Nine months too late: After divorce

Chapter 140 58%

He was confused, never seen anything like this. In all the years he's known Sylvie, she'd never had any phobia for darkness. This was definitely new.

She looked tormented, and right then, Kage couldn't resist pulling her into his arms.

"Hey, Hey, it's okay. Come on," he pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her.

The fear wracking her shoulders subsided, but she didn't stop crying.

"Please..." she whimpered. "Please, let me go...

It appeared she was pleading with someone to let her go. It dawned on Kage that it must be from her subconsciousness since she wasn't physically trying to push him away.

His heart shattered at the sight. It was the first time he was seeing Sylvie that broken. That vulnerable.

In that moment, he forgot all about the reason he hated her and simply wanted to comfort her.

The hatred hadn't vanished and he was sure that the next minute, he'd be hating her again. But for now, he was worried scared and wanted to hold her.

Sylvie still wasn't aware of her surroundings, but she suddenly felt safe. A strong wall had been built around her, separating her from the evil woman. This wall was so strong and warm and protective. She leaned into it and wept, still mourning the loss. Perhaps, if this wall had come up sooner, she wouldn't have lost her kids. They'd have been alive and safe.

"It's okay, you're safe," he continuously whispered to her ears while patting her arm the whole time.

They stayed that way for a couple of minutes until the lights came back on, brightening the place.

Just like a switch, Sylvie's nightmare disappeared, dragging her back to the reality of the room.

Her brows furrowed when she inhaled a familiar choco cologne that's always belonged to a particular silver-eyed man. A man she shouldn't be close to at the moment. Her eyes opened, and she realized she was in the arms of someone, her head resting on his chest.

His shirt... His scent. Ir was too familiar.

She pulled back and almost screamed when her eyes clashed with Kage's.

Almost as if his touch burned, she pulled away completely, rushing to her feet.

Of course, it didn't burn. If there was anything she wanted, it was to stay in those arms forever.

But it didn't seem real. It was as if she had been pulled into a dream.

Kage slowly rose, keeping his eyes on her.

For a moment, he was short of words, pondering on the kind of approach to use on her.

Sylvie's cheeks heated in shame when she realized what had happened. She had one of her epistles again, being traumatized by the lights going off. And Kage... Kage had witnessed all of it. But how? What was he doing here? She thought.

III

Chapter 140-

"Are you okay?" He finally asked, his voice carrying real concern.

Lowering her gaze to the floor, she wiped ber face with the back of her palm, her throat still feeling sore from how much she'd cried.

"I'm... I'm fine," She managed to say, then started toward the door

"Sylvie," Kage called, bringing her to a stop at the door.

When she looked at him, she could see the war in his eyes. He was torn between caring for her and pushing her away like he's been doing.

But in the end, he asked, "What happened?"

Fresh tears glistened in Sylvie's eyes. He really had no clue, did he? He didn't know what she had gone through four years ago. How much she had to suffer and endure.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Yet, he stood there, hating her the whole time while dating her bestfriend.

Some of the tears rolled down to her cheeks as she answered. "Nothing you should concern yourself with."

Sniffling and wiping her face again, she exited the room.

*****

Galen finally regained consciousness after some hours, but unfortunately, the doctor had sad news to share.

He said Galen's health was beginning to fail and advised them to ensure he had as much as rest as possible, and always come for medical checkups.

It got the whole family worried, because someone his age having a detoriating health usually didn't mean well.

As expected, Galen vented out on June, telling her how disappointed he was in her. At some point, he even sent her out of the room despite how much she cried and begged.

He was generally pissed and wouldn't let anyone other than his wife to touch him. Even when Astrid had tried touching him for comfort, he told her to get her hands off him, reminding her that she was no different from June as she'd also been a disappointment to him not long ago.

Sylvie was silent the whole time and didn't even have the courage to apologize to him for fear of being scolded. She was always blamed for everything.

When they returned home later that night and Sylvie was in her room, June angrily knocked.

Sylvie didn't know it was her knocking until she opened up.

"How dare you?" Was her first question, her eyes heavy and red. How dare you do this to me, Sylvie? You really think I'd let you be happy after ruining me?" It was the first time June was confronting her since the incident happened.

Sylvie opened her mouth to say something but was silenced by June's merciless slap. Her head reeled, her hand rising to the assaulted cheek.

"You manipulative bitch!" She half-yelleld. "Do you think this will make Lex come to you? Do you think I'll let you have him or even grandfather's approval?"

"If I wanted your fiance, June, I'd have had him already behind your back," Sylvie snapped, her hand lowering from her face.

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She took a deep breath, trying to school herself to remain calm. "I know you don't believe me, but I really didn't do it on purpose, June. Really, what would I gain from jeopardizing your relationship with someone like Lex? Even if he were the last man on earth, I still wouldn't want to be with him."

"You've lost your mind."

"I'm not saying he's unattractive. He's just not someone I'd ever want to be with."

"Then, you should've shut your damn mouth!"

"And maybe you shouldn't have cheated. Has it occurred to you that none of this would've happened if you didn't go sleeping around while you were engaged to someone?"

June's eyes glinted with fresh rage. She lifted her hand to strike Sylvie again, but Sylvie stopped her, grabbing her hand midair.

"I'm sorry this happened, but nothing can be done about it now, she released June's hand. "So, please go away and find a way to fix things with grandpa."

She returned to her room, shutting the door in June's face while ignoring how shocked and furious she looked.

As soon as she shut the door, she leaned against it, her hand on her chest. She was so close to having one of her panic attacks, but the sudden memory of a strong wall that smelt like strong chocolate filled her senses, calming her in an instant. No matter how hard she's tried, she couldn't forget how good it'd felt. How warm and protective his arms had been.

She still couldn't believe Kage had thought of comforting her in her state of vulnerability. She wished she'd remained there forever, but in reality, she could never have him.

Pulling herself together, she reached for her phone and texted Ruby.

"Hi. I'll be needing your help."

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