Chapter 208
Chapter 208:
Brinley’s reply back then had been curt and icy: “I’ve made up my mind.” Now, her fingers trembled as she stared at those words on her screen.
She deleted the long message she had drafted and rewritten countless times, finally settling on a simple line. “I’m sorry for letting you down, Brennen p>
When the notification confirmed the message had been sent, a weight lifted from her chest. Brinley leaned back in her seat and let out a long breath.
Two years earlier, Brennen had warned her sincerely that Colin wasn’t a man she could rely on, laying bare his hidden motives. But love had blinded her. She had taken Brennen’s concern as an attack on her feelings, dismissed his advice, and even hurled sharp words that must have wounded him deeply.
Even after she broke up with Colin and married Austin, Brennen had never once shown himself. She knew how deeply disappointed he must have been. Perhaps their bond had fractured beyond repair.
And yet, it had been her fault. She owed him a genuine apology.
Staring at the chat window, Brinley braced herself for silence. A wave of sadness rose, tightening her chest.
Just as the car rolled up to the gates of the Shaw Mansion and Robert prepared to open the door, her phone vibrated twice.
Her heart pounded as she reached for it.
Brennen’s name appeared on the screen, followed by two simple words. “It’s okay p>
𝖲𝗵𝗮𝗿𝖾 𝘺o𝗎𝗋 𝘵h𝘰𝘶𝗀𝘩𝘵s o𝗻 𝗴𝘢lո𝗼𝗏𝘦𝘭𝘀.с𝗈𝗺
They washed over her like a warm tide, dissolving the weight and tension she had been carrying. Tears welled in Brinley’s eyes, a gentle warmth blurring her vision as the knot in her chest finally loosened.
Brennen had never truly been angry with her.
The afternoon sun filtered through dense foliage, casting soft shadows across the stone paths of the garden. Dressed in light-colored loungewear, Brinley stood beside her father near the flowerbed, gently sprinkling water over the plants with a watering can.
“You planted these orchids yourself when you were a child,” Brandon said, studying the vibrant leaves with a trace of nostalgia. “While you were away these past two years, I feared they might wither without care, but they’ve flourished even more p>
Brinley’s hand stilled, a sharp pang of remorse rising in her chest. “Dad, I’m sorry for my mistake p>
Brandon set down his pruning shears and turned to her, a warm smile creasing the corners of his eyes. “Let’s leave the past behind. You’ve grown wiser now. It seems Austin has treated you well—you look radiant p>
At the mention of Austin’s name, Brinley’s cheeks flushed faintly. Before she could reply, the garden’s iron gate swung open with a loud clang.
A figure rushed in, brimming with excitement. “Brinley p>
Before she could react, Felix swept her into a tight hug, lifting her clean off the ground. His voice cracked with joy. “I missed you so much! You finally came to your senses! Thank goodness you saw through that jerk p>
“Felix!” Brandon sighed, watching Brinley spin helplessly in Felix’s arms, then stepped forward and tapped him on the head. “Put her down p>
Grudgingly, Felix set Brinley back on her feet, his hands lingering on her shoulders as he examined her closely, as though afraid to miss a single detail.
“Brinley, you look so much brighter— not worn out at all…” He paused, realization lighting his eyes. “Oh, I get it! Austin’s been taking great care of you. You never looked like this when you were with Colin p>
Brinley laughed at his enthusiasm and brushed his hands away. “That’s an exaggeration p>
“It’s true!” Felix shot back, his posture stiffening. The mention of Colin reignited his anger, and he began pacing, fists clenched. “That jerk still makes my blood boil! No, I’ve got to teach him a lesson for you p>
He turned as if to storm off, but Brinley quickly caught his arm.
“That’s enough.” She gave him a wry look. “It’s in the past. Why dwell on it? Besides, someone like him isn’t worth your time p>
Felix stopped, still muttering under his breath. “But he treated you so badly p>
“Enough,” Brinley said softly, patting his hand. She paused, really looking at the young man before her.
In just over two years, Felix had grown noticeably taller. His once boyish features had sharpened into a more mature, confident look. Dressed simply in a white T-shirt and jeans, his tall, energetic frame radiated a natural charm that could easily catch the attention of young girls.