“Alright.”Deirdre nodded. Tobey returned after a short while. “Deirdre.” He sounded unprecedentedly anxious and stern. “I have to return to the company immediately.”“What happened?”Tobey heaved a sigh in agitation. “One of the projects I’m handling is suddenly facing some issues, so I’ll need to handle it. Moreover, I must leave immediately because I can’t afford to lose time. I won’t be able to get a bus ticket if it’s late.”“Ah…” Even though Deirdre did not understand the situation very well, she knew that work was important. “You should go quickly. Don’t worry about me. Madame Russell can come and pick me up later.”Tobey heaved a deep sigh, his eyes still filled with affection. “Dierdre, everything I said to you before you rejected me is valid. I want to be with you to protect and treasure you. I’m doing it not only because of my mother and Madam McKinnon but it’s more so for myself. You can give it proper consideration while I’m away. I’ll be back in a few days. By then
Soon afterward, the man seemed to notice Deirdre and said in a surprised tone, “Is this… Ms. McKinnon from the Russells?”Deirdre could not answer, but she could only glare at the area before her in fear. Who was the person Declan called out to earlier? Kyran? Who was that?Declan came to understand the situation and chuckled softly. He said in an apologetic tone, “I’m very sorry, Ms. McKinnon. Did my friend scare you? He’s a mute and can’t express himself with speech. He always does something that causes misunderstandings. However, he is a nice person. Please don’t take it to heart.”‘Mute?’ Deirdre was stunned. ‘This man is mute? So… He’s not Brendan?’Deirdre calmed down gradually. If that man were Brendan, he would have already exhausted all sorts of threatening measures to deal with her by now. How would he be so calm and composed that he did not even speak or respond after she hit him?“He…” Deirdre pointed at her forehead and furrowed her eyebrows deeply. “Wiped my forehe
“Yikes…” Madame Russell’s expression was solemn. “I heard him speaking on the phone with an anxious tone. Do you think something bad has happened?”“No.” Deirdre comforted Madame Russell by saying, “Tobey sounded anxious because he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to catch the last bus. There’s no airport here. However, I believe the matter is not dire because Tobey said he will be back when he is done handling the matter.”“Great then.” Madame Russell cracked a smile. She asked mysteriously while she held Deirdre’s hand to walk home, “How was it? How was the performance?”“It was rather impressive,” Deirdre answered with her head lowered. In reality, she had only listened to the performance's first half. “How about Tobey and you?”“Huh?” Deirdre was caught off guard. “What about Tobey and me?”Madame Russell smiled mischievously. “Tobey reminded me to take good care of you repeatedly when he called me before he left. He was having such a hard time parting with you that he w
Deirdre was moved into silence. Her tongue failed her, and it took her minutes to recover her voice finally. “Tobey, I… I’m not worth it.”She did not deserve his concern. She was a hideous, blind, formerly-incarcerated ticking time bomb whose very presence could spell trouble at any time. She did not deserve to be with a man whose life was on the ascent. Tobey’s tone darkened. “Don’t you dare look down on yourself, Deirdre. Or was that a dig at my romantic preferences?”Deirdre fell silent. “You want me to tell you the ugly truth? Okay,” he added. “Truth is, I’m taking advantage of the current you. You’re at your most vulnerable, a lonely soul crying out for companionship and a place to belong. I’m merely seizing this moment. You know why? Because I know that even now, even when it seems like I’m at the height of my life, I don’t measure up to even a fragment of the blinding splendor you used to emanate.”Deirdre had always been their school’s brightest star. Her destitute fami
Suddenly, a lone rock coursed through an arc and slammed onto her forehead. A sharp pang jolted her.Deirdre moved her hand and felt warm blood on her fingers. Her head swam in a dizzy sea of pain as she heard the children's remarks.“We know you’re in there, you freak! Don’t pretend not to hear us! It’s your eyes that are busted, not your ears! Haha, she thinks she can stay inside and say nothing, guys! Then we’ll play ‘try to hit the freak’ with her!”The children did exactly what they said they would. Rocks began to shower at her, and the fact that every single one landed at her quickly removed the possibility of coincidences. Her visage turned pale. Enough was enough. Deirdre was just about to rise when she heard the child’s unkind delight turn awry. “H-Heeeey! Who the h— What are you doing!?”There was a crash. Something was chucked onto the ground. Deirdre opened the gate and was immediately greeted by the sound of the leader’s angry tears. “How dare you lay your hands on
Deirdre lifted her head and pursed her soft lips into a polite smile. She was mesmerizing. Despite the absence of life in her damaged eyes, something in her face radiated. It summoned a wave within Kyran’s chest so violent that he had to press his lips thin to battle the urge.He extended his fingertip and wrote on her palm, ‘No need.’ Then, a moment later, he wrote, ‘Sorry for last time.’Deirdre stiffened a little, then she understood him. He was talking about their meeting during the musical. He had hurt her forehead.“It’s okay,” Deirdre replied, smiling. “I misunderstood you, that’s all. You just wanted to help. Besides, my forehead was pretty much healed by nighttime.”The man gave no response for a long beat before writing, ‘I’m still sorry.’He knew how uncomfortable Deirdre was when a stranger touched her, so he had been writing on her palm with a tin layer of tissue between his finger and her skin. His fingertip lingered in the middle of her hand before waltzing around
