Celeste returned from the doctor and immediately began packing her belongings. Her hands trembled, but she knew it was something she had to do. If she stayed any longer, she feared she would lose her resolve and possibly regret her decision.Peter’s last visit had made it clear to her—there was more
I say goodbye with affection,Celeste Mason]She folded the letter and placed it on the bedside table. After calling a taxi, she carefully left the house, carrying Spike in his carrier. The taxi would take her to the train station, where she faced a journey of over nine hours, followed by another tr
Peter quickened his steps, and when he finally reached the same stair as Valerie, he hesitated for a second before the sight of her hazel eyes overwhelmed him. Those eyes had stolen his breath so many years ago, and now they drew him in once more. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, holding
He continued, his voice heavy with regret. “I was in a coma for five years. The person who helped me wasn’t anyone known to my family. If Frank had found out I was alive, he would have had me killed. I had no choice.“Theodore Bennett saved me and gave me back my life. But that salvation came at a c
[Peter Palmer]“Sir, I’ve tried contacting the agent for flight clearance to Valentia, but I haven’t had any success. I also called the airport, but they’re not resolving anything. They’ve said we’ll need to wait until at least dawn.”“You’re useless! I need to travel now! I need to get to Valentia!
My house had slowly begun to take shape. The garden was thriving after weeks of care, and the last month and a half had been surprisingly peaceful. Thanks to the courses I took during my recovery, I had secured a new job—a recommendation from my art professor landed me a position at the Royce Cerami
Camille and Emma arrived back at the house. Camille was quick to question Greta about the man who had left moments before. Greta, with her usual bluntness, replied, “Ethan's grandfather was here, but honestly, I didn’t understand much of what happened.”Camille and Emma exchanged a glance, their exp
“I don’t know, Emma. I don’t understand what you’re asking,” Valerie replied, shrugging helplessly.“Fine. I’ll tell you,” Emma said, her tone growing sharper. “I’m going to be blunt, but know that I say this with all the love a mother can give. Okay?”“Yes…” Valerie murmured, bracing herself.“Mary
[A few months earlier ]It was nighttime. Alden was out of town, and Serenity couldn't sleep. Her belly was still round with pregnancy when she noticed Peter sitting alone in the garden. She decided to join him—as long as he was okay with her company.He had recently woken up, and to him, nearly eve
Valerie approached, one last time, one of the most important women in her life in Valeria.Emma Fiore—the woman who had taken her in almost like a daughter. While they had grown close during the three years Valerie was married to Maximus, their bond went far beyond that. They were family.Emma had c
After that hug, Valerie walked over to Laura, Serenity's sister, with whom she'd developed a bit of a bond."Laura and beautiful Adele—I wish you both all the success in the world… You must finish your studies and use your degree. You're living proof that it's possible—and that's exactly what your l
The day had finally come—the Bartz family and the newly formed Palmer-Bartz family were leaving for Hesperia.Without meaning to, the three families found themselves gathered once again at the airport.Marcus was saying goodbye to Peter, who, due to his memory loss, only held onto the memories of th
While Valerie packed up their things for the move back to Hesperia, Peter was driving with Celeste and their little girls toward Willowcombe.He was taking her to see how the renovations on the house—where they'd soon be living—were coming along.Celeste was in the back seat with the girls, tending
Valerie was packing clothes into the suitcases, though she kept drifting off, thinking about the reason they'd come here in the first place.At first, everything had seemed simple—quick even. Within a few months, they'd be back in Hesperia. But it had already been over a year.Things hadn't gone as
After Maximus said goodbye to Pierre, he went back into the mansion and headed straight to his son's room. Paul was lying on his bed, facing away from the door."Paul, can I come in?" Maximus asked gently."You're already in, Dad… Are you here to scold me for something that happened years ago?" Paul
"That's right. I'd like to speak with him alone, if you don't mind, Mr. Evans.""I think you're misunderstanding something. Letting you into my home doesn't mean you get to decide whether I'm in the conversation or not. Still, I'm trying to be reasonable—and if Paul wants to speak with you alone, on
Not too thrilled about it, Paul left his room and headed toward the garden, where a man was already waiting for him—one who didn't look his age. And to be honest, the resemblance between young Paul and the man was unmistakable.As soon as he heard footsteps approaching, the man—already sipping a cup