My Beloved Has Risen from Death's Embrace novel Chapter 59

The darkness in the bedroom cloaked Orion's face, twisting his chilled smile into something more haunting than tears. Orion's grip tightened, shattering an old photo frame that hung on the wall.

Illusions, no matter how long they linger, eventually shatter—they never morph into reality.

"Xan, what's wrong with Uncle Orion?" Sebastian asked Xanthea cautiously after a long silence.

Though he didn't fully grasp the situation, he could clearly sense that his uncle was deeply distressed, as though he had suffered a tremendous blow.

Xanthea shook her head, her thoughts murky.

In the middle of the night, she tossed and turned on the guest bed at the Thompsons', restless and uneasy. She had thought that after a day full of activities, sleep would claim her the moment her head hit the pillow. Yet, every time she closed her eyes, she saw Orion's expression as he left the dinner table.

What had she said wrong?

Was it just because she had invited him to the engagement party? Why had his reaction been so severe? Could it be he was also reborn? Did he know what would happen to her on that day, hence his reaction?

That seemed unlikely. On the plane, he didn't even recognize Miranda. If he knew her fate, he'd surely help her. Dealing with Matthew would be a walk in the park for him. He wouldn't have shown such utter despair, as if he was out of options.

Pondering until five in the morning, Xanthea still couldn't piece it together. Exhausted, she watched the early dawn light creep in and sat up, defeated. She needed to leave; staying here any longer would only muddle her thoughts further.

In the early morning, Orion approached room 303, ready to knock on the door.