Tangled in his Obsession novel Chapter 94

Hearing her last few words, Leandro seemed to perk up a tad, even throwing back a question: "Starhaven?"

"Yeah." Seraphina replied, "I came back to investigate this case, and now that it's over, I guess I'll be heading back soon. Starhaven has plenty of tasty fruits; I reckon I can afford to treat you to some, Mr. Reynolds."

She smiled naturally, but there was no trace of the past in her eyes.

Leandro remained unmoved: "Not a fan of fruits."

At that, Seraphina tiptoed closer to him and asked, "Then what does Mr. Reynolds' interest?"

Leandro reached out to hold her face, quietly observing her.

Seraphina didn't resist; she just let him be, her smile unchanging.

Her skin was smooth under his fingers, just as before. Despite the years, her beauty was still distinctive.

Instead of answering her question, Leandro asked, "Are you okay with this?"

"With what?" Seraphina was puzzled.

Leaning in, Leandro said slowly, "You used to hate me; are you really okay with just leaving like this?"

Seraphina stared at him for a moment and gave a sigh after a moment of silence: "You've got it all wrong, Mr. Reynolds."

Leandro looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

"Hate was a sentiment I harbored when I was young and naive. Then I grew up and let it go." Seraphina looked at him, her gaze sincere. "Mr. Reynolds, you just didn't like me; what's wrong with that? If there's anyone to blame, it's me for wishful thinking and for being shameless. Sometimes, love is the mistake, not the lack of it."

With that, Seraphina held up the fruits in her hand and said "I was cleaning these fruits for Grandpa; he's waiting; can you move?"

Perhaps it was the mention of Conway; Leandro watched her for a moment before finally releasing her to leave.

Leandro turned to watch her leave, lighting a cigarette by the kitchen counter.

So, love was the mistake, not the lack of it?

Then who was really at fault?

Seraphina stepped out with the fruits, and Conway was in the yard enjoying an opera. Seeing her, he frowned. "Why did you leave so soon?"

Seraphina gave him a glance and asked, "What else did you expect?"

Conway just smiled and asked, "Don't you know what your Grandpa wished for?"

"I don't." Seraphina put down the fruit plate and said, "I've got a meeting; save these fruits for a good feast with your real grandson!"