Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 193

After a hearty barbecue, Lennon and the others tidied up the aftermath while Nadine tugged Seren over to the edge of the terrace to take in the view.

In one corner of the platform stood a little gazebo, complete with a wooden table and a few curved-back chairs for resting.

On the table, a small oil lamp flickered, its yellow flame dancing brightly in the wind.

Night had fallen. Most of the houses nearby were cloaked in darkness, save for the occasional lantern glowing orange under the eaves—tiny sparks in the night, like scattered stars.

Not far off, the lake shimmered, its surface reflecting the lights from willow trees, gazebos, and houses along the shore.

A mountain breeze swept by, setting the willow branches swaying. The house lights rippled across the water, turning the scene into a living painting, gentle and poetic.

It was chilly in the wind. Nadine blew on her hands for warmth, only then noticing that Seren was not only bundled in a thick coat but also wore a beanie pulled snug over her ears.

She looked positively toasty.

"Let me guess, Lennon bought you that hat, didn't he?" Nadine said, grinning.

She remembered that Seren was usually pretty indifferent to the cold.

Back in Seaside City, winters meant snow and ice, and Nadine could never step outside without a hat and gloves.

But Seren? She'd set up her easel outdoors for hours without either, her hands stiff and red when she finally came in. Yet she'd just shrug and insist she wasn't cold.

Seren nodded. "He did."

Nadine nudged her. "Lennon really takes care of you, doesn't he?"

Seren smiled, not bothering to deny it.

Lennon, whether in his work or with her, always put his whole heart into whatever he did.

Nadine gave her a sly look. "With a guy as good as Lennon, shouldn't you be a little more forward? Maybe sweep him off his feet for once?"

Seren's cheeks flushed. She pictured herself throwing Lennon down and immediately decided that was impossible.

She shook her head, mortified. "No way. I just… can't see myself doing that."

Even the thought made her cringe with embarrassment.

Her bout of sentimentality barely lasted five seconds before her playful grin returned.

Catching a glimpse of Lennon walking over, Nadine made up an excuse and slipped away.

From a distance, Lennon spotted Seren standing alone in the gazebo. She looked like a slender reed in the night—graceful, upright, a quiet strength in her posture.

She stood right where the wind was strongest, her hair whipping out from under her hat, as if she might be swept away at any moment.

Lennon couldn't help himself; he reached out and took her hand.

Seren was lost in the night view, but she felt the warmth of his hands enveloping hers and turned to look at him.

Lennon's strikingly handsome face softened as he said gently, "It's late. We should head back."

Seren turned and realized that, in just the short time they'd been talking, the barbecue grill had gone cold and everyone else had disappeared from the terrace.

Now, only she and Lennon remained under the open sky.