Chapter 264

Chapter 264

When I opened my eyes, the storm had already passed.
All my memories had come back.

I sat on the sofa, overwhelmed by a thousand emotions, trying to calm myself and make sense of everything.

The doctor stood with his back to me, sorting through the leftover medicinal herbs. Hearing movement, he turned around and asked gently, "You're awake? How do you feel now?"

Before I could speak, the door was suddenly pushed open.

Liam rushed in, looking tense, his face showing undisguised panic.

The moment he entered, he came straight to me, dropped to his knees in front of me, and called softly, “Sophia…”

He wanted to touch me, but seeing my calm expression, his hand suspended in the air ultimately didn't come down.

"How are you?" he asked me carefully. "What do you remember?"

I cut him off, my voice hoarse and unsteady.


The moment those words left my mouth, his entire body stiffened. The nervousness in his eyes deepened.


"The lighthouse." I raised my hand and touched the old scar on his brow bone, my fingertips trembling. "Why did you keep lying to me? You came that day—you just failed to protect me."

The moment I said it, my tears began to fall uncontrollably. Each drop felt like it was crashing straight into my heart..
Liam’s eyes trembled violently. He opened his mouth, his voice rough and broken. “I… I was too weak. I wanted to protect you, but I never expected…”

He couldn't continue the rest.

Instead, he stood up, pulled me into his arms, and held me tightly.

He used so much force, as if trying to merge me into his body.

I held him just as tightly. As my memories returned, all the feelings I had buried deep inside for years broke free with them.

Liam said intermittently, "All these years, I'm truly sorry."
“I’ve been searching for you all this time, but I never imagined you were right beside me.” He paused, his breathing uneven. “And all these years… I kept hoping I could return this to you.”

As he spoke, he took something out of his pocket.

I glanced at it, and my heart trembled violently.

It was that ruby necklace!

But after all these years, the ruby looked even more dazzling than before—brighter, deeper, almost glowing with life.

It was even more beautiful than it had been back then.


There wasn’t the slightest sign of damage or wear. It was obvious Liam had protected it with extraordinary care.

"I've kept it safe all along," Liam looked at me solemnly. "Sophia, will you accept it again?"

After he spoke, he stared at me without blinking, waiting for my answer.


“Idiot…” I laughed and cried at the same time, raising my hand to lightly hit his shoulder. “How could I possibly refuse you?”

"The experiences of these years have been too painful, and there have been too many accidents. This isn't our fault—it's fate."
“If that’s true, then why should we keep punishing ourselves for things that are already in the past?” I looked at him through blurred tears.


"Liam," I said with tears in my eyes, looking at him through blurred vision, "this time, let's not miss each other again, okay?"

The moment he heard that, Liam—the man who was always calm and composed—finally let tears fall.

With trembling hands, he put the necklace around my neck.

We held each other and cried together.

Twenty years.

From the day we made that promise at the lighthouse until now, twenty whole years had passed. At last, the ruby had returned to my hands.

And the misunderstandings and pain between us could finally be peacefully reconciled today.

"Sophia!" The door was pushed open again.

I looked up—it was Patrick!

He stood frozen at the doorway, clearly stunned when he saw Liam and me holding each other.
I wiped my tears and calmly withdrew from Liam's embrace, asking, "What's wrong?"

Patrick’s expression was complicated, but he quickly forced himself to stay calm. His tone turned urgent. “Something happened.”

“That bastard Albert is making his final move. He broke into Liam’s hotel with his men and took the director and the children hostage.”

What!

I suddenly stood up, the excitement on my face replaced by anger.

"That bastard!" I cursed. "He's too shameless."

Patrick continued, "Albert wants you alone, bringing all the evidence to the western suburb warehouse for an exchange, otherwise..."

He paused.

My eyes turned cold as I asked, "Otherwise what?"

"Otherwise he'll detonate the bomb and die together with everyone."

I didn't speak, just suddenly clenched my fists.

At this point, there was enough evidence about the Sanchez family to easily send them to prison.

But I never expected Albert would go this far—choosing mutual destruction over surrender.

I didn't hesitate and nodded, "Tell him I'll go."

"No!" Liam and Patrick shouted in unison.

“Don’t worry. I know exactly what I’m doing. As long as Albert is still alive, none of us will ever live in peace.”
Seeing the fear in their eyes, I forced myself to stay rational and began giving instructions.“You take people and approach from the west side. Cut off every possible escape route.”
"Liam, you go notify the police and have them take the high ground."

"What about you?" they both looked at me.

"I'll go in and talk to him," I said calmly, "to create opportunities for you."

I smiled, my expression relaxed. "Why are you both making that face? I'm creating opportunities for you."

"It's too dangerous," Liam grabbed my hand, his eyes full of disapproval. "Maybe you shouldn't go after all."

He said, "Let me go instead."

I shook my head in refusal. "Albert is too cautious. If you guys go, he won't agree."

"On the contrary, if something really happens, the director and the children will all be in danger."

I looked at Liam, my face full of determination. "Don't worry, I'll come back alive."

"We haven't finished talking about our matters yet."

Seeing my determined expression, Liam said no more, just held my hand and said, "I'll live and die with you."

"Sophia, if something really happens to you, I don't plan to live alone either."

He looked at me, his expression serious.

I knew he wasn't joking.

My smile faded a bit, and I nodded to show I understood.

Seeing Patrick standing at the door without leaving, Liam patted my hand and said, "I'll wait for you outside."

The doctor also went out.

Only Patrick and I remained in the room.

Patrick looked at me, a flash of vulnerability in his eyes. He asked, "You two made up."

Although it was a question, he used a definite tone.

I nodded.

Seeing I didn't say more, Patrick couldn't help but get emotional. "What about me?"

He stepped forward and grabbed my hand, asking, "What about me, Sophia?"

Patrick stared at me with red eyes, wanting me to give him an answer.

"Patrick," I called out softly, "we're family."

"We'll never be separated, but as your sister, I'll bless you in finding your happiness."

Patrick's expression was stubborn. "But you are my happiness."