."