Twisted Ties of Love novel Chapter 551

Old butler James had grown quite fond of Brett, but as a servant, he couldn't rightly insist on keeping him around. Instead, he trailed behind Brett while chattering away with concern.

"You've barely rested since you got back, and now you're off again? Can't you stay a bit longer? The chefs here are the same ones we've always had."

"James, I need to get back to R City. I've already booked my flight."

James sighed heavily. Realizing Brett was set on leaving, he could only offer repeated cautions, "Just make sure to take care of yourself, alright? You've been coughing a lot and you refuse to see the doctor. Be careful."

James' legs weren't what they used to be, so he could only see Brett to the door, watching Brett drive away while standing next to Izabella.

"Ms. Salotti, you take care as well. With me not by the young master's side, I'm entrusting you to keep an eye on him. He can be rash and can make mistakes when he's upset. I can tell you're not fond of him, but his intentions in keeping you close aren't bad. He wouldn't hurt you, you can be sure of that."

"I'll take good care of myself," Izabella replied, by addressing only the first part of James' speech, which prompted an inward sigh from the old butler.

At first, James had thought Brett was just using her as a stand-in, but that morning, when he heard from the staff that Brett had taken her to the cemetery, he knew it was more serious. Brett had not only brought her home, but had also taken her to visit his late parents' graves. Clearly, he was serious.

Brett might seem aloof, but he was fiercely loyal when it came to the relationships. To be loved by Brett could be a blessing or a curse.

James, for one, considered it a blessing. To be loved by Brett meant a lifetime of devotion.

Brett's love might appear understated, yet it was impossible to ignore—it’s like a steady stream, not as hot as a blazing sun, but as bright as stars in the night sky which adorn the dark canvas.

Izabella knew that James wanted her to settle down and make a life with Brett. But for her, it was too late for apologies and awakenings. Broken things, even when mended, still showed their cracks. A perfect replica was never quite the original. She and Brett could never be.

Back in R City, Brett headed straight to Quiet Forest Estates. The items he had ordered had already arrived. Christmas was fast approaching, and he wanted to spend one last holiday with Izabella, at least to avoid a repeat of the agony of six years ago.

"Christmas is just around the corner. Other homes will be bustling with bright reds; let's not have ours look so bleak."

Brett had purchased a thirteen-foot Christmas tree. To affix the star at the top, he would need to climb the staircase. He had bought an assortment of ribbons and lights, along with various decorations, some of which Izabella had never seen before and had intrigued her.