A Love Buried by Secrets novel Chapter 17

Serena took a deep breath and pushed the door open with her own strength. What she saw inside shocked her so deeply that she nearly stopped breathing.

The room held nothing but photos of her, spanning from her earliest years to the present. Each one was meticulously labeled with details of what she had been doing.

There was her eight-year-old self, trailing closely behind Julian. Then, her ten-year-old self, clinging joyfully to his back, arms looped around his neck.

And also, her 12-year-old self, eyes reddened with tears at the moment they were separated.

Julian had faded from her life as she grew older, yet he never stopped watching over her.

Childhood memories surfaced like old photographs, reminding Serena of a past she had nearly forgotten. Until now, she hadn't realized how close she and Julian had once been before Elliot entered her life.

Julian moved closer and murmured, "I've been watching over you all these years, Rena. I know our marriage was arranged when we were just children, so I waited for you. And fortunately, you're finally here. Will you give me a chance?"

After their time together, Serena came to appreciate just how wonderful Julian had been to her. His kindness moved her deeply, yet it all felt too surreal. She couldn't shake the fear that this might be another trap.

She was a coward at heart, unwilling to gamble with what remained of her life. But Julian's gaze burned with sincerity, searing through her defenses. Her pulse quickened, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I'm afraid… Julian, I've had my heart broken before."

He stood close, his voice steady. "Rena, things will only get better. Your future will only grow brighter. If you're afraid, then I'll wait until the day you can accept me."

Julian's words touched Serena's heart once more. She stumbled forward into his arms.