Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 150

He rested his chin gently on her hair, his hand softly caressing her cheek, his eyes warm as he spoke.

"If you really want to go, then close your eyes and get some sleep."

Seren couldn't see Lennon's face, but she didn't dare look up—afraid of having another awkward moment like the last time, when she'd accidentally brushed against his lips. His voice, low and soothing, drifted to her ears like someone comforting a child, so gentle it was impossible not to fall for it.

Without thinking, Seren pressed her head against Lennon's arm, the steady beat of his heart in his chest somehow making everything feel safe, as if it had the power to calm her instantly.

She obediently closed her eyes. Darkness enveloped her, but she felt completely at peace—a kind of peace that comes only from being cared for.

*

At the same time.

Seaside City. The Mountain Retreat.

A soft, hesitant knock sounded at the door. Swain, hunched over his desk, snapped back to reality, his eyes lighting up. Seren had always knocked just like that—timidly, careful not to disturb him. Was she back?

Swain jumped to his feet and hurried to the door, anticipation bright on his face.

But standing on the other side was Carla, her hair in twin braids, wearing a white knit dress under a pale blue coat, her eyes clear and bright.

The hope faded from Swain's face, replaced by a flash of disappointment.

Not Seren.

He quickly hid his feelings, smoothing his features into a polite smile. "Carla, what's up?"

Carla was sensitive—she'd caught the change in his eyes, and bit her lip in secret. Still, she kept her innocent, sweet smile as she spoke softly.

"Big brother, I have a golf tournament tomorrow. Will you come and cheer me on?"

It wasn't Carla's pleading that changed his mind—it was the tournament's location. Riverbend City. Seren had been there just a few days ago. Maybe, just maybe, he'd run into her.

He knew it was a long shot, but he couldn't help holding on to that tiny hope.

Carla's face brightened, her smile sweet and innocent again. "Thank you, big brother! It's getting late, you should get some rest."

Swain answered absently and closed the door without another word.

The moment the door shut, Carla's smile froze on her lips.

Before every tournament, Swain used to fuss over her, making sure she'd packed everything, reminding her to relax and get a good night's sleep, always looking out for her in every way. Now, he couldn't even bother with a single extra word.

The change was impossible to ignore.

And with Swain's coldness, Carla couldn't help but wonder if he'd agreed to go to Riverbend City not for her tournament, but because he just happened to have business there—and would only stop by to see her if he had the time.