NovelBookUpstairs, Alessia’s hand hovered in the air for a moment before she finally gave up on knocking. She pushed the
door open quietly and slipped inside.
The door closed behind her with a soft click.
Cole looked up, his eyes rimmed red, a look of hurt on his face. He resembled a forlorn golden retriever-
abandoned yet heartbreakingly endearing.
Without a word, Alessia crossed the room and wrapped her arms around him. Cole pulled her close, his embrace
tight and unyielding, as if he never wanted to let go.
Just like two years ago, Alessia gently patted his back, again and again, offering silent comfort and support. In
that moment, no words could compare to the reassurance of a warm embrace.
No one knew how long they stayed like that before Alessia finally sat down beside him. Their hands remained
tightly clasped, as if, for now, the rest of the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them.
“Mr. Dawson talked to you, didn’t he?” Cole’s voice was rough, barely above a whisper.
Alessia squeezed his hand tighter. “He did.”
“Am | being selfish?” Cole’s voice trembled. “I know Mom's suffering, but | just keep thinking about myself.”
“I know.” | know every thought, every pain you can’t put into words.
“Mr. Dawson said he has a way to wake her up, but after that... there's nothing anyone can do. When Dad
passed, he didn’t say a word. So | thought... maybe | could at least talk to Mom one last time...”
Whether they tried every treatment or not, Jade’s life was slipping away. Cole knew it, but he couldn't help
wishing she could stay with him a little longer. And yet he was scared-scared she’d go without leaving a single
word behind, just like his
father had.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
“There's still time.”
Their fingers intertwined, both pretending not to notice that “time” meant less than three months.
That evening, the three of them sat together in the villa for a long while, an oppressive silence hanging over
them.
1/3
14:43
Chapter 167
As dusk settled outside, Cole called the driver to take Xander home. He and Alessia stood at the door, watching
until the car disappeared down the drive.
“Con, I'll take you home,” Cole said softly, draping an arm around Alessia’s shoulders and giving her hair a
gentle ruffle.
“I need to swing by Eddie's first-York and Ivan are waiting for me.”
“Alright. Wait just a sec.” Cole ran upstairs and returned with a jacket draped over
his arm.
“Here-put this on. It’s getting cold at night.” He wrapped his coat around her shoulders.
Alessia didn’t protest; instead, she tugged the jacket closer, letting its warmth settle around her.
“Everything quiet between the Mortons and the Tates lately?” Cole asked as they stepped outside.
“Pretty much. School's track and field meet kicks off next month, though. Are you coming?”
“Of course. Pierce toldyou signed up for three events-letguess, he talked you into it again? If you don’t
want to, just skip it. Don’t let him drive you crazy.”
“It’s my last year. I'll let him have his way. | won first prize in the design competition, too. Penny and Pierce want
to use my design for the class jersey.”
“A&P’s looking to expand, right? Perfect tto show off your work-a little free advertising.”
“That’s what | thought. Pierce is going to sign the contract in a few days as our representative.”
“Better have Vera show her face at
the signing. If Pierce finds Qutypiire
running the stow, ie (whole school
wil khow in three days—and you'll be
stuck dealing with the gossip.” The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
Cole finally managed a small smile,
as if picturing Alessia’s exaspsraed,
ght (Yepedriet as she
tied to handle all the chaos with her
signature cool The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
composure.
“That's the plan. Penny can handle
the rest.” Alessia paused, then
continued, “The Syhjyany réafly EShit
sge whatsPightn front of them.
They're banking on their eldest son,
who's hopeless, and ignoring the one
with real ability.” The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“Not everyone has our Lessie’s eye for talent,” Cole teased, ruffling her hair again,
012
14:43
his voice full of affection.
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