Chapter 354
Chapter 354 The Empty Spot
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After Jensen left the lobby, Celyn knocked on the office door. She waited for permission, then stepped right in.
The office was big and open. A tall man stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The room was nice and warm from the heater. He had a beige coat slung over his shoulders, one hand covering his mouth as he let out a quiet, strained cough.
His side profile looked cold and sharp.
Under his long lashes, his eyes looked distant and icy, totally blank with no emotion.
He stared out the window, seemingly lost in thought about something.
“He still won’t leave?” Asher’s voice was low and cold.
“Mr. Marlow says he’ll keep waiting until you agree to meet him,” Celyn told him honestly. “He said… he’s been looking for you for 17 years p>
Hearing that, a soft sigh slipped off Asher’s pale lips. A little helplessness flashed in his eyes.
Why is he still this stubborn, just like when we were kids?
It looked like he couldn’t keep avoiding this meeting.
He knew Jensen well. He always kept his promises.
Once he fixed his mind on something, he’d never back down.
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“Let me know the next time he shows up.” Asher’s voice was deep and smooth.
“Got it.” Celyn nodded.
She knew Asher had finally decided to meet Jensen.
“How’s everything back home p>
Asher had been swamped with work lately. He barely had time to rest, so he hadn’t kept up things back in his hometown.
On top of that, the work he was doing now meant he had to keep low contact with his homeland. He didn’t want Zora getting tangled up in any trouble.
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“Zora is completely safe,” Celyn said. “She’s staying with Mr. Leighton Pierce, and he takes really good care of her p>
Celyn pulled out a tablet and opened a photo album. Asher took the tablet from her.
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His pale, delicate fingers swiped across the screen.
The first photo was Zora hanging out with her friends. The next one showed her sitting in class, resting her chin in her hand. There was a picture of her playing badminton at school, one of her eating in the cafeteria, and another of her laughing and messing around with the Marlows.
Looking at these lively photos, Asher could almost picture her living happily right beside him.
A small smile tugged at his pale lips.
The cold, distant aura around him softened, replaced by gentle warmth.
As he flipped through the photos, the frostiness in his eyes slowly faded away.
His little girl was living a good life back home.
Asher kept swiping, until a new photo made his smile freeze instantly.
It showed Zora and Leighton shopping at a supermarket. Leighton had her tucked right in front of him while pushing the cart, keeping her close.
The next picture was them taking a walk downstairs. Their shadows overlapped on the ground, twisted together tight.
Another shot captured Leighton gently wrapping a scarf around Zora’s neck.
The soft smile in Asher’s eyes faded. Two photos were left in the album, and his fingers slowly swiped the screen again.
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When the next photo popped up, he gripped the tablet tight, his knuckles standing out sharply.
This photo was taken right after they walked out of a flower shop.
Zora held a pretty bouquet of flowers in her hands, her eyes bright and full of pure, happy joy.
It was such a warm, sweet sight.
Asher had seen this exact look on her face countless times before.
Back when he made her favorite dish, she’d run over, grab his arm, and say in a cute voice, “You’re the best! I’m so lucky to have you p>
When they went up the mountain to gather herbs, every time she found a rare one, she’d rush over, lift her little face, and show off. “Look how awesome I am p>
On quiet nights, they’d sit in the yard and watch the stars. She’d stare up at the sky in awe, lean her head on his shoulder, swing her feet, and joke, “I want all these stars p>
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Once upon a time, all her bright, happy looks were only for him.
But now, someone else had walked into her life and taken a huge place in her heart.
He flipped to the last photo.
Zora skipped ahead on the path, her braids bouncing high. Leighton walked slowly behind her like a protector. He held her backpack in one hand and her scarf in the other, his eyes full of soft, doting smiles.
Asher stared at the pair on screen-her playing and him quietly watching and smiling at her.
His pale lips pressed tight together. An itchy feeling rose in his throat.
“Cough p>
He let out a low cough. A faint metallic taste filled his mouth. He swallowed hard, pushing the bloody feeling down.
This was exactly what he’d wanted for her. He’d always hoped she’d have someone reliable to lean on.
But seeing it with his own eyes, seeing his little girl relying on someone else, still hurt.
A dull, sharp pain spread through his chest.
Celyn watched every small change on his face, her hands tightening a little at her sides.
She lowered her gaze, hiding the look in her eyes.
He had no one left by his side. But Zora still had so many people who loved and cared for her.
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The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All
Jane 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.