usk duped over the here in sued doch
Son stood on the stone stakes while
Dist der Alle on or being me borda”
The sage sam scared hind him madder dos sheing though water with ring any he stillnes
Nr air scoot dang cold into da As
Hakiled in a coat that ofbrod warmth he sat on a these ok. Ogarones burned one ate awes flickering like his dying Age
Someone urged him to rest. He gave a hollow smile ‘She’s and of the ‘I want.”
After twenty–four hours, exhaustion dung day when shows pood the silence: “found te
Sean lurched upright, trembling va
They hauled the sodden weight aband
That familiar silhouette lay too still. His loaden arm rood 30 more is trembled meat the uiting me fists, nails biting palms without pain.
Wake up.”
His voice shredded like wind–torn paper. “You promised forever. Why
Only silence answered.
He crashed to his knees, uncaring of the impact. Gently brushing dang how som bor Boload-
Skin cold as ice. No warmth left.
“Open your eyes…” Words clogged like burning cotton. He wanted a shote Act, woam, dig a hole whingga escaped. “Not a replacement. Not a toy…”
“No one knew… how thrilled I was to find you. Bringing you back… ist soils.
Tears fell on her cheek, vanishing into dirt.
“I was wrong… I’ll let you go. Anywhere….just wake up.”
Burying his face in her chilled neck, a chokest sob tore through his throat–aw and share
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Chapter 9
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banks.
The river flowed on, carrying his regret and unspoken apologies toward distant darkness, never to return.
Piano music Shirley loved dripped through the opulent hall.
She glided down the aisle, a custom gown sculpting her into a regal swan.
Alexander watched, yet saw only rain two years prior: a simple ceremony, Barbara in a rented gown with mud–stained hem, beaming as she said, “Perfect. Down–to–earth.”
He held her hand then, his palm slick with sweat, so nervous he nearly missed the priest’s question.
She secretly scratched his palm, whispering: “If you back out now, I’ll cry right here.”
He trembled with laughter, yet his voice rang clear: “Not in this lifetime.”
“Mr. Williams, do you take Shirley as your wife?”
The officiant’s voice rose slightly.
Alexander snapped back to reality.
He tugged his tie, scanning the audience. For a fleeting moment, Hexi’s figure seemed to materialize in the corner- always in simple white dresses, chin propped on her hand, eyes sparkling like starfields.
But when he focused, only unfamiliar guests murmured there.
Alexander opened his mouth, his throat tightening.
He suddenly wondered what Hexi was doing now.
If only she’d pout like before, he’d give her anything.
Why wouldn’t she bend?
He hated the distance in her eyes.
So he defended Shirley relentlessly, craving Hexi’s jealousy–even if she threw a fit.
Yet she remained still as stagnant water.
“Alexander?”
Rita’s voice held hesitation.
Alexander shut his eyes briefly. When they reopened, the dazed look was forced down.
As his fingertip brushed Rita’s ring finger during the exchange, the heavy doors burst open.
Every gaze swung toward the entrance.
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Chapter 10
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Chapter 10
