Chapter 89

Summer’s POV

“And they lived happily ever after,” I muttered as I gazed down at the serene young woman who had already drifted off to sleep.

I shut the book and ran my fingers through her sleek black hair. After planting a kiss, I got up and left, closing the door behind me. As I stepped out, Celine, who was standing by the bar table, turned to me with a faint smile on her face. However, I could tell she was also hurt by what she had witnessed. She took a gulp from her beer can and swallowed it down hard.

“Is she already sleeping?” she asked.

“Hm-mn. She dozed off right after I put her down, but I continued telling her the story just to be certain she wouldn’t stir awake.” As soon as that, a wave of exhaustion hit me, and I reached her for a warm embrace, and mumbled, tears threatening to fall, “I feel more resilient now. Stronger than before. Stronger than anyone…”

“Yes, Summer,” she comforted, patting my back gently before stepping away from ou