Semua Bab For The Rest Of Our Lives: Bab 41 - Bab 50

A heavy silence settled between them, Adam’s eyes brimming with a complex mix of regret and pain. Althea couldn’t stand his penetrating gaze and turned sideways, clearing her throat before she spoke.“I think it's best if we forget about it,” she suggested, her tone attempting to sound detached. “Let’s just…live in the moment. Let’s not ruin what we have going on here.”Adam swallowed, holding back the multitude of responses vying for release in his mind.There were so many things he wanted to say to her. So many questions that he wanted to ask, but he chose not to because he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.“Yeah, sure,” he agreed softly, though his heart ached with the knowledge that this wasn’t how he wanted things to be. “Let's live in the moment.”“So,” Althea said, trying to lighten the mood with a forced smile. “I’ll be… the girl who used to have a crush on you, and you’ll be… the boy who still loves me.”“You know?” Adam asked, breaking the silence, Althea nodded kn

“Hey, let's swap accessories,” Althea suggested, reaching for the glasses and wig. “This time, let’s do a peace sign and close one eye.”The two exchanged their props, giggling like schoolchildren as they posed for more pictures, their laughter echoing throughout the photo booth. One pose after another, they milked every ounce of silliness from the moment until it was time for the grand finale.“Time for the final pose!” Althea announced, her eyes shining with excitement. They both took off the props.“I’m all out of ideas,” Adam confessed. “What’s your final pose?”“Wait for it,” Althea teased, her fingers flitting over the countdown buttons. “Just trust me on this one.”She turned to face Adam, her eyes alight with mischief.“Ready?” Althea asked, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.“Bring it on,” Adam said, his curiosity piqued.The countdown hit three and Adam’s eyes narrowed, trying to anticipate Althea’s next move. But just as Althea leaned in to give him a peck on the ch

"No! You're not going to leave me like Wally did. I've been through enough. I deserve better," Althea countered, her hands dropping from Mrs. Walter's embrace. "There are treatments, there's chemotherapy—we can still fight this. Don't talk about dying!" she cried, anguish and desperation filling her voice.Mrs. Walter reached out, her fingers brushing Althea's face in a gesture of comfort and understanding. "My dear," she said gently, "I've tried everything. The doctors say there is no progress. I can't keep wasting my time and energy fighting a losing battle," Mrs. Walter continued, her words carrying a heavy finality. "I know you don't want to hear it, but I have to accept that it's my time. I'm not getting any younger so it's best if I die young. I'm ready to join Wally."Althea's heart felt like it was being torn in two. She wanted to argue, to protest, to do anything to keep Mrs. Walter from giving up. But deep down, she knew the fight was over."No," she insisted, her voice fille

"Yes, I brought Mrs. Walter here from Paris," Adam confessed."I don't understand. How?" Althea asked, her brows creasing in confusion."Because I'm the new owner of Sky Cafe," Adam revealed.Althea’s eyes widened. "What? That's not possible," she whispered, still trying to process the information.Adam continued, "I tried to buy the cafe for you when you were eight, but Mrs. Walter wasn't selling. Years later, when Sky Cafe was closing, I finally bought it, intending to keep it closed until I could use it. But then I found out I was getting married to you, and I thought it would be the perfect wedding gift."Althea stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. "I… I don't know what to say. Why didn't you tell me any of this?"Adam smiled softly. "I wanted to surprise you."But this doesn't make sense. There are gaps. I don't understand." Althea struggled to form her words, overwhelmed by the revelation.Mrs. Walter offered, "Let me explain."Althea nodded, still stunned. "Please do.

Adam's gaze remained fixed on Althea, his face a stony mask hiding the hurt he felt. He felt as though she was determined to hate him no matter what."Very well," Adam replied, his tone icy but betrayed by a flicker of hurt in his eyes. "I will release Timothy, if that's what you want. But I can't release your father," he continued, his voice flat and emotionless. "His business is with my father."Althea stood, her posture stiff and determined. "Fine. We'll talk when I see Timothy, alive."Adam's lips pressed into a thin line. "As you wish. But be aware, Althea, that our fathers' business is deep and tangled. Releasing Timothy may not be as simple as you think."Althea's jaw tightened. "I'm not a fool, Adam. I know there will be complications.”"I'm leaving now, Mrs. Walter," Althea announced, turning to face the older woman. "I would like to continue our conversation with Jenny and Jackson soon."Mrs. Walter let out a frustrated groan. "Althea, please...""My mind is made up," Althea