Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 551

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Rebecca had long since given up any expectations for this relationship. Breaking up was inevitable, yet her heart still ached with a quiet sadness.

She had once genuinely cared for Desmond, pouring real emotion into their time together. As those words sank in, the cups and plates before her blurred.

“Then, I wish you guys a safe journey,” she said softly, offering no words of protest.

Desmond stared at her, tears finally flooding his eyes.

Kaitlyn and Gabriel excelled at polite small talk. Once the important matters were settled, the two families exchanged pleasantries–light, meandering topics that drifted everywhere and led nowhere.

Everyone remained perfectly courteous, but the friendliness felt even less sincere than a business negotiation. At least, business meetings carried the intent of cooperation.

Rebecca had no idea what Desmond’s parents thought of her. Perhaps they blamed her for what had happened to their son.

Even so, there was nothing she could do. Every parent just stood by their child.

Beneath the surface of carefully maintained peace, the dinner finally ended. Joyce rose with a practiced smile. “Thank you all for coming tonight. This gives the whole situation a perfect closing. No matter what, let’s stay in touch.”

They were only empty pleasantries. The fact that things hadn’t escalated into outright hostility was already thanks to both families being civilized people.

The Schroeders left the restaurant first. When Rebecca’s group stepped outside, only Desmond remained on the sidewalk. His parents were waiting in the car.

It seemed he wanted a few private words with her.

“I’ll just say a couple of things. It won’t take long,” Rebecca whispered.

Gabriel nodded. With him watching, he wasn’t worried about any trouble.

Rebecca walked over to Desmond, who had been staring at the ground. He slowly lifted his head, his gaze heavy with pain as it

settled on her.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, his voice rough and dry, as if scraped across sandpaper.

Not responding, she just stared at the face that had once been so full of confidence and spirit. Now it was etched with defeat.

Her heart twisted with pain, but she couldn’t bring herself to say, “It’s okay.”

After a long silence, he spoke again, his voice barely audible. “My parents… They booked flights for the day after tomorrow.”

She hummed lightly.

“From now on…” He paused, his throat tightening with emotion. “Keep dancing. Do it well.”

She turned her head away, her eyes stinging. “You too. Take care.”

He forced a smile that looked worse than crying. He lowered his head, muttered a quick “Goodbye,” and hurried into the car.

As it pulled away, his parents rolled down the windows and waved goodbye to the three.

It was finally over..

shire

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