Out Of The Shadows Tilda’s Brilliant Second Life novel Chapter 632

Chapter 632 The Truth

58

Finished

Tilda picked up another box of tea from the table. Instead of fumbling with it like a beginner, she pinched a few leaves between her fingers and studied them.

“This is Ridgewell Snowbud. Its fragrance is like nothing else–rich, crisp, distinctive. It’s the crown jewel of Ridgewell teas. The mountains there stay veiled in mist, the soil dark and fertile. When steeped, the buds rise.upright in the cup, long and slender, their tips dusted with a fine white fuzz that looks like snow on orchids. That’s why people also call it Orchid Snow.

“According to legend, two princes once adored this tea, so it became popular among regular folks. They’re very rare and expensive, too. But for you, the Bells‘ fourth son, it’s just another cup.”

“That old title doesn’t mean much,” Devin replied. “Still, you’re right—I can’t shake the bloodline. No matter how far I’ve stepped from the Bells, I’ll always be Abram’s fourth son.”

He lifted his cup of Silverwood Reserve, savoring it slowly, a faint smile with a trace of bitterness curving his lips.

“I never cared for this stuff before. When Jude’s mother–the love of my life–died in childbirth, I drifted from place to place, trying to outrun my grief. Along the way, I picked up habits and bits of knowledge that seemed pointless at the time.

“But later, they mattered. Even the abbot at Serenity Abbey praised my tea and visited often. I asked him again and again to take me on as a student, but he always refused.

“In time, I settled into this rhythm. When I’m idle, I come here. I watch flowers bloom and fade, clouds drift by, and share tea with friends. Away from the Bells, away from the chaos, I don’t have to dwell on the past. It feels like peace.”

Tilda tipped back her cup in one smooth motion, her eyes never leaving him. “You’re nothing like the man Jude described–or the rumors I’ve heard. So who are you really?”

“You’ve probably been told I was a man who crumbled after his wife died, who became an empty shell, worthless and broken.

“And Jude… I doubt he ever spoke well of me. I was a failure as a father, too weak to protect him. He has every reason to hate me. I gave him life, but nothing beyond that. I was cold as

stone,”

Devin glanced at her, his smile edged with self–mockery.

“I’ve heard about you and Jude, I’m glad he found someone like you. In some ways, you me of his mother.”

remind

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13:09 Sat, Oct 11 M…

Chapter 632 The Truth

58

Finished

Tilda’s lips curved faintly. “If you’re being this candid, then don’t hold back. Tell me the truth. Jude’s been carrying that wound all these years because of your absence. Even if he won’t admit it, I can feel it.”

Devin didn’t reply right away. He poured tea, cup after cup, for her and for himself.

By the fifth cup of Silverwood Reserve, he finally looked her straight in the down.

eye

and set his cup

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