Chapter 1116: Chapter 1116

Chapter 1116:

With a neutral face, Rhys said slowly, “I know you’re being so kind because of the thirty-three-year-old Rhys. You want him back, and that’s why you’re helping me reclaim my memories and organizing all these workouts. So, you don’t need to act like you care about me this much.”

Harlee paused, taking a sharp breath. The things she had done when Rhys had only the memories of a ten-year-old must have wounded him deeply. She bit her lip and sincerely said, “I’m sorry. I lost my way before.

A lot happened quickly, and I was desperate to find him and get answers, so I pushed too hard to bring him fully back.”

“But now…” Harlee smiled gently and continued, “Whether you’re the Rhys with memories of a ten-year-old, the Rhys you are today, or the Rhys with all his memories, you are still you. You are…”

“You’re still Rhys.”

“No, it’s not the same. I don’t have his complete memories. I don’t know you or many of the people he does.” Rhys looked into her eyes, his voice deep and earnest as if searching for her true feelings.

He wasn’t the thirty-three-year-old Rhys.

He didn’t want to be anyone’s substitute, not even for his own future self.

Harlee’s smile remained tender and reassuring.

“You’re right. It’s not the same. You’re the twelve-year-old Rhys, the past self of the thirty-three-year-old Rhys.

But more importantly, you’re the Rhys who can forge his own new path.”

“A new path?” At this, a youthful smile spread across Rhys’ face, his facade dropping.

He was a new Rhys.

gⱯlnσν𝒆𝓁s․com, the heart of storytelling

Certainly, he could have a life that was uniquely his, rather than being trapped in someone else’s past.

He experienced a surge of relief and happiness, realizing Harlee didn’t view him merely as a replacement.

“Exactly,” Harlee responded, her gaze intense as she looked directly into his eyes.

“A new life where you’re not battling alone.” This time, she promised to accompany him on a brighter journey.

Rhys locked eyes with Harlee’s determined look and felt paralyzed. It was as if thousands of needles pierced his heart simultaneously, each bringing a subtle, ineffable ache he couldn’t express.

Suddenly, an untimely voice—Tonya’s loud call—broke their intimate moment, snapping Rhys out of his deep feelings.

“Rhys, it’s time to take your medicine!” In the past few days, Rhys had taken a lot of medicine and had developed a strong aversion to it.

He glanced at Harlee, ready to make a swift getaway.

Harlee glanced at him with an understanding look.

“Scared of the bitterness? Planning to flee?”

“Medicine always has side effects,” Rhys muttered, his expression stoic.

“Moreover, I doubt it’s effective. It’s been nearly two weeks, and I still haven’t recalled anything.”

Privately, Rhys had been earnestly attempting to regain his memories. Knowing Harlee preferred the thirty-three-year-old version of him, he aimed to reclaim his lost memories for her.

But each attempt left him blank, failing to retrieve any memories, not even those from his life as a twelve-year-old.

.

.

.