Old Dreams No Return (Serena) novel Chapter 133

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Chapterlll.

Had my endless tolerance fostered this cowardice?

Their relentless bullying had only bred resentment, yet I’d done nothing. Did they truly believe I was so easily trampled?

I burrowed deeper under the blanket, the clock ticking down the remaining 48 hours. Leland, you traded me for your fleeting passion. Didn’t a sliver of regret pierce you?

At dawn’s first light, a heavy knock jarred me from my thoughts.

I opened the door to Leland, his eyes frigid.

Your parents’ anniversary of death is nearing. Prepare the customary offerings yourself. Allen and I are inspecting the project this afternoon. Kaylie, don’t delude yourself into thinking you’re still that cherished little princess. People won’t always come to your rescue. It’s time you learned to stand on

your own.”

A smile touched my lips, but it felt like a physical ache, pulling painfully at the corners of my mouth.

Why did I sense a flicker of concern in Leland’s voice? He always used that tone, a manipulative ploy to cloud my judgment, making me cling to the last bits of familial affection I felt for him.

But not this time. Not anymore.

I will pay my respects to my parents by myself,” I declared, turning on my heel and walking away. My posture was stiff, my gaze fixed ahead, refusing to look at either of them.

Leland, you’re not sick at all. So why does every sentence you utter sound like a final, cold directive?” I thought to myself.

I purchased the offerings for my parents and prepared everything with meticulous care.

Then, I sold or burned every single possession in the house. After all, they wouldn’t want to see my things lingering here. I was truly, finally,

determined.

Leaving this place-despite the fact that this villa was a gift from my parents-I no longer wanted it.

I needed to bravely face the future. And I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I would live better once I finally left Leland behind.

It was only after I’d meticulously prepared everything, finalized every last detail, that I truly understood the weight behind my words: paying respects to my parents alone.

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