Chapter 401

“Am I really not old yet?” Fallon ran her fingers over her face, studying herself in the mirror. She took care of her skin, sure, but so did Octavia. Having never had kids, Fallon looked a bit younger than her old friend. But just thinking about children always brought a flash of pain to her eyes.

Wheeler didn’t have a clue. He was totally caught up in her profile, not noticing the shadow that flickered across her face.

“You’re just as beautiful as when you taught us,” he said quietly.

“No, I think you’re even more stunning now. Sophisticated, too,” Wheeler added, his words warm with gratitude and just a touch of awe. Fallon had always seemed special to him.

She laughed, a real, genuine sound. “You’ve picked up the art of sweet talking. Who taught you that, huh p>

He grinned, and helped her out of the car as soon as they arrived, holding her arm with a careful gentleness. He didn’t stop there, either, walking her upstairs and making sure she was comfortable before he even thought about leaving.

Fallon didn’t rush him. She offered some tea, and he sat with her, even though he wasn’t interested in the tea at all. Instead, he insisted on helping her soak her foot and put on her medicine.

At first, Fallon wanted to turn him down, but he looked so earnest that she found herself giving in.

Suddenly, Wheeler asked, “Are you still living alone these days?” He wasn’t even sure why he asked, but as he knelt to take her foot in his hands, holding her ankle tenderly, he felt his ears turn hot. He waited, holding his breath for whatever she

would say.

Fallon had always been good at reading men. It was clear to her now that this former student’s feelings for her had shifted into something more complicated, even worshipful.

She felt a sense of satisfaction swelling inside her. Latham, do you see this? Even without you, I still shine. You had no right to leave me. One day, you’ll regret it… and you’ll pay for what you’ve done.

“If I told you I stopped believing in love a long time ago, would you think I’m just being melodramatic? Fallon asked, her laugh tinged with bitterness. “I mean, at my age, love just feels so unreal sometimes Too far away to actually reach p>

Wheeler shook his head. “Of course not.” He hated the thought of anyone hurting

her. How could anyone break her heart?

“I once fell for someone I never

should’ve loved in the first place. He said all the right things, made promises he never meant to keep. I didn’t know, I really didn’t… He had a family, he had children. There was never a chance for me. Maybe that’s karma for falling for a married man, I don’t know, but I lost my only child, too.” Fallon’s voice cracked and she turned away, eyes glimmering with tears. “I wound up hating myself. So I left and never looked back. I’ve stayed single all these years to punish myself for everything p>

This time Wheeler couldn’t help it. He reached out and wrapped his arms around

her, holding her close.

“Fallon, you’re incredible. Please,

don’t blame yourself. None of this was your fault, you didn’t do

anything to hurt anyone. He lied to you. You were a victim, too You can’t keep punishing yourself You deserve happiness, to move forward… to find something new p>

She let herself sink into his chest for a moment, looking lost, her eyes brimming over with tears. “How am I supposed to start over?” Her palm landed on her stomach. “I used to have a baby right here, but she’s gone now. Just gone p>

“You can start over,” Wheeler began, but she pulled away, forcing a small, careful smile as she wiped her tears.

“I’m sorry, Wheeler. I shouldn’t have dumped all of this on you. It’s late. You should get going p>

But Wheeler stayed put. “Your ankle’s still hurt. You shouldn’t be alone. Let me help you tonight. What if you get thirsty and can’t get to the kitchen? It’d be no trouble at

all p>