Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45 Bound by Guilt

When Jasper arrived at the Lancaster Residence, Clarence was already waiting at the door.

When he saw Jasper step out of the car alone, Clarence’s face darkened. “Claudia didn’t come back with you?”

“I went to look for her, but she was already gone,” Jasper replied.

Clarence fell silent for a long moment, then said quietly, “She hasn’t been home in a while. I thought at least today she would come back.”

A mocking smile tugged at Jasper’s mouth. “Come back for what? To watch her boyfriend cozy up to another woman?”

Clarence lowered his head, guilt–ridden and unable to argue.

Jasper saw his guilt and laughed at himself. Look at that. Everyone knew what would hurt Claudia, but they all had excuses for ignoring her pain. Himself included.

Jasper, you’re just as guilty.

Finally, Clarence spoke again. “Lydia’s upstairs. You should check on her.”

Jasper let out a cold laugh and dragged his heavy steps toward the staircase.

He stood at Lydia’s door for several minutes. But in his mind, all he saw was Claudia, alone in the cemetery, standing in the rain.

An impulse struck him—leave right now, go to her, apologize, and wish her a happy birthday.

Forget about family honor and obligations. None of that mattered.

But before he could act on it, the door opened.

Lydia darted out like a frightened rabbit and threw herself into his arms. “Preston, I missed you so much!”

It felt like chains wrapped around his ankles, holding him in place. Jasper couldn’t move.

Lydia pulled him toward the bed with a smile. “Preston, will you tuck me in tonight?”

Her fingers brushed the red marks on her neck, her face troubled. “Claudia got mad at me again today. How do I make things right with her? Maybe we should just get married soon!”

Her eyes shone with hope. “If we’re married, I can move out. Then Claudia will have no reason

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Chapter 45 Bound by Guilt

to stay away.”

She sounded so sincere, as if she were thinking only of her sister.

Jasper couldn’t tell her the truth–Preston Wood could never marry her.

man who truly loved Lydia had died in that storm at sea.

Finished

asper’s throat tightened. The words he wanted to say stuck until all that came out was a gentle sigh. “Let me put some medicine on your neck.”

“Preston, you’re so good to me.” She looked at him with innocent trust.

“Now that you’re here, I’m not afraid anymore. You’ll always stay with me,

won’t you?”

Her hand touched his face as if Jasper were her boyfriend.

Awkward, Jasper pulled away slightly but still gave her the answer she longed for.

“Yes. I’ll always be here for you.”

Ever since Preston gave his life to save him, Lydia had become a responsibility Jasper could never escape.

and Preston had once been close friends. Preston was a kind man–easygoing and

ming. Even Claudia, who often clashed with Lydia, never disliked him.

why they all agreed to go on that boating trip together.

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