Chapter 370
Rain’s expression softened, and a faint sadness flickered in her eyes. “I guess I didn’t realize how much it showed back then. It was… a difficult time p>
Henry nodded. “Understandable. But now? It’s like you’re glowing. You’ve come back to life, Rain p>
Rain gave a small, bittersweet smile. “That’s because Alexander woke up. He’s… he’s my anchor. When he was unconscious, it felt like the world stopped spinning. Like I was just going through the motions without any real purpose p>
Henry studied her for a moment, then said, “It’s a good thing he has you. I don’t think he’d be half as strong without someone like you by his side p>
She looked away, her cheeks tinged with warmth. “I think we’re strong because we have each other. It’s not just me… it’s him too. We both fought to get here, and I don’t think I could’ve done it alone p>
Henry smiled faintly. “Well, whatever you’re doing, keep doing it. Seeing you like this… it’s inspiring. And, honestly, it’s a nice change of pace in this office p>
Rain chuckled lightly. “Thanks, Henry. I’ll try not to let the glow fade anytime soon p>
He gave her a quick nod before returning to his paperwork, leaving Rain to reflect on his words.
She and Alexander had been through so much, even though they had only been together for a few months, almost three months, to be exact. Moments like this reminded her of just how far they’d come despite the whirlwind of challenges.
Her eyes drifted to the photo frame on her desk, capturing a candid moment of her and Alexander. Their smiles in the picture radiated pure joy, a stark contrast to the trials they’d endured. She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly over the glass.
“Our relationship has only grown stronger,” she murmured softly, her voice filled with conviction. She straightened in her chair, her gaze unwavering on the photograph.
A wide smile spread across her face as she added, “And I’m sure, no matter what lies ahead, together, we’ll overcome it all p>
The warmth in her heart seemed to ripple outward, filling the room. The thought of their journey, their bond, and the challenges they’d conquered together gave her an unshakable sense of hope. Rain knew that with Alexander by her side, there was nothing they couldn’t face.
Meanwhile, back in his private office, Henry let out a long, deep sigh as he settled into his chair. He opened his laptop, attempting to focus on the stack of pending work, but his thoughts kept drifting. Lately, he’d been battling a confusing turmoil inside him, and it was all because of Rain.
He clenched his fists, frustrated with himself. He knew he shouldn’t feel this way… admiring a married woman, especially someone like Rain, was not only wrong but also a path that could lead to heartbreak. Still, this budding admiration, growing stronger with every moment they shared, was becoming increasingly difficult to suppress.
Lost in his spiraling thoughts, his phone rang, breaking the silence. The screen displayed an unknown number. He frowned. Normally, he would have ignored it, but part of him welcomed the distraction.
“Hello? Who is this?” he asked directly, his tone bordering on irritation.
“It’s me,” came a sweet, familiar voice from the other end.
The sound immediately put him on edge.
“I guess you’re still mad at me if you went as far as deleting my number,” the woman added with a chuckle.
“Carla,” Henry said flatly, leaning back in his chair.
Indeed, he was mad. He’d deleted her number seven years ago after she’d crushed him with her cold words, telling him he was nothing to her. Soon after, he’d learned she was seeing someone else, Alexander Lancaster. At the time, he hadn’t cared to dig into who Alexander was.
Now, irony had a way of rearing its head. The woman who had dismissed him all those years ago was the same woman Alexander had once loved… and now, Henry found himself drawn to Rain, Alexander’s wife.
What a strange, twisted fate, he thought bitterly. The world seemed far too small, and their lives seemed inexorably tangled. Carla, Alexander, Rain… they were all connected in a web of complicated histories.
“What do you want?” Henry asked curtly, trying to keep his tone as neutral as possible.
Carla hesitated, but then her voice softened, turning almost pleading. “I just… I need to talk to someone, Henry. And honestly, I trust you more than anyone else p>
He clenched his jaw, unsure whether to hang up or listen. For a moment, he remained silent.
“Can we meet up? I’m really lost right now, Henry, and I don’t know who else to turn to. I can’t let my parents know I’m in a mess… You know I don’t have any close friends. It’s just you,” Carla murmured, her voice trembling. Even through the phone, Henry could tell she was suppressing tears.
He sighed, conflicted but unable to ignore her. “Alright, where do you want to meet p>
She quickly gave him her apartment address, and though part of him questioned if this was a good idea, another part reminded him of the debt he owed her family. Carla wasn’t just anyone… she was his first love, and it was her family’s support that had paved the way for his current success.
With a resigned nod to himself, Henry agreed. He already needed to head out for some work, so stopping by Carla’s apartment first wouldn’t derail his schedule.
As he drove through the busy streets, his thoughts wandered back to the past, dredging up memories he thought he had buried.
Henry had grown up with his father, who managed the Cartier family’s private island, Bohne Island. Carla’s family often vacationed there, and she had been a constant presence in his teenage years.
He was sixteen when Carla, only twelve at the time, started tagging along with him wherever he went. She had a knack for getting under his skin, pestering him to join her in all sorts of activities, from fishing to exploring the island’s hidden trails.
What started as an innocent bond evolved over the years. By the time Carla turned eighteen, Henry realized his feelings for her had deepened into something more. She wasn’t just the bubbly girl who followed him around anymore, she had grown into someone he thought he could spend the rest of his life with.
On her eighteenth birthday, he’d finally gathered the courage to confess his feelings, hoping she felt the same way. And for a moment, he thought she did. Carla didn’t just accept his confession… she went further, offering herself to him, blurring the lines between love and lust.
But that was where the dream ended and the nightmare began.
Henry’s hands tightened around the steering wheel as his face darkened, remembering how Carla had used him. She hadn’t loved him, not the way he loved her. He’d been nothing more than a fleeting amusement, a convenient plaything to pass the time.
The pain of that realization had haunted him for years, making him question his worth and hardening his heart. And now, after everything, she was back, asking for his help as though nothing had happened.