Chapter 993

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows that swayed gently on the cobblestone path.

Simon Evans' gaze lingered on Victor Laurent's cast-encased leg, a flicker of complexity in his eyes. He hadn't cared about this stranger's injury—until Vivian Dempsey's worried glance changed his mind before she left.

"Need help?" Simon gestured to a nearby stone bench.

Victor reacted like a cat with its tail stepped on. He hoisted himself up with startling agility using his crutches, practically leaping to the bench—an improbable feat for someone injured.

The corner of Simon's mouth lifted as he settled on the opposite end. "Have we met before?"

"No." Victor's reply was brittle, his fingers drumming restlessly against the crutch.

Simon chuckled, cutting straight to the chase. "You're in love with Vivian."

It wasn't a question.

Victor stiffened, mental alarms blaring. He'd caught Simon's unspoken "too"—and that single syllable set his teeth on edge. "Don't tell me you're planning to confess today?"

His grip on the crutch turned white-knuckled. If Simon dared nod, he'd intercept that confession if it killed him.

"Not yet." Simon's eyes drifted toward the wisteria trellis. "I don't exist in her memories of youth."

The words doused Victor like ice water. A bitter realization struck—wasn't he in the same boat? To Vivian, he'd always just be the troublemaking buddy.

The forest breeze stilled. Even the cicadas fell silent.

"Mr. Laurent," Simon said with businesslike calm, "Neither of us is her only option. Every eligible bachelor in Hudson City knows the Dempseys are seeking a son-in-law."

Victor's chest constricted. He'd assumed there was time—forgotten how Vivian never lacked suitors. Meanwhile, he might not even make the shortlist.

——

Beneath the wisteria trellis, Jasmine Valentine twisted her fingers together. "I lied earlier. There's something I need to say..."

Vivian gave her shoulder a hearty slap. "Obviously! Those two were cramping our style. Spill the tea!"

"Thank you." Jasmine lifted tear-bright eyes. "Ten years overdue."

Vivian blinked. "Ten years ago?"

"When you and Victor fought those hoodlums for me." Jasmine's voice feathered away.

Recognition dawned, followed by a laugh. "That? Victor got pummeled worse than I did! You should thank him."

She turned to call for him, but Jasmine caught her wrist.

"It's different." A tear escaped. "That night...I was going to jump off the rooftop."

Vivian's smile froze.

"That money was half my monthly allowance." Jasmine trembled. "When I overheard you telling Evelyn Carter to keep it secret in the hospital...I realized someone cared about a stranger's dignity that much."

The sunlight turned blinding. Vivian's lips parted soundlessly. She'd never imagined that impulsive act had altered another life's course.

Wisteria blossoms drifted down like purple snow.