Female Novel
Chapter 168
Chapter 168
Leandro paused at the entrance, observing her silently. She remained still, not acknowledging hispresence. Taking a step forward, he stopped right in front of her, lifting his head slightly as he inquired,“What’s going on?”
When Seraphina finally raised her eyes to meet his, the raw emotion in them was evident. Sheappeared taken aback, a mix of sadness and confusion evident in her gaze. Without a word, her handsinstinctively rose to cover the plunging neckline of her dress.
Suppressing a smirk, Leandro merely watched her, biting back a chuckle.
After a moment, Seraphina finally answered, “I don’t want to wear this dress. They said every womanhas to wear it, and they took my clothes
Leandro looked at her carefully and then asked. “You look great in it, why don’t you want to wear it?”
Even though she had just started high school, she was tall and could pull off the dress perfectly–itsbeauty was even more striking because of her youthful innocence.
Hearing Leandro’s question, Seraphina looked down again.
Seeing her reaction, Leandro was even more curious, “Isn’t it every girl’s dream to wear a weddingdress? Why are you the exception?”
It was a long time before Seraphina finally answered him,“I’m not looking forward to it.”
“Why?”
Tears filled her eyes as she gazed at him, “I’ll never get to walk down the aisle with my dad, so I don’tlook forward to it.” As she spoke, tears streamed down her face. She quickly brushed them away,sitting in silence.
Leandro was taken aback, trying to grasp her words.
While most girls dream of fairy–tale weddings in these dresses, her thoughts lingered on her late father,absent from her future moments.
Although the Reynolds had taken her in, with Conway cherishing her like a granddaughter and Bruceas a daughter, it couldn’t fill the void left by her lost parents
After a moment of silence, Leandro left the room to find Rachel, “Where are Seraphina’s clothes? Bringthem to me.”
“Why?” Rachel asked, “She’s having fun, why does she need to change?”
Leandro’s impatience was evident. “Just bring them,” he ordered.
Not wanting to provoke him further, Rachel quickly collected the clothes Seraphina had taken off andhanded them over.
Among them were a T–shirt, a school jacket, trousers, and a delicate pink piece of underwear.
Suppressing a giggle, Rachel hurriedly left after handing over the items.
Leandro sighed as he held the clothes, especially noting the underwear. He approached the dressingarea and handed them back to Seraphina
Her eyes widened momentarily when she saw the pink underwear. Swiftly, she grabbed the clothes andhurriedly disappeared behind the curtain.
Moments later, she emerged in her school uniform, meticulously zipped up to the very top, her faceslightly flushed
Without wasting time, Leandro escorted her to his car and drove her home.
Seraphina sat silently in the passenger seat.
As they approached the entrance to the Reynolds family home, Leandro finally turned to her, “Don’t bemad, okay? I’ll come to your school on Monday and have a talk with your homeroom teacher”
At this, Seraphina finally responded, uttering a quiet acknowledgment after a moment.
Back at the apartment, Seraphina, who had spent the day trying on wedding dresses and gowns, felttoo exhausted to move. Meanwhile, Conway, who had been out of the hospital for half a day, was stillfull of energy, enthusiastically discussing with Magdalen what color dress would look best onSeraphina.
In front of Conway, Magdalen showed an unusual kindness, carefully selecting a dozen designs forSeraphina to consider.
“Thank you, Mom” Seraphina took the designs and perked up, quickly making her final choice.novelbin
By the time they finished, it was almost evening. Looking at the time, Seraphina gasped, “Conway, youshould be back at the hospital”
Conway quickly changed the subject, “What’s the rush? It’s still early I finally get to breathe some freshair, can’t you let me stay a bit longer?”
“It’s not about letting you stay, it’s about your health!” Seraphina responded, “You’ve been on your feetall day, don’t you feel exhausted? Is it safe for your heart?”
Conway looked at her, surprised, and retorted, “Do I appear weary to you?”
It was at that moment Seraphina understood: Conway had no intention of returning to the hospital.
Suddenly, the apartment door swung open, revealing Leandro. Without hesitation, Seraphina rushed tohim, gripping his arm “Leandro,” she urgently whispered, “Conway refuses to go back to the hospitalWhat can we do?”
Leandro met her gaze, taking a moment to process the situation. Then, he shifted his eyes to Conwayand Magdalen, who were settled comfortably in the living room
Catching his glance, Seraphina felt something was different about him today. But she didn’t think muchof it, attributing the subtle change to his- fluctuating mood.
Conway. Leandro walked over, looking at Conway seriously, “I know you sneaked out of the hospitalthis morning. The doctor called you. Why didn’t you
Enswer?”
Conway sighed, “I’m going stir–crazy being in the hospital all the time. I just came out for some freshair, it’s not a big deal. We’re planning a wedding at home, isn’t it normal for me to help out?”
Seraphina walked over and squatted down in front of Conway, “Conway. I know you’re bored out ofyour mind in the hospital. How about I move there to keep you company? I do all my prep work thereand you can be involved in every step of the way, okay?”
“No, no, not” Conway protested, smacking her forehead lightly. You’re about to be a bride, you cart justrot away in a hospital. Here’s what we’ll do, once l check outta this joint, I’ll move back home and youguys can come back and keep me company”
“Conway…”
Seraphina was about to say something when Leandro suddenly cut in. “That’s not a half–bad idea.”
A bit surprised, Seraphina turned to Leandro, her eyes asking what he’s up to.
Leandro’s voice held a tone of firm decision. “If grandpa doesn’t want to stay in the hospital, we shouldbring him home. I can ensure there’s a dedicated doctor and caregiver present at all times.”
He paused, looking directly at his grandfather “Endless days in a hospital can take a toll on anyone’sspirit. Grandpa, your place is at home, relaxed and in familiar surroundings. Remember, you have animportant duty coming up. In just a month, you’ll be walking Seraphina down the aisle.”