He Gave Her Strawberries, Gave Me Hives (Ford and Sylvia) novel Chapter 222

‘rom that day on, just as he had said, Ellis seamlessly and quietly became a part of Seraphina’s life.

When Seraphina stayed up late working on designs, he would quietly bring her a glass of warm milk. When she was struggling to choose materials, he would se his resources to help her find the best suppliers. When she occasionally felt down because of the shadows of her past, he would take her to the countryside > relax.

le never spoke much of his feelings, but in every little detail, he made Seraphina feel respected, supported, and cherished.

ater, Seraphina’s design studio officially opened in the city center.

n the opening day, Ellis stood by her side and handed her a bouquet of champagne roses. “Congratulations, Designer Vance.”

eraphina smiled as she took the flowers, a warmth spreading through her heart. She said softly, “Ellis, I’m so glad I met you.”

lis was taken aback for a moment, then turned his head. “Meeting you is what’s truly lucky for me.”

hey officially began their relationship.

wo years later, the awards ceremony for the International Jewelry Design Competition began under the watchful eyes of the public.

ressed in a simple yet stylish white gown, Seraphina stood in the center of the dazzling stage, accepting the “Emerging Designer of the Year” award.

er eyes were confident and bright. Standing beside her was Ellis in a sharp suit, his gentle gaze fixed on her. During a pause in her acceptance speech, he uietly took her hand.

he live broadcast of the ceremony happened to be seen by Liam, who was far away in another city.

t that moment, he was curled up on the sofa in his villa.

n the television screen, Seraphina’s voice came through clearly, “Finally, I want to give a special thank you to my instructor, Ellis. It’s his constant support and >mpanionship that has allowed me to chase my dreams without any worries. At the same time, I would also like to formally announce that our engagement arty will be held next month.”

Engaged…”

e murmured to himself, a sharp pain surging in his chest as a metallic sweetness rushed up his throat. He covered his mouth and ran to the bathroom, where rimson, frothy blood splattered onto the white tiles, as glaring as the most intense red from Seraphina’s paintbrush all those years ago.

he violent coughing made it almost impossible for him to stand up straight. He leaned on the cold sink and looked up, the mirror reflected a gaunt, withered

187. 187.

wo years of irregular eating habits had led to him developing severe stomach cancer.

le took a deep breath, trying to suppress the metallic taste, and dialed his assistant’s number “Tind out the specific time and place of Seraphina and Ellis’s ngagement party. Also, transfer all the assets under my name to Seraphina through an anonymous trust Consider it my dowry to her

The assistant hesitated. “Mr. Blackwood, you’ve been diagnosed with stomach cancer Why are you still worrying about these things? Especially the stock ransfer–that’s your entire estate.”

Just do as I say. I just want… one last look. Liam’s voice trailed off Don’t let her know about the stork ansfer for and found

A month later, he hid in the shadows of a street corner, watching Seraphins in her white engagement dress, her slinked with Ellie’s, be Face with a smile amidst the blessings of friends and family

Ellis considerately adjusted her vell and asked in a low voice, “Are you ther

Seraphina shook her head and squeezed his hand “With you here. I’m not fired.”

Chapter 23

Their conversation reached Liam’s ears clearly, like sharp knives stabbing into his heart.

The pain in his stomach struck again, more intense than ever before. But Liam endured it for hours before stumbling back to his empty villa.

Trembling, he retrieved a velvet box from the very back of his safe.

Opening the box revealed a pair of cufflinks, simple in design yet exquisitely crafted. They were custom–made for him by Seraphina on his eighteenth birthday.

he Seraphina of that time, her eyes smiling, had stood on her tiptoes to put the cufflinks on him, her voice both excited and serious. “Liam, this is my oming–of–age gift to you. You have to wear it always.”

le had pinched her cheek then, thinking only that this young girl’s love was so pure and passionate.

If only I had chosen you back then…” He leaned against the wall, coughing violently, blood staining his palm. “Would… everything be different…?”

fter an unknown amount of time, Liam finally took out his phone and dialed the number of the overseas euthanasia organization he had already contacted.

he moment the call connected, he clutched the cufflink tightly in his palm, as if he were holding his entire past world.

I’m ready,” his voice was terrifyingly calm. “After I’m gone, please dispose of this cufflink along with me.”

learing the affirmative response, Liam hung up the phone.

rriving at the facility, he lay on the bed, looking at the pale light on the ceiling, and slowly closed his eyes.

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