From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 323

"Yeah, but ever since her parents’ accident, she’s changed. I’ve always worried she can’t really process her feelings, that something might go wrong. My daughter’s tried talking to her so many times, but Laurinda only ever shares the good stuff. She never says when she’s struggling."

Adolphus could completely understand why Kinsey was worried. Harrell had mentioned it too, how Laurinda was impossible to read. She just shut everyone out, especially therapists. Unless she wanted help, nothing would get through. She only ever let people see the parts of herself she chose.

"But honestly, she seems better lately," Kinsey went on, his face softening as he looked at Adolphus. "She told my daughter she met someone who’s really good to her, who takes care of her, always puts her first, makes her feel safe. She can finally sleep through the night now. She’s doing so much better."

Then Kinsey looked right at Adolphus. "I know she’s talking about you. She doesn’t have her parents anymore, so let me ask you, as someone older—while you love her, please just treat her well. If you ever wake up one day and realize she’s not who you thought, or that spark is gone, or you get tired of her... just don’t hurt her. Sit her down and talk to her, okay?"

Adolphus couldn’t stand hearing that. Laurinda was the person he’d wished for his whole life. He believed in himself, that he could always love her. He cut Kinsey off.

"That’s never going to happen. From the very first time I saw her, I knew she was the only one for me. I believe in love at first sight, and I know I can be loyal to her forever. You don’t have to worry about a thing."

Kinsey hadn’t expected Adolphus to be so sure. He stared into Adolphus’s deep, steady eyes, and with all his years on the job, he could tell Adolphus meant every word.

He nodded and clapped Adolphus on the shoulder. "Alright. I believe you. When you two get married, I’ll make sure to give you the biggest wedding gift ever."

Adolphus grinned and nodded back. He was dying to marry Laurinda too, but she was still young. He’d just have to be patient for another year or so.

About an hour later, two staff members came rushing out of the office, barely able to contain their excitement.

"Kinsey, we cracked the password!"

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