?<strong>Chapter 812:</strong>


    “Sorry,” Can muttered, immediately regretting his words. He hadn’t meant to make Michael think of Lacey.


    “It’s nothing.” Michael looked up, his shoulders rxing. “I’ll just wander around here. Call me when they’re done praying.”


    “Got it.”


    The path was lined with stone steps, each one worn smooth from years of use. Michael lit a cigarette as he descended, the smoke curling up into the cool air. As he reached the bottom, he was struck by the sight before him.


    Leaning his hands against the weathered wooden railing, he gazed out over a lonely valley, the stillness surrounding him like a heavy nket.


    It was only when people grew older that they began to truly understand the verses of old poems.


    So many mountains, but no birds in the sky. So many roads, but not a soul in sight.


    He exhaled a slow puff of smoke, the silver ring on his finger catching the light. Half of his silver watch peeked out from under his sleeve, exuding a cool, aristocratic aura.


    Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Dulce jumped down from above, herughter light. “What a coincidence.” But it wasn’t really a coincidence.


    Fannie had told her that Joelle, Adrian, and their friends would be at the Redemption Church that day. Dulce had coaxed her mother intoing along to pray.


    All these so-called chance encounters were merely the result of someone’s nning.


    Dulce had dressed casually, trying to appear spontaneous, but Michael could see the careful thought she’d put into selecting the perfect shade of lipstick.


    She’d always been decisive, ever since she was a child.


    g ? ln σ ν?? ?s, where stories thrive


    With thick skin and a bold demeanor, she believed that she should fight for what she wanted.


    When she imed it was a coincidence, Michael could already see through her act.


    As always, young girls couldn’t hide their feelings.


    He’d been there once, and the light in her eyes reminded him of his younger self.


    When someone had feelings for another, they might try to hide it at first, but it would show through in the smallest details.


    “Do you need something from me?” Michael asked, his cold tone making it clear he wasn’t interested in ying her game. A sensible person would have known to back off.


    But Dulce was the kind of girl who faced challenges head-on. “There’s something on your face.”


    “Handsomeness.”


    Michael narrowed his eyes, the ember at the end of his cigarette glowing as he took another drag. He turned to face her, curiosity piqued. “Do you want to date?”


    “Did you just realize?”


    Michael took a moment to study her, his gaze assessing. “How old are you?” Before she could answer, he shot another question, his voiceced with amusement. “Do you know how old I am?”


    “I’m younger than you—I’m 23 this year, and you’re 34. You’re a Libra, and I’m a Gemini. ording to horoscopes, we match well. I also know you prefer being alone. It’s not that you dislike lively ces, but most of your friends are married now, and they talk endlessly about their wives and kids, which bores you. You love that restaurant in the south of the city because you used to go there with your ex-wife. You like ck, white, and gray—your favorite singer is Rihanna, and you adore dogs…”


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