Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 99

But the moment she saw the massive display cabinet dominating an entire wall, she felt profoundly ashamed of her dirty thoughts.

Warm spotlights shone down from the ceiling, illuminating every single item on the shelves.

Dozens of trophies, big and small, filled the entire display.

Some she remembered vividly, while others predated their time together.

Right in the center of the collection sat a framed photograph.

It was from the summer six years ago, right after he won a regional championship. He had picked her up and spun her around in jubilation.

She was laughing and swatting at his shoulders while he bent down to kiss her—a moment perfectly captured by one of his teammates.

In the photo, he was dressed in his stark white racing suit, his eyes gleaming, looking as if he had just conquered the entire world.

Standing there, Willa felt a sudden lump form in her throat.

She had no idea the picture still existed, let alone that it held the place of honor in his personal shrine.

She turned to look at him.

Randal stood beside her, his eyes fixed on his trophies with a faint, wistful smile.

But beneath the curve of his lips lay a soul-crushing sorrow.

She suddenly remembered what Zack York had blurted out the day they were reunited.

Randal could never race again.

He used to be so brilliantly arrogant, entirely invincible on the track.

But now, all he could do was stand on the sidelines, surrounded by the ghosts of his former glory.

Her throat tightened, and she asked softly, "Is it your hand?"

She trailed off mid-sentence.

The memory of his mangled, blood-soaked hand still sent a shiver of pure terror down her spine.

Randal glanced down at his left hand, his smile faltering.

"It's healed. It's been fine for a long time."

Willa blinked in confusion.

Then why...

She didn't vocalize the question, but he anticipated it perfectly. "My hand is fine. The doctors said it's PTSD. I can't drive."

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