As for the man’s looks… The anxiety bubbling within her mind made Madame Russell frown. She had always believed her son to be handsome, so much so that he could sit comfortably among typical male leads in a romantic drama. But this guy?He looked like what happened when God decided to show her just how premature her conclusion was.Madame Russell quickly took up Deirdre’s hand. “Mr. Reed?”The man did not answer.Deirdre spoke on his behalf. “He can’t speak, Madame Russell. He’s mute.”“Mute?” The older woman parroted. A new hint of pity colored her gaze. She could not help herself—she had imagined a man who looked as gorgeous as this young one would speak with a dulcet voice.“Yea. He helped me, Madame Russell. Some of the kids in the village threw rocks into the yard while I was walking, and it was Mr. Reed who chased them away. Then he helped me plow.”At that moment, Madame Russell turned her attention away from Kyran to the bandage on her forehead. Her heart ached. “What
“Well, there you have it!” Deirdre chuckled. “He’s handsome and a friend of Mr. King, which means he’s also rich, isn’t he? Why would someone like that take a liking to a random blind woman in some backwater village? It’s just weird! I mean, I doubt his disability hardly hurt his desirability. I wouldn’t meet his standard even if he lowered it!”“Lord, I swear…” Madame Russell faltered. How was she supposed to tell her about Kyran’s stormy scowl the moment she emphasized on Deirdre being hers?And which handsome, rich Prince Charming would deign himself with menial labor for a woman he just met? Aristocrats like these probably lived their entire lives without ever touching any kind of work tool!“Come on, Madame Russell.” Deirdre cooed reassuringly. She wrapped her arm around the older woman’s. “Mr. Reed accidentally injured my forehead last night, so today, he came to apologize and help to make it up for me. He’s not interested in me, okay? And it’s impossible, too. My conditions a
"Where is she?"Brendan stared at him, utterly surprised. Sean's voice trembled a bit, but his eyes held a clear and hopeful gaze.Brendan finally calmed down and looked behind him. "There, that's your mother."This was the first time Sean had spoken. Deirdre felt her mind buzzing. When she snapped back to reality, she extended her hand. "Sean, come here."Sean's eyes held gentle amazement. He was intelligent—perhaps he had sensed it on the way there. Thus, his feelings were a blend of happiness and satisfaction.He felt joy that Deirdre was going to be his mother.Being a kid, he took a few steps but couldn't stop his tears, holding onto Deirdre firmly.Deirdre suppressed her own urge to cry and crouched down, wiping away his tears. "Do you... hate mom for not being there and not recognizing you?"Sean shook his head frantically. "As long as you're here… That's enough…"Deirdre hugged him tightly, and Brendan approached, wrapping them both in his embrace.When they brought S
"I was too young back then, still sulking with my father," Brendan replied after recalling his childhood.Arthur chuckled. "Kids will be kids, after all. Besides, your father was an excellent businessman, and you've followed in his footsteps. I've heard about your impressive success with the business in Neve. You're truly talented. With the Parkers under your control, I can finally relax." Brendan thought it was just praise from an elder. He was about to give a humble response when he got surprised by the rest of the statement. This made him freeze in place."The Parkers?" Deirdre was equally surprised."What's wrong?" Arthur beamed. "Don't you both already have children? Although you've divorced, your relationship is still strong. Don't tell me there's no thought of remarriage?""Remarriage? It's not the right time yet." Deirdre blushed from the teasing."It'll come eventually. If that's the case, then you are both part of the Parkers now. You're my only daughter, and he's my s
Beneath the envelope lay the evidence. Deirdre stared at it for a long time, with Brendan by her side, offering silent support.The next day, they boarded a plane back to Southedge. Within three days, news of the top political figure's downfall due to corruption spread like wildfire throughout Southedge, even captivating the interest of other cities.Upon learning the full story in his study, Arthur's aging face was stained with tears of regret. "If only I had known sooner... I wouldn't have let your mother leave like that."Deirdre lowered her gaze and handed the letter to Arthur. "My mother explains in the letter that her departure was a voluntary sacrifice to protect everyone. She never blamed you."Arthur gazed at the letter, struggling to find the right words.Deirdre left silently, shutting the door.-Ryker was also brought to the police station. Under Sterling's methods, he confessed to the murders. Emily faced the same outcome.All of them waited for their trials.-
