Night Carved Paths Into Silence by Zyrel Ash ` 288
Chapter 288
He said, staring at Charlotte.
“You couldn’t stand it, so you secretly took me out to eat every
day.”
Charlotte’s hand, holding the fork, paused for a moment.
Then, as if nothing happened, she picked up some of the
Tomato & Egg Stir–fry with her fork, put it in her mouth, and
mumbled, “That’s ancient history. Who even remembers?”
“I remember.”
Bradley’s voice was subdued.
“I remember everything about you.”
Charlotte found the food in her mouth hard to swallow.
It was actually delicious. The eggs were cooked just right-
tender, smooth, and savory, coated in a sweet and sour sauce
that was very appetizing.
She just felt guilty.
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“Let’s not talk about it. Let’s eat first.”
“Mm.”
Bradley nodded, and they continued to eat in silence.
When they finished eating, Charlotte put down her fork, stood
up, and reached for the dishes. “I’ll do the dishes.”
At almost the same time, Bradley also stood up, his large hand
pressing down on the back of hers as she was about to pick up
the plate.
His palm was warm against her cool skin, and they both paused
almost imperceptibly.
“I’ll do it.”
Bradley’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an undeniable tone.
Charlotte instinctively pulled her hand back, as if burned by the
warmth.
She
forced a smile, trying to lighten her tone. “It’s not right to make
a guest do the dishes.
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You should sit and rest.”
“Guest?”
Bradley’s brows knitted together instantly, his face darkened,
and the gentle warmth from before vanished completely as he stared at her with sharp eyes.
“Charlotte, am I just a ‘guest‘ to you?”
Charlotte was taken aback by his sudden change in attitude, knowing she had said the wrong thing.
She looked at his tense jawline and clearly displeased expression, sighed to herself, and softened her tone:
“That’s not what I meant… Look, you made dinner, and it was so delicious I’m stuffed. How could I let you do the dishes too?”
She paused, her gaze falling on his hands–with their well- defined knuckles–that once only played sports and games, but
could now perform surgery and cook delicious meals.
Charlotte’s voice grew softer, almost like a sigh: “It’s just… it
pains me. I don’t want you to do any more work.”
The last sentence was light as air, but it was like a feather,
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precisely tickling the most tender spot in Bradley’s heart.
The cold, hard aura around him just melted away.
He silently watched Charlotte as she stood by the table, her
eyelashes lowered, looking a little lost.
He watched for several seconds, then let out a nearly inaudible
sigh and released his hand.
“Mm.”
He gave a low hum of agreement and didn’t insist, turning to
walk to the living room. His back seemed much more relaxed,
but it was still straight.
Charlotte watched his back, her heart filled with mixed
emotions.
She quickly cleared the dishes and carried them into the
kitchen.
The sound of the running faucet covered her somewhat erratic
heartbeat.
Bradley sat on the living room sofa. He didn’t turn on the TV,
just stared intently in the direction of the kitchen.
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The glass door reflected her blurry, busy figure, the warm yellow light outlining her silhouette.
It pains her…
The phrase swirled in his mind, bringing a faint sweetness that
was quickly drowned by a greater bitterness.
Her feelings for him… perhaps there was still some old
affection, the care of an older sister for a younger brother,
maybe even a hint of guilt.
But was there any love in any of it?
Even a little bit?
Charlotte was looking down, rinsing the soap off the rim of a
bowl. Outside the kitchen, Bradley’s phone on the sofa began to
ring unexpectedly.
Bradley frowned and glanced at the screen. It was an unknown
number with no contact name, but the area code was local.
He didn’t want to answer, but the ringing was persistent.
Taking a deep breath, Bradley hit the answer button, his voice
clearly impatient. “Hello?”
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A woman’s whiny, tearful voice immediately came from the
other end.
“Bradley… is that you, Bradley?
I’m your father’s…”
The woman’s voice was choppy, crying as she spoke. Halfway
through, Bradley guessed who she was.
“Speak.”
“Help me. Can you help me talk to Mr. Kline? Please?
I know I was wrong, I really do. I don’t want to break up… I
genuinely love Mr. Kline…”
Bradley’s expression darkened instantly, a flash of disgust in his
eyes.
He’d seen plenty of his father’s flock of mistresses. They all
claimed to be “genuine,” but all they wanted was his father’s
money and status.
He instinctively looked up toward the kitchen. Behind the glass
door, Charlotte was focused on washing the dishes.
Bradley grew even more irritated.
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Chapter 289
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.