Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 180

Michael gave her a warm smile. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Johnston."

Seren nodded politely. "Hello. I'm Seren."

"I've heard so much about you," Michael replied.

"This is my friend, Nadine."

Michael's voice was calm and courteous. "No need for introductions, Mrs. Johnston. Nadine—Dr. Brewer—and I work at the same hospital."

For once, Nadine, usually so bold, looked a bit awkward.

She added quickly, "Yes, Seren, Dr. Johnston and I both work there, even on the same floor. I'm in Internal Medicine, he's in—well, the Integrative Medicine department."

With her hands clasped behind her back, Nadine greeted him more formally, "Dr. Johnston, what a coincidence."

Her shy smile and the soft blush on her cheeks made her look almost girlish for a moment.

Seren just smiled, saying nothing. Clearly, Nadine wasn't as immune to romance as she claimed.

The group made their way up the winding hiking trail, climbing steadily. Whenever they came to a tricky patch or a stretch of uneven steps, Lennon would silently reach for Seren's hand, steadying her with an easy familiarity.

Jasper kept up a steady stream of jokes and stories, making the hike feel shorter than it was. Before long, they reached their destination—Duskwood Gardens.

Perched halfway up the hillside, the estate sprawled across lush grounds. From a distance, you could spot pavilions and covered walkways, all with an air of old-world elegance.

It was noon, and just in time for lunch, a staff member arrived to lead them inside.

They strolled down a sun-dappled path through the trees, followed the sound of a bubbling brook, and finally arrived at a place called Maplewood Lounge—a beautiful open-air pavilion.

Nearby, a natural spring cascaded down over stones, the gentle rush of water blending with the quiet rustle of sycamore leaves. Set beneath the pavilion was a low table, a few simple chairs, and—unexpectedly—a classical zither resting in place.

His long, graceful fingers danced over the strings—deft, gentle, coaxing out a melody that lingered in the air, clear and bright. Even the nearby brook seemed to quiet, as if listening.

She had no idea how long he played. When the final note faded, applause broke the spell, and Seren blinked, returning to the moment.

Nadine nudged her, excitement in her voice. "Seren, I think you married a hidden gem."

Seren said nothing, but she agreed. Lennon was full of surprises—so many talents, and somehow always in tune with her taste, dazzling her in unexpected ways.

Jasper, sitting beside Nadine, chimed in, "He really is a treasure. Back when he was learning the zither, his fingers would bleed from practice—just so he could…"

Michael cleared his throat and shot Jasper a look, cutting him off.

Jasper just grinned and finished, "—just so he could impress his future wife, of course."