Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 189

Once Nadine started chatting, she couldn't stop.

Seren, on the other hand, was quiet by nature and had no desire to rehash anything about the Bradley family.

Nadine, ever the chatterbox, soon made her way up front to gossip with Jasper about which actresses were the most beautiful and which actors could actually act, her voice a lively stream of showbiz tidbits.

Michael listened in silence, but paid close attention, occasionally chiming in with a sharp observation that cut right to the heart of things.

A little ways behind them, Seren and Lennon walked together at a leisurely pace. There hadn't been many chances for Seren to be alone with Lennon lately.

Now, finally, here was a moment just for the two of them.

She realized, to her own surprise, that not only did she no longer mind being alone with Lennon—she actually relished it.

Whenever it was just the two of them, everything seemed to quiet down. Time itself slowed and softened.

Lennon, as always, took her hand in his.

He asked, "Back at Eternal Vows Chapel, why didn't you go inside and make a wish?"

Seren shook her head. "I don't really believe in that sort of thing."

She'd always thought you're better off relying on yourself than waiting for miracles.

There are so many people in the world, and so many wishes. If everyone depended on the heavens to answer, even the angels would be overwhelmed.

She turned her head, curious. "But you went in, didn't you? What did you wish for?"

Of the five of them, she was the only one who hadn't gone into the chapel to draw a blessing. The other four, Lennon included, had all gone in with sincere hearts.

Lennon didn't hide it. "The best blessing they had."

Nadine, Michael, and Jasper had each drawn a good fortune, but Lennon, after drawing his slip, had quietly slipped it back into the box, saying nothing. No matter how Jasper pestered him, Lennon kept his lips sealed, and eventually Jasper took the hint and let it go.

Seren had actually thought Lennon's blessing was a bad omen. She never expected it was the very best.

After a pause, Lennon's voice grew husky as he continued, "Honestly, I never believed in guardian saints or fate—until the day I met you. That day at the chapel, I drew the best blessing, too."

So that was it. Lennon believed… because of her.

Seren's cheeks flushed bright pink; her heart was a storm of emotion she couldn't calm.

Sensing her embarrassment, Lennon gently changed the subject, his eyes drifting to her shoulder.

"Does it still hurt where you got bumped earlier?" he asked softly.

Inside, the first floor was furnished in an elegant, old-world style: polished wood, carved rugs, and a painting displayed at the entryway.

It was a landscape—icy blue mountains and a winding river.

Seren stopped, her eyes lighting up with delight. "That's 'Snowfall Over the River' by William Monk!"

It wasn't an original, but the reproduction was clearly antique and of considerable value.

Behind her, Lennon replied warmly, "That's right. The whole style of Duskwood Gardens was inspired by that painting. When it snows, this place looks just like the scene in the picture. When the weather turns cold, we can come back and watch the snowfall together."

"I'd love that," Seren replied, nodding.

Upstairs, a balcony wrapped around the villa, its railings carved from dark wood in intricate patterns—a unique touch to these lakeside homes.

The sun was setting, casting golden light across the balcony and throwing long shadows onto the floor.

Everything was peaceful in the gentle twilight. When the wind picked up, the only sound was the clear, tinkling chime of a bell hanging from the eaves.

Leaning on the railing, Seren gazed out at the view, her eyes shining with happiness. She truly loved it here.

It was the perfect season: few insects, the mountain air crisp but not too cold, and a sense of contentment settling over everything.