chapter994

Calliope pointed to the photo on the desk.

"How long ago was this?" she asked.

"It's been years," Silas replied. "I was leaving my grandfather's place that day, and just happened to see you."

He smiled, voice gentle. "You were standing under the flowers, and honestly, you looked far prettier than the blossoms themselves. I watched you for a bit-you never even noticed me so I took that picture."

He grew quieter, almost wistful. "All I could think was, how could someone be so lovely?" He paused. "But that lovely girl wasn't mine."

"So you took my picture without telling me?" Calliope looked up, meeting his eyes. "Then why didn't you ever show it to me?"

Silas's gaze turned solemn. "Well... you were Gideon's girlfriend then. Didn't feel quite right, keeping a photo of you."

Calliope considered this, silent for a moment. It made sense.

She started to rise from her chair, but Silas stopped her. "Sit as long as you like I want you right there."

He turned and fetched another chair for himself. Once he'd pulled it up beside her, he sat and got back to work, his desk now shared.

"Callie," he said, glancing over, hang tight just a little longer, okay? Let me finish up and we'll go get dinner together."

"If you get bored, you can always mess around on your phone a bit.

He spoke to her with a playful, protective tenderness that made her feel cherished. Calliope watched him and nodded, feeling strangely content.

Silas was always like this gracious, attentive, gentle. He cared for people in ways that went beyond the obvious, always keenly aware of what someone else might need, even before they did.

She just didn't know how much longer this would last.

She remembered saying, back when they married, that he could walk away any time he wished she only needed a little help.

But after all this time, the comfort of his presence had quietly become part of her life. She was used to his kindness, his warmth; the thought of losing it made her chest ache.

Still, she understood how things worked. She knew she'd never compete with the woman he'd kept in his heart-the one who came before. She wasn't blind to reality; love couldn't be forced.

A wave of melancholy washed over her. She glanced up at Silas:

gorgeous, poised, cam

impossibly and yet, not really hers.

While he worked, Silas kept stealing glances at her, his gentle smiles sending a bittersweet pang through her heart. The more caring he was the harder it became to think about letting go.

Silas, noticing her restlessness, picked up the pace, wrapping up his work quickly.

"All done, Callie," he said, rising with a smile. "What sounds good for dinner? Let's head out."

"I'm fine with whatever," Calliope replied softly.

"Then I'll choose." Silas reached out,

gently drawing her up and into a

dujek warm hug before linking his fingers with hers.

MS

He led her out of the office, still holding her hand.

The company was bustling-heads turned as they passed by, and murmurs

followed them.

"Mr. Myers and his wife look so happy together!"

"Look, they're actually holding hands!"

Ugh, they're what every couple wants to be."

"They're perfect together, like something out of a fairy tale!"

"Bye, Mrs. Myers! Come visit us more!"

"Yes, Mrs. Myers, don't be a stranger!"

Silas, hand still wrapped around Calliope's, turned to the staff with a proud grin.

"Isn't Mrs. Myers gorgeous?"

"She's stunning!"

"And do we make a good-looking couple?"

"The best an absolutely perfect match!"

Silas tipped his chin up, feigning smugness. "See? I know we make a great pair!"