Chapter 276: The Third Lifetime, Adele (2)
Baron’s Estate.
Thirheria.
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As they neared the edge of the woods, where the village lay just beyond, Theodore sighed inwardly. He had to protect her, whether she remembered their past or not. But he also knew that doing so without her realizing the full extent of their connection would be an even greater challenge. He had to treat her with care.
The horse slowed as they approached her home, a modest bungalow estate tucked away on the outskirts of the village. Theodore gently pulled the reins, bringing the horse to a stop. The ride had been steeped in silence, and now, as they reached their destination, the tension between them hung even heavier in the air.
Theodore dismounted first, his movements fluid and practiced, before turning to help Adele down. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes betraying a flicker of the conflicting emotions that roiled within her. With a resigned sigh, she placed her hand in his, allowing him to assist her.
She avoided his gaze, her movements stiff with lingering anger and confusion.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, she quickly withdrew her hand from his, standing prim and composed as if trying to erect a barrier between them. Theodore felt a pang of regret at the sudden distance she imposed, but before he could say anything, the door of the home swung open.
A tall, stern-looking man emerged from the bungalow, his posture and bearing unmistakably noble. He was older, with graying hair and a neatly trimmed beard, his eyes sharp and calculating. Theodore’s gaze darkened as recognition dawned on him—the man before him was none other than Baron Abott, the head of one of Thirheria’s most respected noble houses. And more importantly, he was Adele’s father.