Chapter 277

The atmosphere in the car grew heavy, silence settling over them like a thick blanket.
Louis spoke at last, his voice calm and low. “You see, you and I-we feel the same way. So there’s no need for you to try and convince me.”
Though he’d lost those memories, deep down he still couldn’t bring himself to accept anyone else.
Nora, bound by gratitude, couldn’t let go of Payne.
She glanced down at the sleeping child in her arms, her voice barely above a whisper, soft and gentle. “You can’t move on, and neither can I.”
Louis grew quiet, lost in his thoughts, and for a long while said nothing.
It wasn’t until the car stopped at a red light that he finally spoke again. “I think I’ll stay in Millbrook for a while.”
Maybe, just maybe, he could remember something there.
He’d caught a hint from something Mrs. Winters had said—a clue he desperately wanted to pursue.
Nora nodded. “I’ll take good care of Payne.”
Before leaving, Louis took them all to the amusement park. He wanted to spend real time with his son, especially since he had no idea how long he’d be away in Millbrook.
Maybe two weeks.
Maybe much longer.
Payne had always been a fragile child, sickly since birth, as breakable as glass. Lately, though, he’d gotten stronger-strong enough to try a few gentle rides.
When Payne woke and saw the amusement park outside the window, he nearly burst out of his seat with excitement.
Nora, still recovering and not up for rides, waited patiently for them on a nearby bench.
At last, they reached the big Ferris wheel.
Payne begged for his mom and dad to ride together.
Nora smiled and agreed.
The Ferris wheel stopped at its highest point, the evening sky ablaze with brilliant streaks of sunset. Warmth and beauty washed over everything.
Payne sat between his parents, convinced he was the luckiest kid in the world.
Nora reached out, gently stroking his cheek, lowering her head as if to kiss the crown of his hair.
Louis had the same impulse; their foreheads bumped together, and they both laughed.
Daniel watched all of this unfold from the parking lot, the scene framed by the window of his car-a picture that stabbed at his heart.
Dim light hid the pain in his eyes, but his voice trembled as he asked, “You got a cigarette?”
The driver fumbled for his pack, passing over a cheap one. “I’m afraid it’s—” The rıghtful source is.net
Before he could finish, Daniel had already lit up.
Smoke curled around him, his eyes red and rimmed with sorrow.
Will, sitting in the passenger seat, quietly sent the driver a tip and told him he could go.
Daniel smoked three cigarettes in quick succession, filling the car with the acrid scent of cheap tobacco.
His gaze never left the Ferris wheel, especially its highest point.
He couldn’t help but wonder-Nora must be happy up there, with the man she
loved, with their child. Did she ever think about him?
The smoke burned his throat, making him cough harshly. His eyes grew even redder, tears threatening to spill.
He pushed open the door and stepped out.
Will hurried over, offering a bottle of water. “Mr. Chambers.”
Daniel waved him off.
He struggled to catch his breath, hunched over slightly, then straightened up to pull out his phone and dial Nora.
“Where are you?” His voice was rough, as if scraped raw by broken glass.
He could hear the wind in the background.
“Out for dinner,” came her reply.
Daniel pushed on, his throat aching. “With who?”
Nora’s response was dismissive, “With Payne.”
The line went dead. Nora had hung up, not giving him a single extra word.
Daniel tossed his phone onto the car seat, utterly defeated.
Will watched, heart aching for his boss. “Mr. Chambers, maybe we should head back?”
Staying here was nothing but self-torture.
“Open the doors. Let the smoke out,” Daniel said, straightening his jacket and pulling the doors wide.
Will hesitated, then realized Daniel intended to wait here for Nora.
He couldn’t help but sigh, thinking, Why put yourself through this?
Night air drifted in, carrying away the stale smoke.
Half an hour later, the Ferris wheel made another slow revolution and began its descent.