?Chapter 912:


    When Rachel gently opened the door and stepped into the bedroom, her heart swelled with warmth at the sight before her—both Brian and Dora peacefully asleep on the bed. A sense of quietfort enveloped her, a soothing feeling that wrapped around her like a soft, familiar nket.


    The bed was slightly disheveled, and a few scattered dolls littered the floor. It was clear that Brian had spent the afternoon ying with Dora. At times, Dora’s enthusiasm seemed endless, and even when the adults were worn out, she remained as lively as ever.


    Rachel could easily imagine how Brian, despite his exhaustion, had fallen asleep beside their daughter, too tired to leave her side.


    She moved quietly toward them, gently checking Dora’s nket. She tenderly pulled the nket over her daughter, ensuring she was warm and secure. As she looked at Brian, a hesitation flickered in her mind—should she wake him? But as she gazed down at him, something caught her eye.


    There, among the dark strands of his hair, were faint strands of grey. At first, she was taken aback. Brian was still so young—how could this be? Surely, it was just a fluke, a rare urrence? But as she looked closer, she saw more and more strands of grey woven through his dark hair. A sudden, heavy sadness filled her chest. This was the man she had loved so deeply in her youth. He was still in his thirties, yet his hair was already showing signs of aging.


    Memories of the past flooded her thoughts, especially those years when she was pregnant with Dora and the countless efforts Brian had made for them. The weight of it all pressed down on her.


    She covered her mouth in a quiet gasp, feeling a sudden sting in her nose, and before she could stop it, tears welled up in her eyes. So many years had passed. And yet, it seemed she had be so ustomed to his quiet, selfless support. He gave without asking, offering his unwavering love and care, silently enduring.


    Time and again, whenever she was in need, Brian was always there—waiting for her, quietly apanying her through every moment. Yet, in all those years, she had forgotten that he could feel pain, cry, experience joy and sorrow, and, just like anyone, he needed love andfort as much as he gave. Over the years, she had purposefully ignored this, unable or unwilling to acknowledge it.


    That night, Rachel decided not to wake Brian. She let him sleep in the bedroom beside Dora while she retreated to the guest room alone.


    Lying in bed, Rachel gazed at the moon outside her window, her thoughts drifting through abyrinth of memories. Slowly, sleep imed her, and once again, she dreamed of the young man she had once loved with all her heart, surrendering herselfpletely.


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    In the dreams of her youth, she was always chasing Brian, trying to keep up as he moved ahead effortlessly and swiftly, leaving her breathless behind. This time, as before, he was running ahead, and she was trailing behind, exhausted, unable to match his pace. But then, when she could go no further, when her body and spirit were too weary to continue, he suddenly stopped. He turned around, his hand extended toward her, offering a lifeline.


    “Come on,” he urged gently. “I’m waiting for you.”


    She shook her head, a soft sorrow in her voice. “No, I’m tired. You go on ahead. I don’t want to chase you anymore.”


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