It had a classic plaid pattern, though the color had faded a bit over the
years.
In the corner, she saw the two names she had personally embroidered: hers and Finnian’s.
It was his Christmas gift to her during their first year as a married couple.
Back then, he had said her winter coats were always so plain, and he wanted her to have something fest
ep her warm.
At that time
were like
passio
Mer
fai
his brother we
ggressive tiger
outh.
back. The c
e and the v
d scarf, K op of the
eel free
aking their mark in the conglomerate. They ly busy, but still possessing that unpolished,
winter afternoon almost seemed to carry his mbrace.
onsciously tightened. A second later, she gently s and turned to Layla. “No
important
m,” La
the scarf. It really was
Kaia
es every year.
rried
e driveway.
rla
home with Bry
utside
e sense to throw it
the garage, the two walked
over to investigate. She picked up
s long legs carried him over, and he took
ready asked her. She said these things aren’t rid of them.”
aced the scarf back on top of the box and walked into
ed after him
ers. Do
and looked down at
10-41
Brynlee ran upstairs and found Kaia in her private study, working. Seeing her daughter, Kaia’s heart softened. She pulled her into a hug, relieved to find the little girl’s hands nice and warm.
“Dad said we’re going to do sparklers! Mommy, come with me, please?” Brynlee wrapped her arms around Kaia’s neck and begged. Every year during the holidays, this was their little family tradition.
When Brynlee was younger, she used to be terrified of loud fireworks, always burying her face in their chests. Now that she was older and braver, she actually loved the noise and the lights.
“Okay!” Kaia agreed, noting it was almost time for dinner anyway,
Seeing them come down, Layla retreated to the kitchen to finish prepping the evening meal.
When Kaia stepped outside, she saw Finnian standing in the yard, smoking. Dressed in a long black overcoat under the night sky, he looked exceptionally tall, lean, and handsome.
Seeing them, he immediately put out his cigarette and tossed it into the trash.
“Don’t let Brynlee stay out in the cold too long,” Kaia reminded him.
Finnian nodded. The three of them moved to an open patch of grass.
“Here, hold this. I’ll light it,” Finnian said, using his lighter to ignite the sparkler in Brynlee’s
and.
The sudden burst of sparks illuminated the faces of the three of them. Brynlee laughed delightedly, waving it around to draw glowing circles in the air.
“Here, take one. Have some fun with her,” Finnian said, holding two sparklers out to Kaia.
He remembered last year, when Kaia had eagerly grabbed the sparklers and played with their daughter for a long time.
But right now, Kaia felt a heavy tightness in her chest. It was an emotion she couldn’t articulate.
It was just like that discarded scarf–some warmth was destined to remain in the past.
Maybe it had offered her brief comfort once upon a time, but things had changed. Holding it now wouldn’t bring back the original feeling.
“Mommy, come on! Play with me!” Brynlee, completely oblivious to the complexities of adult life, was running around freely like a happy little bird, making silly poses.
“Okay!” Kaia took the sparklers, and Finnian lit them for her. She stood next to her daughter, soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Finnian didn’t join in. He stood quietly to the side, watching. When the two of them eventually tired out, Brynlee said she was thirsty and wanted to go back inside.
2/3
10:41
Chapter 86
Kaia decided it was time to head in for dinner.
Suddenly, Finnian grabbed her arm. His voice was low. “You heard about Grandmother making Noelle kneel, didn’t you?”
The lingering joy on Kaia’s face vanished instantly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Noelle’s knees are badly injured. She’s still at the hospital…
Hearing the raw heartache in his tone, Kaia shook off his hand with icy detachment. “Then shouldn’t you hurry back to the hospital to take care of her?”
Chapter 87
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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