?Chapter 1351:


    Her arrogance had only been her defense—her way of keeping people at a distance, afraid of love, afraid of pain.


    Christina still remembered that moment: the sound of the gun, the sight of her friend copsing, and her own helpless scream. That memory stayed with her. It never faded.


    After that, she wiped out the entire assassin organization that had killed her friend.


    But revenge didn’t heal anything. It only emptied her soul even more.


    Tears welled in Christina’s eyes again, glistening like stars in the dim light.


    It had taken her so long to climb out of that abyss… yet standing here, holding Davina, she felt the same hollow ache return.


    If only time could turn back. Maybe then the world wouldn’t be filled with so many regrets.


    And sometimes, she wished she could stand on a distant—just far enough to look back at the past and see everything one more time.


    Davina’s sobs quieted when she noticed tears glistening in Christina’s eyes, realizing she wasn’t the only one hurting. Startled, she wiped her face quickly and looked up at Christina, her own tears pausing midstream.


    “I’m so sorry, Christina,” Davina murmured, her voice breaking. “I didn’t mean to make you cry too.”


    “It’s not your fault, really,” Christina said gently, forcing a small smile. “I just… remembered someone from long ago.” Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke.


    “Hey, don’t be sad. The past is behind us now. You’ve still got me, and we’ll face whatever’s next together,” Davina said softly, trying to cheer her up.


    “How about I stay here tonight?” Christina offered gently. The thought of leaving Davina alone made her uneasy.


    “No, you don’t have to,” Davina replied softly. “You’ve just found your family. Go spend time with them. Don’t waste a second of it.”


    She knew too well how fragile those chances could be. People always thought there would be more time, only to find themselves drowning in regrets.


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    Life might have seemed long, but it slipped away faster than anyone realized. Tomorrow was never promised.


    “Then I’ll call Ralphy. He can stay with you for a bit,” Christina said, her tone light but firm.


    The thought of Ralphy being there gave her a sense of relief; at least Davina wouldn’t be alone.


    Davina paused before giving a faint smile. “You don’t need to bother him. I’ve handled worse before. I can deal with a little sadness on my own.”


    “Not happening. Either I stay, or Ralphy does. I’m not leaving you here by yourself,” Christina said, her voice leaving no room for argument.


    “Or better yet,e stay with me at the Vaughn estate,” Christina added, trying to make it sound casual. But Davina hesitated, torn betweenfort and guilt.


    After a long pause, Davina sighed. She couldn’t bring herself to interrupt Christina’s precious time with her family.


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