Chapter 2 Old Dreams, Sharp Heartache

Adeline's gaze lingered on that familiar face for a moment as if time had rewound, taking her back three years. Christopher was still the same handsome and refined man, his presence like a blinding light pulling her back from the dark abyss into reality. "Do you need a ride?" Christopher asked with a smile, his voice low and gentle, yet carrying an undertone that brooked no refusal. Adeline didn't answer immediately; she just quietly watched him, her eyes complex and unfathomable. Three years in prison had ground down her pride and wilfulness; now, before him stood a woman, cold and detached. "Thank you, but no," she finally spoke, her voice rough, steady, and emotionless. Christopher raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly surprised by her response. He didn't rush to say anything further. Instead, he slowly pushed open the car door and stepped out. His stride was steady, each step imbued with an unmistakable sense of authority. He stopped before Adeline, looking down at her from his height, his deep, ink-like eyes flickering with a barely perceptible emotion. "Are you sure?" His voice remained gentle, but his tone was firmer, "Vale City is swarming with reporters; if you walk out like this, your news will be all over the internet by tomorrow." Adeline looked up to meet his gaze, her dark eyes as deep as the night sky, unrippled. "Mr. Conor, I'm used to being watched," she said, a slight smile playing on her lips, yet it sent a chill down one's spine. Christopher watched her for a few seconds, then sighed softly. "Get in the car. I'll take you to the Layton residence." "No need," Adeline declined again, turning and taking a few steps forward, her silhouette stubborn and lone. She had only walked a few steps when she heard Christopher's cold voice from behind, "Do you want Gavin to come and pick you up personally?" The words were like a sharp knife, precisely targeting the most fragile part of Adeline's heart. She paused but didn't turn back; she just stood there in silence. The wind messed up a strand of hair on her forehead; she reached up to tuck it behind her ear, then slowly turned around. "Alright," she finally conceded, but her tone carried an undeniable bitterness, "since you insist." Christopher's lips curled up into a meaningful smile. He opened the car door for her and gestured for her to enter. Adeline didn't say much, just ducked her head and got into the car, placing her canvas bag on her lap, then leaned back and closed her eyes. The car was silent, save for the low rumbling of the engine echoing in her ears. Adeline kept her eyes closed, but her mind uncontrollably replayed scenes from the past— That was three years ago, when she was still a noble of the Layton family. Back then, she and Christopher were childhood sweethearts, sharing countless sweet and beautiful memories. However, these memories now felt like sharp knives, slicing open bloody wounds in her heart. "Are you okay?" Christopher suddenly broke the silence, turning his head to look at Adeline, his gaze seemingly concerned but mostly inquisitive. Adeline opened her eyes and met his gaze for a moment before looking away. "I'm fine," she replied flatly. "Thank you for your concern." Christopher said nothing more, just focused on the road ahead. His hands, gripping the steering wheel, were well-defined, every movement exuding elegance and composure. However, his tight jawline betrayed his inner turmoil. The drive was silent until they reached the Layton residence, the sky gradually darkening. The grand doors of the Layton residence were still as imposing as ever, the towering marble pillars proclaiming the family's unshakeable power. Yet, for Adeline, behind those doors lay endless hypocrisy and indifference. As soon as the car stopped, the doors were pushed open from the inside. Her "mother", Diana, stepped out quickly, dressed elegantly, her well-maintained face plastered with an eager yet insincere smile. "Addie, you're finally back!" she exclaimed, rushing over and grabbing Adeline's hand. "These three years must have been hard on you..." Adeline withdrew her hand, her tone as flat as a calm sea, "Mrs. Layton, I don't deserve your sympathy." Her words froze the smile on Diana's face, but she quickly recovered. "What are you talking about, dear? Come inside; we've all been waiting for you." Adeline followed Diana into the living room without a word. The room was brightly lit, every detail as luxurious and refined as it had been three years ago. However, these things had long since lost their allure for Adeline. "Where's Michelle?" Diana looked around but didn't see her daughter. Before she could finish, a sweet and frail voice came from upstairs, "Mom, I'm here." Michelle descended the stairs slowly, dressed in a long white gown, looking ethereal, like a fairy untouched by worldly concerns. However, a flicker of unease passed through her clear eyes when she saw Adeline. "Adeline..." Michelle approached Adeline with a cautious and remorseful tone, "I'm sorry for the suffering you've endured these years." Adeline lifted her head, met Michelle's gaze for a moment, then looked away without a word. Her silent coldness was more cutting than any words, causing Michelle's smile to stiffen gradually. "Alright, let's not stand around," Diana quickly intervened. "Michelle, help your sister with her luggage." "There's no need," Adeline said flatly. "I can manage on my own." A cold, angry voice suddenly filled the room. "It's quite lively here." Everyone turned toward the voice; Gavin was descending from the other side of the staircase, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his handsome face now shadowed with frost. He stared at Adeline, his gaze filled with complex, suppressed discontent. "I didn't realize our house had turned into a charity," his voice was low and sarcastic, "where just anyone can come and stay." His words were like a bomb, causing a brief and tense silence in the living room. All eyes turned to Adeline, who remained calm, showing no emotion, as if she were an outsider. "Gavin!" Diana immediately scolded, "How can you speak to your sister like that?" "Sister?" Gavin scoffed, "Mom, have you forgotten that she's not your real daughter?" His words ignited the latent family conflicts, exposing them for all to see. In the midst of these tensions, Adeline stood coolly watching everything, saying nothing, showing no emotion, like an outsider. Finally, Diana's rebuke broke the deadlock. "Enough! Today is a good day; let's not dredge up those unpleasant pasts." But for Adeline, these unpleasant pasts were an indelible and unresolved part of her memory. And all this was just the beginning...