It wasn’t just her appearance—what truly captivated him was her resilience. No matter how rough life became, she radiated a quiet, unshakable strength. Brilliant and warm, like sunlight after a storm.

Not far away, Eric suddenly pulled his gaze back, then turned and strode off in haste.

It was Zane! Not Brady—Zane!

So his unease hadn’t been misplaced. Zane had been the one behind the cemetery arrangement. A cold chuckle escaped his lips.

Zane wasn’t just Colleen’s cousin. He was a man trying to carve a place in Hadley’s life!

Eric knew his worries hadn’t been baseless after all.

And it had come true so quickly!

Now that Hadley had someone else, would she still need him?

Would he even lose the chance to simply watch over her quietly, from the shadows?

“Colleen.”

Colleen lounged by the cabin window, casually sipping her latte after her meal. Hearing her name, she glanced up to find Brady beaming at her from outside.

“You’re here?” she called, gesturing him inside. “You must be starving. Come grab something to eat.”

“Yeah,” Brady replied with a nod, skipping the front door and nimbly climbing over the windowsill to enter.

“Whoa!” Colleen gasped, startled, and quickly steadied him. “Why did you come in like that? Be careful!”

“No worries,” Brady laughed, brushing it off. “Just taking the fast route.”

Colleen asked, “What do you feel like eating? I’ll grab it for you.” ? f?ndnovel.net

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Brady beamed. “Anything’s fine. I’m not picky.”

“Alright.”

Colleen turned to fetch a meal. Brady had been tied up overseeing workers, which delayed his arrival.

“The food’s a bit cold now,” Colleen said with a slight frown, returning with a tray.

“It doesn’t matter,” Brady replied, pulling her to sit beside him. “It’s hot outside, so it’s fine.” He dug into his meal.

“Don’t just stick to sandwiches,” Colleen suggested, settling across from him. “Have some milk as well.”

“Then feed me,” Brady teased, opening his mouth dramatically. “Ahh—”

Colleen hesitated, then burst out laughing. “You’re too much!”

“Come on.” Brady grinned, puckering his lips playfully. “I’m waiting.”

“You are ridiculous!” Colleen scolded lightly but still raised the glass and guided it to his mouth. “Here you go.”

“Mmm, delicious.”

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