The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 286

Just tonight, that glass of spiked wine was still sitting on the dining table at the Xavier Residence. Just dozens of minutes ago, Gideon had been sitting beside her, placing food on her plate, shielding her from her parents' calculated schemes.

But the moment Liam burst into the room, every beautiful illusion was ruthlessly torn to shreds.

Gideon had abandoned her without a second thought, walking out on the very dinner meant to celebrate her birthday.

She felt like a completely unnecessary intruder, standing in the margins of their world, forced to watch their deep sibling bond and their dramatic life-and-death devotion.

Nora's lips twitched slightly, forming a slow, bitter smile under the harsh pale lights.

They were bonded by blood and trauma, while she was doomed to remain the outsider who never fit in.

Nora gave a faint, self-deprecating smirk. Without a shred of hesitation, she turned on her heel and walked back toward the staircase.

She descended the grand spiral stairs and navigated through the chaotic first-floor living room.

The staff were crouched on the floor, carefully sweeping up the glass. None of them dared to look up at the woman who was only Mrs. Hayes in name.

Pushing open the heavy mahogany doors of the Manor, she was greeted by the crisp night wind. The breeze helped clear the suffocating scent of expensive perfume clinging to her clothes.

Nora walked alone down the tree-lined avenue outside the estate. The streetlights cast mottled, crisscrossing shadows of leaves onto the asphalt.

She had no destination in mind. All she knew was that the sprawling mansion, stuffed with everyone else's memories, couldn't spare a single corner for her to simply breathe.

Tonight was her birthday. A birthday utterly consumed by schemes, arguments, and theatrical suicide attempts.

She wandered aimlessly down the streets. The night deepened, and the shops along the avenue had long pulled down their metal shutters.

After walking for two blocks, a 24-hour dessert shop radiating a warm yellow glow caught her eye on a street corner.

She pushed the glass door open, and the brass bell overhead chimed brightly.

Only a few lonely cakes remained in the display counter, looking rather desolate under the cool refrigerator lights.

Nora walked up and bought a small strawberry shortcake.

"I wish Gideon would look at me."

"I wish Gideon would come home early to eat with me."

"I wish Gideon would one day understand how much I love him."

She thought back on all the desires she had thrown into the void. Year after year, those hopes had been battered and blown apart by the cold winds of reality, just like this fragile candle flame.

In the end, how many of those wishes had actually come true?

None.

For three years, she had exhausted every ounce of her strength trying to melt an impenetrable block of ice. All she got in return was a body covered in bruises from the rocky path she dragged herself down, and the ultimate humiliation of being abandoned at her parents' dinner table.

Nora closed her eyes and whispered silently in her heart.

"This year, I wish for nothing at all."