The Heiress You Threw Away Chapter 09

The Heiress You Threw Away Chapter 09

Many years later, I went back to that small town again.

The magnolia tree had grown tall. Its branches cast shade over the eaves.

A street vendor was selling ice cream. Elias bought one and handed it to me. “Try it?”

I took a bite. Not too sweet. But fragrant.

He stood beneath the tree and brushed fallen petals from my shoulder.

I suddenly remembered-so many years ago, my mother had held my hand on a spring day just like

this.

We’d walk past the street corners. Back then, we had no money. Just the two of us. But she could only afford one ice cream. And she’d smile and say, “Elena, things will get better.”

They really did.

A black Rolls-Royce was parked in the distance. Luca stood beside it. He didn’t come closer. He held a bouquet of flowers. The wind ruffled his sleeves.

When he saw me, he opened his mouth. Then he just lowered his head. He set the flowers beneath

the tree.

He stood there for a long time. When he turned and walked away, the spring light stretched his

shadow far behind him.

Elias asked, “Want to go over?”

I shook my head. “No.”

On the drive back, an email came through on my phone. From Dante. Only one line: [Be happy,

Elena.]

I looked at it for a moment. Then I deleted it.

Outside the car window, magnolia blossoms scattered along the road. Elias didn’t ask any questions. He just slowed the car a little.

The breeze slipped through the cracked window. It stirred the lily pendant against my collarbone. The silver gleam was faint. But warm. Just right.

¡ leaned back in my seat. I said softly, “Elias, next spring, let’s come back again.”

He smiled. “Okay.”

I let out a quiet laugh.

The fog had finally lifted. I could finally see my own spring.