Chapter 273 Quiet Company
Chapter 273 Quiet Company
Quinn froze. Did his mother really <i>choose </i><i>to </i>end <i>her </i><i>life </i><i>on </i><i>the </i><i>very </i><i>day </i><i>he </i>was <i>born</i><i>? </i>
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He said softly, “Don’t look at me with pity.” The thought flickered that he could have used herpassion to bind her closer, yet the idea tasted bitter on his tongue.
Her sympathetic gaze only sharpened his sense of disgrace.
She had lost every rtive, yet she still shone. Friends,rades, and mentors rallied around her bright spirit.
The one left utterly alone was him.
That was why he yearned to crawl into her world and stay.
“I’m sorry,” Quinn whispered.
“No need,” he answered. “On my birthday, I’ll visit her grave, then spend the rest of the day somewhere quiet by myself.”
“Then this year…” Quinn began, her voice tentative.
“If you’re willing,” he murmured, “stay with me. We won’t do anything. We’ll simply be still together.”
“All right,” she said. “On your birthday, I’ll be there.”
That single promise sent warmth surging across Julius‘ chest.
Every previous birthday had felt like torture.
This year, with her beside him, the day might finally feel different.
He leaned in and brushed her lips with his. The kiss was light yet searing.
Softness and sweetness tangled together, pulling him deeper.
“Quinnie, I love you. I love you more than I can say,” he rasped, his voice thick with feeling.
The depth of his love for her startled him.
He had never believed love could burn so fiercely or be so essential in such a short time.
Only after meeting her did he realize he was not a creature without emotion. Every feeling he possessed existed solely for her.
“I love you too, Julius,” Quinn replied.
Hisshes trembled.
He knew she loved him, yet her affection had not reached the storm–tide of his..
Their hearts were bound, but not in equal measure.
III
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Chapter 278 Qotel Company
Quinn dragged & were to the hill to her for a gif
Flow smal 1 decull de ar dragging you shogging yet today you invited me: Lanesughed
Julio himhany jeing. I am seething for him. Quinn said
Wow hubos birthday. Is he hosting a party? T’es mever heard of him celebrating though thete Whether pariarch threwvish banquets that always trended online. Laura remarked
“I’m not throwing a party. Just the two of us, something quiet and simple.”
“What about his dad?” Laura asked.
His rtionship with his father is…plicated.”
Laura, quick to read the room, let the matter drop. “Finding a gift for Julius is a nightmare. The man has everything. Worst–case scenario, gift–wrap yourself–he’ll be thrilled.”
Quinn rolled her eyes and tugged her friend toward the next shop.
They wandered until they reached a jewelry shop.
A bracelet caught Quinn’s eye–small sandalwood beads with a single jade bead carved into a flower motif.
“You like it?” Laura asked.
It’s understated but elegant.”
The clerk brightened. “Excellent taste, miss. This is a new arrival. The carved flower symbolizes peace year after year–perfect for a man’s gift.”
Quinn lowered her gaze while the clerk lifted the bracelet from its case.
She caressed the bracelet, imagining him wearing it<i>. </i><i>It </i>would look perfect <i>on </i>his wrist.
I just <i>hope </i><i>the </i>blessing is real–<i>may </i><i>peace </i><i>finds </i>him year <i>after </i>year.
“I’ll take it,” Quinn said.
That night, she sat in her room, the bracelet cupped in her palm. She slipped a card from a drawer and began to write: Julius <i>Whitethorn</i>, may every <i>year </i><i>bring </i><i>you </i><i>peace</i><i>. </i><i>May </i><i>we </i><i>stand </i>by <i>each </i><i>other </i>until we are old. — <i>Quinn </i>
Card finished, she ced it inside the box. The bedroom door flew open. “Quinnie!”