Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 129

On the way.

Seren sat in silence, watching the landscape blur past her window.

When the car stopped at a red light, Lennon glanced over. "You don't have anything urgent waiting for you back in Seaside City, do you?"

She shook her head. "Nothing pressing, at least for now."

His voice was warm and gentle. "Then how about staying in Riverbend City for a few days? We could look around, have some fun."

Seren hesitated. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't tempted.

She'd lived in Riverbend City for three years, but truthfully, she'd spent almost all her time cooped up in The Golden Age—the apartment complex. She barely stepped outside except for necessities.

Three years ago, she'd tried to go on a graduation trip, but the second day, after falling into the water at the Oceanfront Boardwalk, the whole thing had been ruined.

The truth was, she'd never really explored Riverbend City.

Still, she couldn't deny there was a part of her that resisted this city. More precisely, she resisted running into Sheridan and anyone from the Powers family.

It always felt like the longer she stayed here, the more likely it was she'd get entangled with them all over again, trapped in a web she'd never quite managed to escape.

Lennon seemed to see right through her. His tone was gentle, tinged with a touch of affection. "Don't worry. Whatever happens, I'm here."

A quiet warmth spread through her chest. "Alright."

He brightened. "There's this hotel I know with a gorgeous private beach. I've been there once—it's got a shallow bay, clear water, beautiful scenery. I think you'll love it."

He hesitated, then added, "But when I had my assistant book a room, there was only one left."

Seren shook her head. "That's fine."

She didn't think too much of it. Riverbend City was always packed with tourists, and this time of year—with the weather just right for the beach—no wonder the rooms were all booked.

Suddenly, she realized that although she wasn't much of a talker, she and Lennon had chatted on and off the whole way.

Most of the time, it was Lennon who kept the conversation going, skillfully steering clear of the topics she wanted to avoid, always finding something she was actually interested in. With her, he was endlessly patient, gently coaxing her out of her shell—helping her get used to having him around.

The car merged onto the highway.

Suddenly, something clicked in Seren's mind. "Lennon, I just remembered—I left my suitcase at the hotel."

She'd had a nagging feeling she'd forgotten something, and now she finally realized what it was.

Lennon didn't take his eyes off the road. "I already grabbed it. It's in the trunk."

Seren didn't say anything—she just looked at him for a long moment.

With Lennon, everything was always in perfect order. She never had to worry about a thing. It was a kind of peace, being able to rely on someone like that.

At one point, Seren almost stumbled, but Lennon reached out, catching her hand. He held it as they walked, steady and reassuring.

They walked for a long while and didn't see a single soul.

Seren found it odd. If the hotel was fully booked, where was everyone?

Then she figured—not everyone would want to spend their afternoon on the beach. The sun might not be too hot, but the UV rays were still strong. Anyone worried about their skin, especially the women, would probably stay inside at this hour.

But Seren didn't mind the quiet at all.

She found a spot above the tide line and sat down.

Close enough to hear the soft hush of the waves—rising and retreating, over and over. Gentle and almost imperceptible.

The sky was a dazzling blue, scrubbed clean by autumn rains. Every so often, a seabird would skim across the water.

The sea was tranquil, a soft, shimmering blue rippling with gold.

Seren murmured, almost to herself, "It's beautiful."

She'd never realized how stunning the ocean in Riverbend City could be.

Every time she'd thought of it before, she'd only ever felt a knot in her chest.