Everest's Guardian Hubby Watched Me Freeze My Ghost Knows Where He'll Burn novel Chapter 45

Chapter 4

My phone vibrated insistently in my hand, Sean’s name glowing brightly on the screen.

I ignored it at first, letting it ring over and over without answering.

By the time the missed calls hit ninety-nine, I finally gave in and swiped to pick up.

I knew Sean well enough—if I didn’t answer now, he wouldn’t stop until I did.

“Lanie! Where are you? I’m coming to get you,” his voice came through, urgent and full of concern.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t expect Charlotte to be there,” I whispered, standing alone in the middle of the bustling plaza, watching unfamiliar faces pass me by, my voice barely audible over the evening air.

“It’s okay. I just needed some fresh air. I’ll be back shortly,” I assured him, though my heart still ached.

I ended the call and stayed rooted to the spot, letting the cool night breeze dry the tears that had silently traced down my cheeks.

*Lanie Brooke, this is the last time you’ll let yourself cry over him,* I told myself, trying to summon strength from somewhere deep inside.

The moment I stepped through the door, Sean’s arms wrapped around me fiercely, pulling me close.

He rested his chin gently on my head, his voice low and steady as he murmured, “I’m sorry, Lanie. I swear, this will be the last time.”

“I’ll never let you face that alone again. Never,” he promised, holding me so tightly it felt as if he was trying to meld our very souls together.

The familiar fragrance of his cologne enveloped me, comforting and warm.

For a decade, this was all I had ever wanted—to be held like this, safe and cherished.

Later that night, I woke to the sound of movement beside me.

Sean was quietly slipping out of bed, his tone hushed but urgent.

“Don’t worry. I’m on my way,” he whispered before throwing on his clothes and disappearing through the door.

I grabbed my coat without hesitation and followed after him.

—

Outside the emergency room, Sean draped his jacket carefully over Charlotte’s shoulders. His touch was so gentle it was almost reverent, like he was handling something precious and delicate.

Sean’s reply was immediate and resolute.

“Then we’ll wait until after the baby’s born.”

Charlotte looked up at him, her face unreadable.

“And what about Miss Brooke?” she asked quietly.

Sean hesitated.

Two seconds stretched out like forever.

“I’ll handle Lanie. She’s a little childish. A bit of sweet talk will be enough,” he said finally.

I watched them walk away together, feeling the last flicker of warmth inside me extinguished by the cold night air.

So that was all I meant to him.

All the pain, all the heartbreak—it could be smoothed over with a few empty words.