With a delighted look on his face, Cyrus replied, âApparently, itâs all because of a woman.
Heâd been rejecting her advances for quite some time, but now that sheâs about to get engaged, heâs realized his feelings for her.
Hilliardâs in for a bumpy ride, Iâd say.
It wonât be easy for him to win her over again.
â
Lucinda chuckled at the twist of fate.
âHeâs getting a taste of his own medicine! Always playing the aloof card, wearing that serious
expression.
Now, a woman had managed to bring him to his knees.
â
Cyrus nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing.
Mid-conversation, Violeta arrived on the scene.
She was alone.
Cyrus immediately questioned, âVioleta, whereâs Graham?â
Violetaâs smile wavered, carrying a tinge of sorrow.
âThe other day, there was heavy rain.
Graham fell ill, and his fever shot up.
Because of his long hours of kneeling, his knees have grown frail.
Rain or a change in weather triggers the pain.
Also, he thought his presence would only upset you, Lucinda, so he chose to stay away.
â
âs BunnyBookery
Lucindaâs smile waned, her gaze dropping to the ground.
Noting her surprisingly restrained reaction, Cyrus inquired further.
âIs Graham still reading the Bible every day?â
Violeta nodded.
âYes, he is.
Heâs punishing himself regardless of the weather or his health.
Rain or shine, cold or fever, he insists on reading it without fail.
â
A sigh of exasperation slipped past Violetaâs lips, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
But she quickly forced a smile, masking her emotions for the occasion.
Lucinda felt a pang of sorrow upon hearing Violetaâs account, though she managed to offer some words.
âIâve pleaded with him countless times to stop tormenting himself.
But Graham is stubborn.
He wonât change his ways unless heâs come to a realization himself.
â
An unexpected gravity fell upon the group, casting a somber atmosphere over the conversation.
A few moments of hushed tension lingered before Lucinda expertly pivoted the conversation, her smile defrosting the atmosphere.
âCyrus, Violeta, do head inside.
Nathan is looking after Colby and Destinee.
You must see them.
â
The pair nodded in response, buoyed by her words.
They entered the house, laughter and chatter filling the air.
Meanwhile, Lucinda remained at the gate, warmly greeting arriving guests.
As the partyâs commencement loomed, a flustered Noelle rushed in.
Lucinda accompanied her inside.