ndow melted into streaks as

since she got into the car. Instead, his long fingers kept brushing gently

sually, a playful edge in his voice.

inked spe

memory had just surfaced. "Short fuse, s

chless. A wild kitten? S

it clearly now-one of their silly childhood fights. In a burst of

d remember it, let alo

e bite mark still so clear? Did Ethan look at it and s

rubbed the bridge of her nose and turned towar

es fixed on her side profile, his fingers tracing the s

e squirmed a little, feeling his stare. She

es met, she forgot what

ice low and full of amusement. "What's w

ey

smoothly. His tone was deep, almost lazy, but ther

m flooding back-Ethan had always c

s even thinking abou

d to a stop in front of Scenery Estate-

n slowly, and the car eased into the wi

large, calm man-made lake shimmered nearby, surrounded by a bri

and an orchard stretch

more impressive than t

n front of a g

and surrounded by a few m

his cane, his eyes sparkled with life and wisdom. Time had

Noelle knew him the moment

rushed toward him, her eyes welling up wit

as he took her hand in his. His voice trembled w

Levi? Are you feelin

tionately. "This old body still works. But look at you-you'v

es curved like crescent moons, shining with a gen

as a child. Her features were delica

t, clear, full of life-th

his own granddaughter. He passed his cane to a maid, and then gently took Noelle's hand in

m, the three of them settled

th a tray and quie

been a slow road to recovery. I only just got well enough to return home. But the moment I got back, I heard things hadn't been good for you with the Moss family. I couldn'

nd, so full of love, that Noelle felt her throat tighten

d a gentle pat. "You've had a t

odded toward Ethan. "You remember Ethan, don't you? You two were alw

e she re

litely, offering

ide her, looked co

rd, he picked up the coffee pot and poured a cup for Levi smoothly,

hief as he asked casually, "So

many words on the ride over. And from the way he acted, it seemed like he still held onto whatever

. "Come on, sweetheart, tell m

and looked down, mum

change much, but one of hi

ooked at her. His gaze lingered just l

"Perfect! That's all I needed

m, puzzled. "Levi..

married. And seeing you now, I must say, you're still a perfect match. Tell you what, Noey-no

s shocked and said in protest,

't know how much time I have left. But if I could see you and Ethan settled, it would put my heart at e

love in Levi's voice was undeniabl

rn this down. Surely he didn't want this either. They didn't even get along

ooked straight at Levi. His face was calm, firm.

, stunned. What the