Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 71

**TITLE: Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**

**Chapter 71**

“What second chance?” Renee whispered under her breath, a frown creasing her forehead as she replayed the words in her mind.

In an instant, a wave of realization washed over her, sharp and undeniable.

That particular night loomed large in her memory—the night her stomach had twisted in pain, forcing her to seek help. It was a kind stranger who had come to her aid, whisking her away to the hospital, where he had not only ensured she received care but also paid the deposit before leaving her with a phone number that had felt like a lifeline at the time.

In the days that followed, she had mustered the courage to call him, but the conversation had quickly spiraled into an awkward exchange, fraught with misunderstandings. Frustration had bubbled up within her, leading her to end the call abruptly, and in a fit of impulse, she had deleted his number, as if erasing the entire incident from her life.

“Oh, no…”

A chill of dread coursed through her as she stood rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on Jasper’s retreating figure, a whirlwind of regret swirling in her chest.

How could she have let this slip away? How could she have messed up so profoundly?

Meanwhile, Julian and Adam lingered behind a towering tree, their eyes locked on the unfolding drama.

Julian’s lips curled into a smirk, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Adam, are you still in denial? Are you seriously convinced there’s nothing brewing between Renee and Jasper?”

Adam’s brow furrowed, his expression darkening with irritation. “Renee was merely making small talk with him. That doesn’t mean anything significant is happening.”

Julian shook his head, a mixture of pity and frustration etched across his features. “If you want to keep deluding yourself, then there’s nothing more I can say to you.”

With a sideways glance, Julian continued, “A friend of mine just informed me that Renee has been with Jasper since she left you this morning. They’ve been deep in conversation this entire time. You know how Jasper operates—he doesn’t waste his breath on just anyone. If she manages to get him to sign that contract today, then I might reconsider my stance. Otherwise…”

He let the sentence hang in the air, heavy with implication. Some truths were better left unspoken.

Adam’s anger flared at Julian’s insinuations, yet beneath the surface, an unsettling feeling began to gnaw at him, a seed of doubt taking root in his mind.

“Renee isn’t the person you think she is,” Adam countered, his voice firm but laced with uncertainty.

Indeed, the heat was oppressive. She had been working tirelessly all morning, and the sun’s relentless rays were beginning to take their toll.

With the water bottle in hand, she struggled momentarily with the cap before finally twisting it off and taking several refreshing gulps. “Phew, it’s sweltering out here!” she exclaimed, fanning her flushed face with her hand, trying to cool down.

Moments later, Adam approached her, his expression serious as he stopped right in front of her.

“Renee.”

He grabbed her wrist firmly, pulling her aside with a sense of urgency that startled her.

“Adam, what are you doing?” she asked, confusion clouding her features as she felt the pressure of his grip.

He didn’t release her until they reached a quieter corridor, where he turned to face her directly, his eyes intense.

“The last time we were at the hotel, the partnership between the Spencer family and the Everest Group was on the verge of being finalized. I couldn’t help but notice you practically fawning over Jasper all morning. It’s clear he has a favorable impression of you. Renee, you need to seize this opportunity. Go and get him to sign the contract!”