GoodNovelFreeChapter 55
Luke's mother had been my neighbor when | first ran away from home, still learning to navigate adulthood. Her
kindness and wisdom had been a lifeline.
She'd introducedto Luke when he was eighteen - a rebellious youth who despised education.
We weren't close initially.
Everything changed when his mother fell terminally ill.
In her final days, she'd askedto watch over Luke if possible. Like a fool, I'd promised.
So | entered Luke's life, somehow connecting with that angry young man.
The next nine years revolved around him. | thought I'd more than fulfilled my promise by then.
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"Yvonne? What's on your mind? The guests are waiting." My mother's gentle squeeze broughtback to reality.
My father had thrown an extravagant celebration for my return and impending marriage into the Sterling family.
Brilliant chandeliers made faces blur, while constant chatter and camera flashes created a dizzying atmosphere.
As | tried to retreat, Gavin stepped in front, shielding me.
He offered a gentle smile. He seemed genuine - perhaps in another life, meeting him first would have changed
everything.
Overwhelmed by strangers, | stayed sober but feigned tipsiness to escape outside. The clouds had dispersed,
leaving a cold moon and scattered stars.
In the moonlight, | saw him approaching. Luke, inevitably.
He looked haggard, while Mandy sparkled in her dress, clutching his arm like a parasite.
"Cback," Luke said flatly.
| turned to leave, too weary to argue.
His grip on my wrist madeflinch.
"Let go!"
"What will it take to get you back?" His eyes were wild, bloodshot.
| almost laughed, but even smiling felt exhausting.
Mandy's saccharine voice floated over. "I'm so sorry, Yvonne. This is all my fault. Please forgive Luke, he loves
you." Her theatrical tears were perfect.
The distant party's warmth contrasted sharply with the cold night. "Luke," | sighed, "we can't go back."
"What are you saying? Nine years together - what were those to you?"
"You want money, right? | can be richer than Gavin!"
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His desperation was almost comical. "When you leftalone through those abortions, while vacationing with
Mandy - what did those nine years mean to you?"
Luke fell silent.
Before Mandy could speak, | slapped her. "I've never seen anyone as pathetic as you."
Her face blanched as tears fell.
Luke released my hand, perhaps fearing he was next. "She's just my sister..." he protested weakly.
| couldn't bear to look at him anymore.
Gavin called from nearby. | smiled and walked to him.
"Do you know him?" he asked.
"You do?"
"Only that he's the Tompson family's recently acknowledged illegitimate heir - their long-lost son."
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