Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 182

Even though Jasper knew Michael wasn't much of a talker, he couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth—when it came to slyness, Michael could easily give Lennon a run for his money.

Making up a brother out of thin air? That's impressive. Seriously, hats off to him.

Michael had spoken, and Nadine, convinced, scratched her head and said nothing more.

In truth, Nadine wasn't sure if Michael actually had a brother. All she knew was that the Johnston family had moved to the capital years ago, leaving only Old Mr. and Mrs. Johnston in their seaside manor.

Michael himself had been living in the capital for years and only visited Seaside City during the holidays.

He'd only just returned to Seaside City last month. People were still talking about how the city's renowned "miracle physician" had suddenly joined her hospital, instead of working at one of the famous clinics in the capital.

Lennon sat through it all, smiling quietly, neither confirming nor denying anything.

Seren, meanwhile, felt oddly relieved, even if the conversation had ended a little awkwardly.

She liked Lennon, but it was more of a gentle fondness than anything deeper. If Lennon really had been in love with her for all those years, she'd feel their feelings were out of balance, like she somehow owed him something.

A decade-long love sounded so heavy.

That kind of uneven affection could make things feel strained between them, maybe even keep her from treating Lennon the way she wanted to.

She'd spent years painting, developing a calm and steady nature. What she wanted was simple: a relationship that grew naturally, affection turning into love over the quiet, steady days they'd share together.

The conversation faded as the waitress arrived with their meal.

She was impeccably made up, dressed in elegant, matching uniforms that gave the restaurant an air of old-world grandeur. The dishes, all lined up in perfect order, gave the whole evening the feel of a banquet from another era.

The spread was lavish—eight courses, a hearty soup, and even a dessert: a delicate vanilla custard, the same kind Seren had adored since childhood.

Even when Lennon addressed Jasper and Michael, his face stayed calm, even a little distant. But when he looked at Seren, his eyes softened with an unspoken tenderness.

She glanced up, meeting his gaze, and her face grew even redder.

Jasper, for once, put on a serious face. "Is there a Single People's Protection Society? Because I think I need to sign up."

Even Michael, who almost never commented, cracked a rare joke: "Honestly, men really do have double standards after they get married."

Naturally, Nadine took Seren's side. "You're all being ridiculous. This is exactly how a good husband should act. If he's not being kind to his wife but instead doting on you jokers, then we'd really have a problem."

Lennon nodded solemnly. "Well said, Nadine."

Seren was usually uncomfortable in lively crowds, but for the first time, she found herself enjoying the laughter and easy conversation. For once, the buzz of friendship didn't feel overwhelming at all.