Chapter 373
Chapter 373 Hidden Longing
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Leighton held his phone up, watching the cute girl standing nearby. A soft smile curved his lips. Snow fell gently over her head, making the whole scene look perfect.
He took a bunch of photos before Zora told him to stop.
“Let me see! Let me see p>
Zora ran over to him and leaned in to check his phone screen.
“Take a look. Do you like them? I’ll retake them if you don’t p>
Leighton handed her the phone.
Zora’s eyes lit up the second she saw the pictures.
She looked bright and lively in every shot. Her eyes crinkled into happy little moons. The tree lights glowed on her soft, pretty face, and her smile shone brightly. She looked like a sweet little fairy who’d wandered down to earth.
“Your photo skills are amazing p>
Zora had thought his pictures would turn out bad, like the awkward full-body shots most guys took. But his work was way better than she expected.
It was far nicer than her own face-only selfies.
His skills looked professional, like he’d practiced a lot.
Has he taken photos for other people before?
The thought made her chest feel tight and sour. Even the beautiful photos lost their appeal for a second.
“I took photos for my mom when I was a kid p>
After that, he’d secretly taken tons of photos of Zora over time.
Pictures of her eating, doing homework, watching shows, drawing, and running around the living room.
Leighton noticed her fingers slow down as she swiped through the photos.
He knew her too well. He picked up on her jealousy right away, a faint smile flickering in his eyes.
She did care about him, more than she acted like she did.
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He looked down and spoke softly to explain.
He used to take photos for his mom as a little boy.
Vienne loved shopping. Young Leighton always had to carry her bags, hold her umbrella, take her pictures, and buy her snacks.
She’d walk ahead casually, while little Leighton hurried behind her with all her things.
She always teased him about his short legs back then.
She’d joked he’d grow up shorter than his older siblings.
Little Leighton had been extremely picky about food as a child.
He refused anything too cold, too hot, too crunchy, or too soft. He wouldn’t eat organ meat, furry animal parts, or shellfish.
He hated mixed flavors and turned down any dish with more than three colors.
His picky eating drove many chefs crazy. The Pierce family went through cook after cook.
Even Vienne got fed up and wanted to discipline him, but his grandpa always stopped her.
They said all kids were fussy when they were little, and he’d grow out of it.
But his pickiness stunted his growth a bit. He was shorter than all the other kids his
Memories of Vienne made Leighton’s gaze turn dull and sad.
She never got to see him grow tall, taller than all his siblings.
age.
She never knew the picky little boy she worried about had grown into a steady, capable man.
He wasn’t picky about food anymore.
He’d outgrown his childish habits, but the person who raised him was gone for good.
“Leighton p>
Zora looked up and caught the flash of sadness in his eyes.
She felt the quiet sorrow coming from him. She grabbed the hem of his coat and tugged it gently.
“Hmm p>
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Musden Conging
Leighton pushed down the bitter feeling in his throat, hiding his sadness like nothing had happened.
“Let’s take a picture together p>
Zora had no clue what he was thinking about, but she could tell he was sad.
She didn’t know how to comfort him, so she tried to change the subject.
“Alright p>
Leighton looked down at her. He saw the worry she tried to hide in her eyes and smiled softly.
“Let’s take it by the tree too p>
Zora really loved the bright, sparkling tree.
“Okay p>
Leighton saw a young man walking by. He stepped up and asked him to take a photo of them.
The guy agreed right away.
He looked at the cute girl and handsome man under the tree and felt a little jealous.
Why did everyone have a partner except him?
“You two can stand a bit closer.” The guy held up his phone and reminded them.
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There was a small gap between them, which looked odd for a couple.
Zora glanced at the space between them. It didn’t seem far to her.
Before she could say anything, Leighton stepped closer. Her hand, hanging at her side, brushed against his warm palm.
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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.