To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 245

Elara asked casually, “Is this really necessary?”

“Elara, that child isn’t just your pain—it’s mine too. Once, we might have had another…”

She didn’t care to hear his hollow words. Cutting him off, she said, “I’ll do it.”

Just don’t regret it later.

…

Over two hours later, she pulled up at Tranquil Crossing Abbey.

Brian looked as frail as ever, slumped in a wheelchair. Yves Caldwell hurried over to open her car door.

Next to them stood a man in saffron robes—he could only be the Father Haden Brian had mentioned.

Elara approached and offered a respectful nod.

Father Haden studied her face intently. “Mrs. Vincent, you are a woman blessed with great fortune. Mr. Vincent, despite his illness, remains steadfast in his devotion, seeking solace for your lost child. Such compassion moves the Lord. The two of you, united in love and purpose, are sure to touch God’s heart. Blessings may yet return to your home.”

Brian gave a faint, detached smile, nodding politely.

Elara was about to warn the kind priest not to speak too soon—his words might come back to haunt him—when a Mercedes came barreling into the courtyard, parking right in front of them.

Ingrid flung open the car door and, spotting Brian, rushed straight toward him.

“Brian, I missed you so much!”

Brian’s face darkened, and even Yves Caldwell and Father Haden were left momentarily speechless.

Ingrid didn’t care about the stares. She knelt by Brian’s wheelchair, clutching his hand. When she looked up, her face was streaked with tears.

“I heard you were gravely ill. I called, but no one answered. Your sister was unreachable. I went to SiliconCrest Group to find you—your brother wouldn’t let me in. I’ve been so worried.”

Brian pulled his hand away, ready to snap at her, but something held him back. His tone softened abruptly.

“How did you know I was here?”

Ingrid glanced at Elara.

Brian felt a knot tighten in his chest. “Father, my wife is here. Let’s begin the service for our child.”

…

Before long, the abbey’s chapel filled with the solemn sound of chanting.

Brian had left his wheelchair and now knelt beside Elara, both of them quietly praying for their lost child.

But within minutes, Brian began to waver, clearly struggling to stay upright.

Yves Caldwell noticed and quickly brought over a cup of herbal tea.

Brian took the cup, but when he glanced at Elara—so much thinner after these difficult days—he forced himself to ignore his own pain and offered her the tea instead, concern and worry shining in his eyes.

Elara’s gaze lingered on the cup for only a moment before she turned away, looking toward Ingrid, who was clearly bored out of her mind.

“VP Vincent isn’t feeling well,” Elara said lightly. “Why don’t you help him with his tea, Miss Goldsmith? You seem much better suited to take care of him.”

Ingrid’s eyes lit up, and she hurried over to Brian, eager to seize the chance.