Tangled in his Obsession novel Chapter 469

For her, the phrase "first snow" was distant and foreign.

Snow was nothing exceptional. It graced the streets of Summitville, painted Sunburst City white, and even cloaked Velvetwood in its silent embrace.

She had never harbored an abundance of love or anticipation for snow, except when she was 17. That year, having fallen for Leandro, she found herself eagerly awaiting each new day.

Yet he was invariably busy, often away from home for long stretches, which only made her yearn all the more.

Finally, on New Year's Eve, she caught a fleeting glimpse of him, a hurried encounter before she scurried off to her room to shower.

After her shower, hair dried and clothes changed, she emerged only to see him, similarly freshened up, ready to step out.

He was wearing a coat. Seraphina's heart sank, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. "You... you're going out again?"

"Yep." Leandro glanced at her, stepping closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Can't stand to be without me?"

Turning her face away, Seraphina felt the sting of unshed tears.

She hadn't seen him in days, and just when they had reconnected, he was leaving again.

The hurt welled up inside her, her eyes reddening with the effort to hold back tears.

She truly didn't want him to go, the disappointment was genuine, but the words wouldn't come.

Leandro chuckled at her pained expression, but his voice softened. "Had a prior commitment, I'll be quick. Will you wait up for me?"

She looked away, murmuring after a pause, "You won't come back..."

She knew his habits too well; a late-night departure meant he wouldn't return.

At best, he'd be gone for the day. More often, he'd vanish for days on end.

She was accustomed to it, shouldn't have expected any different.

Without another word, Seraphina retreated to her room.

She had hurried downstairs to see him, but with him leaving, there was no point anymore.

Back at her desk, she slumped forward, the sorrow deepening.

Then, a knock at her door. Her heart skipped, guessing who it might be, yet hardly daring to believe.

When Leandro stepped inside, she looked up, her gaze frozen on him.

"If you're accusing me of breaking promises, I'll have to be a man of my word this time." Leandro leaned against the doorframe, checking his watch. Frowning slightly, he peered out the window, then said, "Before dawn. I'll be back before then."

Heat crept into Seraphina's cheeks.

Despite his busy life, he had come to make a promise, as if she were the unreasonable one.

Yet, was she happy? Ecstatic, in a way she had never felt before.

"I’m leaving, okay?" Leandro sought her confirmation once more.

This time, she managed a soft "Okay."

She didn't leave her room, just perched by the window, watching Leandro descend the stairs, get into his car, and drive off, her heart surprisingly full of joy.

That night, Seraphina lay in bed, sleep eluding her.

She kept vigil by the window, straining for any sign of him. He said he'd be back by dawn, so she waited. From two to three, from four to five, from six to seven, Leandro did not return.

At seven o'clock, Sandra had already sent three messages, urging her to get moving. They had planned to hit the amusement park together, but Seraphina was utterly disinterested now.

He had broken his word, again.

She despised her own weakness, knowing she’d soon be longing for him once more.

Frustrated and powerless, Seraphina got up, washed her tear-stained face, and dressed to leave.

New Year’s Day was just breaking, the city still quiet, the Reynolds household no exception.

She stepped out of the main building, unable to resist glancing towards the parking lot – no sign of Leandro's car.

Biting her lip, she strode away.

Exiting the gates, the tears she had been holding back fell freely. Her cheeks stung in the cold, crisp air as if they might crack. Gritting her teeth, she wiped her tears and continued on.