A Love Lost in the Years

"The Prism Room," as Jade referred to it, was the private screening room Wesley had lovingly built for me when I first arrived at the Hawthorne residence.

At that time, my mother and Francis were buried in work. Being three years my senior, Wesley was entrusted with the responsibility of looking after me.

He gifted me nearly every beautiful thing life could offer.

He called me his little princess and had the screening room designed just for me.

That night, as the credits rolled, he gazed at me tenderly and promised, "Savannah, this room is yours alone—and so is all my love."

For twenty years, we cherished that secret refuge, shaping our dreamlike home side by side.

Gradually, my heart quietly turned toward Wesley, but every time I tried to confess, Nathan would interrupt, causing a scene that shattered every opportunity.

Now, both of them had moved on with new people, leaving me behind in the past.

But it no longer mattered.

I took a deep breath and turned to leave.

I didn't need either of them anymore.

As I stepped away, Jade suddenly grabbed my wrist with a harsh, painful grip. She hissed, "Ms. Lockwood, why won't you hear me out? Do you really think I'm not worth your attention?"

I struggled to pull free, and in the scuffle, she lost her footing and tumbled to the floor.

"Wesley, help me!" she cried out.

Wesley's face paled as he hurried to her side, pulling her close into his arms.

Before I could respond, his hand suddenly connected with my cheek in a sharp slap.

Nathan stormed over, shouting, "Savannah, why did you push Jade? Remember, if your mother hadn't pleaded with my dad to look after you, you'd be dead just like your unlucky father! And this is how you repay kindness—with nothing but hatred!"

My ears rang loudly.

It was the first time I'd ever been hit, and in that moment, it felt as though my whole world was falling apart.

Wesley looked at me blankly, as if suddenly aware that he had lost control.

"Are you okay? I—"