Chapter 520 New Year Reunion
By referring himself as the older cousin of my children, Luke made it clear he’d moved past what we once had.
Luke’s life had undergone a radical transformation since my rebirth a year ago. Where I once thought fate was unfair, I now see that karma keeps meticulous accounts of every debt.
His declining fortunes were a testament to this truth–what you owe must be paid back, and he was living proof. Though still alive, he was a mere shadow of his former self.
Not long after Luke left, Bolton Residence welcomed more guests.
I hadn’t expected them to visit. When Hugo informed me of the guests arriving in the courtyard, seeing Philippa brought tears to my eyes.
“Philippa. ”
Philippa had regained her slim figure, looking remarkably youthful post–childbirth. Despite being 40, she appeared rejuvenated, like an older sister rather than a middle–aged woman.
She enveloped me in a hug, patting my back gently. “You scared me half to death!”
“Sorry, Philippa. I promised to be there for you during your delivery”
So much had happened that I couldn’t keep my promise.
Philippa stroked my hair. “As long as you’re okay, I’m relieved. They kept me in the dark; I only recently learned what you went through.”
She was thrilled to hear I was back and rushed over to see me.
Tears flowed down my cheeks. “I’m fine now. I’m sorry for worrying you. I heard you had twin boys; I haven’t seen them yet.”
Philippa blushed and cleared her throat. “The babies are too young to travel. Nicholas is at home taking care of them.”
Feeling a bit nosy, I asked, “Philippa, you chose Nicholas…
Before I could finish, Bill walked in, laden with bags.
I stood there, stunned. This love triangle hadn’t reached its conclusion?
Nicholas was home with the kids while Bill accompanied Philippa to see me. It seemed they had found a way to make things work.
Bill, oblivious to my thoughts, set down the bags and gave me a once–over. “You doing okay?”
Our relationship was complex. Though he considered me his daughter, we hadn’t grown up together, so his concern lacked the depth of a father–daughter bond But I knew he cared, and that was enough for me.
“Yes, I’m standing right here, aren’t I?”
Zoey had likely given him a colorful account of my ordeal. Their expressions–relieved and content- suggested that dwelling on who was with whom seemed unnecessary. As long as everyone was happy, nothing else mattered.
“I brought you some local specialties.”
I braced myself, expecting more lavish gifts like jewelry, typical of Bill’s generosity.
He began unpacking the bags. “This is honey I made myself. I wanted to bring some chickens, ducks, and fruit, but customs wouldn’t allow it.”
I laughed. It truly was a homely gift, and somehow, it felt more meaningful.
Bill, who had once excessively pursued power and wealth, was now returning to a simpler life.
I held Philippa’s hand. “Philippa, you must be exhausted from the trip. Come inside and rest.”
I looked at Damian, and he nodded without needing further instruction. “Mrs. Chloe, I’ll make the arrangements.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Even after Her Death (Chloe and Luke)
I take back my compliment and this is another novel I stop reading. Why are there so many chapters missing!!!! If much rather pay to read than read the rubbish on this site...
Finally a good story with mostly uninterrupted reading due to garbled paragraphs, which is evident in most of the other novels I've tried reading and given up on I'm thoroughly enjoying it!...