Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 112

They wanted to comfort Seren, but deep down, everyone knew it wouldn't help much.

Seren had always been the type to put on a brave face, never speaking a word of her troubles—she kept all her hurts tucked away, quietly and stubbornly, as if silence could shield her from pain.

Comfort, in this case, was best left to those closest to her. It was, after all, a chance for the two of them—Seren and her husband—to grow a little closer.

Both women admired Lennon. Seren had married well, that much was certain.

Sensing the shift, Nadine excused herself and followed the others back to the main house. Comforting Seren—that used to be her job, but not anymore. There was no need for her to linger, playing the unwanted third wheel.

Joyce, ever perceptive, seized the moment as well. Muttering something about how autumn had set in and the garden was filling up with dead leaves and brittle branches needing attention, she slipped away through the door.

Suddenly, the vast garden was silent, leaving only Seren and Lennon standing alone beneath the restless sky.

A sharp autumn wind swept through the yard, biting cold against bare skin. Seren wore only a thin sweater, and the chill seemed to find every gap, curling around her like a living thing.

She didn't even notice when Lennon stepped up beside her.

"Mrs. Crestwell?" His voice was warm and steady, a gentle flame in the cold.

Seren curled her fingers into her sleeves, lifted her chin, and met his gaze with calm composure.

"I'm fine. Just drifted off for a moment."

"Let's go inside and check on your grandfather," Lennon suggested, his tone unhurried. "He's alright. Your aunt and uncle are with him."

The truth was, Lennon had been nearby when Old Mr. Rutledge first looked unwell. He wanted to step in, but the old man had glanced meaningfully in Seren's direction, silently telling Lennon to stay, to take care of her instead.

Seren still looked uneasy. "I think I'll go see him anyway."

But as she started for the house, Lennon caught her hand, his large palm wrapping around her cold fingers.

There was more he wanted to say: that from now on, she would never have to bear such pain again. But he held the words back. Some things, he knew, were better shown than spoken.

Slowly, Seren's rigid posture relaxed.

She'd felt nothing when facing Swain and Slater, but now, seeing the worry and tenderness in Lennon's eyes, her emotions surged.

She suddenly wanted to hold him.

She gazed at Lennon for a long moment, remembering what he'd once told her—With me, you don't have to be so strong.

At last, she raised her arms and wrapped them tightly around his waist.

Lennon's warmth enveloped her, banishing the cold with a fierce, protective heat.

Without a word, Lennon shifted so that he stood between her and the wind, his tall frame sheltering her completely, as if nothing in the world could touch her now.