Forsaking the Years of Longing
Chapter 42
Chapter 42
After returning home, Daphne sat quietly on the sofa, waiting for Jonathan to return from work.
The sound of the fingerprint lock and the door opening drew her attention. She looked up to see Jonathan entering, tired but still smiling at his sister as he removed his shoes.
“Daphne, what are you doing out here? Waiting for me?” Jonathan asked, his fatigue evident but softened by his affection for her.
“Yes, I have something I want to talk to you about,” Daphne replied. Her voice carried a newfound maturity since her memories had returned. []
Jonathan set down his briefcase and sat beside her, ruffling her hair affectionately.
“You’re not happy today? What’s with that face?” he asked gently, but Daphne cut him off before he could finish. []
“Jonathan, I’ve remembered everything from before.” [
Jonathan’s expression shifted from shock to a calm neutrality, though his eyes held a mix of emotions.
“Daphne, does it hurt to remember?” he asked softly.
“It’s been a long time. I went to see Matthew today,” she replied, her tone light but firm. []
“What? Why would you go see him?” Jonathan’s expression froze, his voice rising in concern. []
Jonathan was more alarmed by this news than by her restored memory, fearing she might reconcile with Matthew. []
“Don’t worry. I only went to say goodbye to my past,” Daphne reassured him, easily reading the worry in his eyes.
“Good. You shouldn’t have anything to do with him anymore,” Jonathan replied. His words were both a protective
admonishment and a reflection of his own biases against Matthew.
“I have one more request. I want you to stop the business war with him,” Daphne said, her gaze steady and unyielding.
“No!” Jonathan shot up from the sofa, his expression fierce.
“This rivalry has left both companies in shambles. Don’t ruin the company just because of your anger,” Daphne pleaded passionately, her voice rising in urgency.
“After what he did to you, how could I let him off? I’m going to win, Daphne, and crush Roberts Group beneath me!” Jonathan’s determination burned brighter, his anger making his resolve even firmer. [
Daphne sighed, realizing how stubborn her brother could be. After a moment of silence, her expression softened, and she spoke with quiet resolve.
“I’ve closed the chapter with Matthew. Whatever happens to him now is none of my concern. There’s no need to entangle our lives with his any longer.” []
Jonathan studied her closely, his heart aching for all she had endured.
Forsaking the Years of Longing
Chapter 42
“After all the suffering he caused you, don’t you want me to defeat him for you?” he asked, his voice filled with frustration
and sadness.
Daphne shook her head, looking him directly in the eye. “He doesn’t owe me anything anymore. Let’s part ways peacefully.”
Seeing his sister’s firm stance and her strength even after regaining her painful memories, Jonathan finally relented. [
“Alright. I promise, I won’t fight him anymore. From now on, we’ll live our lives and have nothing to do with him.”
Their conversation concluded, and Daphne returned to her room, collapsing onto her bed in exhaustion. [
Just then, her phone rang. It was Calvin.
“Come downstairs. I brought you cake,” he said, his voice soothing and familiar.
Hearing him, Daphne finally felt her tense heart relax. Calvin had become a balm for her wounds.
Hurrying downstairs, she slipped out the door while Jonathan was showering. Spotting the black Cayenne nearby, she ran toward it like an excited child.
Climbing into the car, she saw Calvin’s sharp, handsome face and the butterfly–shaped cake in his hands. His warm smile melted away the shadows in her heart.
“Mr. Wood, what brings you here tonight?” she teased, her eyes sparkling.
“I missed you,” Calvin said softly, his gaze filled with affection.
Daphne found herself mesmerized by his tender expression and those captivating lips. Without thinking, she leaned forward and kissed him, catching him off guard.
Their kiss deepened, passionate and unrestrained, lasting for what felt like an eternity.
When they finally broke apart, Daphne rested her forehead against his. “I said goodbye to my ex–husband today.”
Her brows furrowed slightly, but Calvin gently smoothed them with his fingers.
“That’s good. It means you’re starting a new chapter,” he said tenderly.
“Will
you
be in this new chapter?” she asked, her voice cautious, her eyes searching his for reassurance.
“Do you want me to be?” Calvin replied, his tone equally unsure, his gaze steady.
Summoning her courage, Daphne hesitated briefly before nodding.
“Then open the cake,” Calvin said, his eyes gesturing toward the box.
Daphne looked at him curiously as she slowly lifted the lid.
Inside was a beautiful butterfly–shaped cake, and atop it was a card that read: []
“Ms. Walker, will you marry me?” []
