Chapter 1399:
Half-reclined against the headboard, he held her close, his eyes fixed on the calm stillness of her sleeping face. Little by little, her warmth chipped away at the frost inside him, pulling him back from years of isolation.
Wesley’s hand drifted to her cheek, tenderly brushing her skin as his mind leapt ahead to the day he would make her his wife. The manor was almost ready—soon, he could finally propose to her.
“Elena, it’s almost time,” he whispered.
In his mind, the proposal he imagined for her was grand enough to outshine anything the world had to offer—because nothing less would ever be enough for the woman he loved.
Lydia remained at the orphanage to share a meal with the children, but as soon as the food was served, her expression tightened into a frown, and a sudden wave of nausea rose within her.
Since the kids hadn’t begun eating and her own appetite had vanished, Lydia encouraged them to start without her.
Lara, the eldest of the group, caught the change in Lydia’s demeanor and leaned forward.
“Lydia, don’t you like the food here?”
Masking her discomfort with a warm smile, Lydia replied, “It’s not that. I just had a big breakfast, so I’m still full. You all go ahead and enjoy, alright?”
Before anyone could say more, Lizzie, assuming Lydia was being picky, placed her prized piece of fish in front of Lydia.
“Lydia, this one’s delicious. You’ve got to try it.”
The strong aroma rose immediately, making Lydia’s stomach churn even more. Every meal at the orphanage was carefully divided so no one went without. Giving away her fish meant Lizzie was left with only rice and vegetables, though her eyes sparkled as she waited for Lydia to eat.
Unable to reject the offering, Lydia took a small bite before gently returning the rest.
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“Lizzie, you have it. If you keep eating well, you’ll grow tall—just like me.”
Lizzie’s face lit up.
“I want to be as tall as you and Elena!”
Once everyone had eaten their fill, Lydia excused herself, claiming she needed the bathroom, desperate to escape the lingering scent of fish.
After the children were tucked in for their afternoon nap, Lydia began gathering her things to leave.
On her way down the stairs, she spotted a familiar car parked outside. Her gaze scanned around and settled on Jeffry, who was standing with the orphanage director in conversation. He looked as though he’d come straight from the office—impeccably dressed in a suit and tie, tall and striking enough to draw glances from anyone nearby.
Noticing her, Jeffry murmured something to the director, who quickly stepped away.
In a few strides, Jeffry was standing in front of her.
“Finished?” he asked.
Still pale from her earlier nausea, Lydia gave a short nod.
.
.
.