The distance from Southedge to Village Alnwick was immense, yet Brendan displayed unwavering resolve."Then let's depart today," he said.As Deirdre bid farewell to Arthur, an unexpected glimmer of sadness flickered in his eyes. "Visiting your mother's grave, huh? Okay, go ahead. Take care of yourself, don't overexert.""Yes," Deirdre replied. Faced with Arthur's hesitant gaze, she felt compelled to add, "Dad, I'll be back."Arthur met Deirdre's gaze, hope rekindling in his eyes.Deirdre softly sighed. "You're my father, my family. Of course, I'll return." "Really? You mean it?" Arthur's excitement made his hands tremble slightly. He held onto Deirdre as if wanting to convey something, but all that emerged was a murmur, "Then please return early... Come back as soon as you can...""Sure. I have a friend coming over later today. Take care of him. Oh, and my boyfriend is here, too. Don't worry about the specifics. I'll explain everything upon my return."As she stepped out, Bren
"Brendan Brighthall?" Ryker wiped away his own nosebleed. "How did you manage to come from Neve? Didn't I ask Emily to keep an eye on you? That useless fool who can't even accomplish simple tasks.""Choosing to control minds with drugs all along, you should have anticipated this outcome." Brendan acted roughly. As he got up, he took the key from Ryker and placed Ryker on a chair.Deirdre clenched Brendan's sleeve tightly. Sensing her tension, Brendan embraced her to calm her down."It's okay. I'm sorry for coming back so late, making you go through this.""It's not your fault. Your timely arrival saved me from further trouble. It's my own foolishness... I let him find something to use against me," Deirdre said, shaking her head weakly.Brendan frowned, cupping Deirdre's face. "He wasn't someone easily deceived, to begin with. You've done well. I'm the one who brought you into this danger, which is unforgivable."Brendan's dark eyes were filled with intense emotions. He had arrive
Deirdre hugged Ryker, resting her head on his chest as he patted her back. "By the way, you're not curious about where I went after I left early this morning?"Deirdre realized the hidden meaning behind Ryker's words, retreated from Ryker's embrace little by little, and looked at him.Ryker's eyes, as enigmatic as ever, held a clarity that seemed to pierce through everything. "I went to the hospital."He didn't wait for Deirdre to respond. "Because I was curious why I was so sleepy last night for no reason. Any ordinary person might chalk it up to exhaustion. But I know my body too well. You drugged me."Deirdre felt a sudden chill running down her spine.Ryker took a step forward casually, but his eyes were full of killing intent. "I underestimated you, Deirdre. Your acting skills are far more impressive than I imagined. You nearly had me fooled. You deserve an Oscar. What a pity that you're now in my hands."Deirdre retreated abruptly, but she found a cold wall barring her esca
Deirdre was momentarily stunned as she watched Arthur search around the study. Eventually, he uncovered a rusty key from a drawer.Arthur raised the key. "Is this what your mother desired?"Deirdre's mind raced, thoughts swirling. "Is this from my mother?"A hint of disappointment shadowed Arthur's eyes as he nodded. "This is the only thing she left me before she departed. She didn't explain why. She just made me promise to keep this key and never search for her."Although I agreed, the thought of it weighed heavily on me. So, I hid the key in a corner of the drawer instead of treating it like any other possession. In hindsight, I shouldn't have made that promise. I shouldn't have let her go alone."Deirdre's voice wavered, confusion evident. But as realization dawned, her heart raced. "Can you give me the key?"Arthur earnestly nodded, his expression solemn. "This belongs to your mother. I'm willing to give it to you whenever you're ready. To be honest, I'm relieved to pass it o
The butler nodded and guided Deirdre to the study's door. Gathering her emotions, she pushed it open.Arthur's attention was on some documents, but the door's creak made him look up. He met Deirdre's gaze, causing a subtle flicker of surprise and uncertainty in his eyes."Deirdre..." He set aside the file. "Did you just wake up? Hungry? I'll have the kitchen prepare something."Deirdre shook her head, closing the door gently."Not hungry. I came to talk.""Everything okay?" Concern colored Arthur's expression. Though he seemed worried she might leave, he tried to hide it. "Go ahead. I'm with you."Deirdre found his reaction slightly amusing. "I'm not leaving."A spark returned to Arthur's eyes. "Then what's up?"As Deirdre grew more serious, she said, "I came to Southedge not just for a visit. I want to know if my mother left something with you before she passed. Something significant.""Left something?" Arthur was puzzled. "She left several things. Which one do you mean?"De
Brendan's eyes held a hint of pity as he spoke hesitantly. "Your mother took that item away."He gently touched Deirdre's face. "That man kidnapped your mother years ago. I don't know what happened during that time. Maybe he hurt your mother and wanted to keep her forcibly. Eventually, your mother found a chance to escape back to your father with the man's item."She left suddenly while pregnant with you, not out of hatred for your father, but to protect you. Now, that person is unsure if your mother or Arthur has the item. Thus, he aimed to kidnap both you and your father, taking his time to retrieve them."Deirdre's mind was overwhelmed, flooded with information that threatened to drown her. This unexpected revelation left her in disbelief.'My mother left my father because of me? And the mastermind behind Ryker is responsible for my mother's kidnapping?'"So that item holds significant importance for this person, enough to bring him down, right?" Deirdre forced herself to calm