Colby said, "He's just trying to keep you safe. He doesn't want you getting hurt."

The Silent Shadows were too powerful, and even Gordon couldn't fully protect her during the Aldridge family disaster. Back then, the only option was to leave her, to cut off all ties. But then, so much changed.

Gordon realized he could never be the partner Sophie dreamed of. What separated them wasn't just life and death. Against The Silent Shadows, Gordon couldn't promise Sophie a stable life. She was his Achilles' heel, a vulnerability he couldn't risk exposing. "He never even asked if I wanted to call him my brother, never asked if I'd stand by him through this danger. To me, he's the only family I have left in this world," Sophie's voice broke with emotion.

After losing her parents, she believed she had no one who truly cared for her. If only Gordon had stepped up back then, things might've been different. Colby saw her eyes fill with tears and gently pulled her into a comforting embrace. "Maybe, in his mind, this is the best life he could offer you."

And maybe... he never wanted to be family. Sometimes, being strangers is easier than being family. Colby kept that thought to himself.

Life is full of crossroads; a single wrong turn can change everything. This path was Gordon's carefully chosen way for Sophie. It was what she needed, the best fit for her.noveldrama

Sophie leaned into Colby, crying her heart out, as if releasing all her pent-up emotions in one go. From this day, she'd lost the brother who loved her most, her closest family in the world.

After what felt like an eternity, Sophie cried herself to exhaustion, passing out in Colby's arms. He gently lifted her and carried her out of the cemetery. The snow had eased, leaving the cemetery eerily quiet.

Not far

turned

man in a wheelchair

on his finger, a faint et

smile on his face. "Sir, it's time to go"

"Yes, it is."

Gordon had done everything he possibly could. Now, the road ahead was one Sophie had to walk alone.

At the hospital, Harold was there to

Vol

sort out Gordon's final paperwork, holding the death certificate with bittersweet expression. After wrapping things up, he was about to leave when he spotted William leaving the director's office.

Seeing William, Harold frowned. "What are you doing here?"

ovel

William jumped at Harold's voice, instinctively trying to run, but he couldn't escape Harold. In an instant, Harold caught him red-handed.

"Go on, run!"

Harold grabbed William by the collar.

William quickly blurted out, "I'm not running! I'm done running, okay? I won't run!"

"Why run when you see me? Spill it!"

"I-I-I... I wasn't running!"