Chapter 452

Thalassa watched her mother leave as her eyes became low and thoughtful.

Any words now would be futile, unless one day she truly broke free from Lysander’s shackles, left with her four children and mother, and returned to the peaceful life they once had.

She believed that day would come; as long as she could overcome the challenges at hand, there would always be a way out.

Thalassa walked to the door and changed her shoes, ready to leave. Suddenly, she remembered that her keys were still in the drawer. She opened the drawer, found the keys, and her gaze fell onto the bracelet kept in the drawer.

It was a gift from Leopold last night. He had suggested that they elope.

A wave of intense sadness rose within her while looking at the bracelet.

Like a rising tide, it threatened to drown her.

Back in their verdant campus days, she and Leopold were strolling under the riverside trees. The cool breeze mixed with the moisture from the river brushed their faces, warming their hearts.

Suddenly, Leopold kissed her cheek.

C Blushing, she turned around and shyly told him, “What are you doing? We agreed to save that for our wedding night. You’re cheating.”

Leopold broke into a bright, youthful smile. “Yes, I cheated. You can kiss me back if you want.”

“Hmph, don’t think I won’t.” Thalassa feigned anger.

With a mischievous grin, Leopold challenged her. “Then come on.”

“Fine.” Thalassa stepped forward.

But Leopold turned and ran. “If you catch me, you can kiss me.”

“You can’t run away.” Thalassa gave chase.

One ran and the other chased, neither noticing the fresh grass under their feet next to a sign that read, “Please tread lightly. The grass is new.”

Just as Thalassa was about to catch Leopold, a teacher called out from afar. “What are you two doing?

The new grass will be ruined!”

The teacher started to chase after them.

“Run! Run!” Leopold grabbed Thalassa’s hand, leading her off the grass and into the small grove nearby.

They crouched behind a tree and were hidden by the dense branches. They watched as the teacher rushed past their hiding spot and continued the chase elsewhere.

“Phew, she’s gone.” Thalassa heaved a sigh of relief.

Leopold turned to her. Their eyes met under the swaying branches, casting shadows on their faces.

Leopold’s eyes were bright and youthful, while Thalassa’s were clear and sparkling.

Their innocent feelings flowed freely between them.

Leopold slowly leaned in, his lips nearing hers.

Just as he was about to kiss her, Thalassa quickly turned her head. Her lips brushed his cheek before she let out a giggle. “I kissed you back, ha!”

She jumped up and ran.

Leopold, slightly taken aback, touched his cheek, smiled, and called after her, “Thalassa, you’re so immature.”

“I am immature. If you don’t like it, find someone else.” Thalassa’s laughter shone brilliantly in the sunlight.

“But I like your immaturity.” Leopold’s heart only held her.

Suddenly, her memory shifted, taking her back to a night of torrential rain and thunderous lightning.

Everything changed.

Startled, Thalassa shook off her reverie.

She picked up the bracelet and slipped it onto her wrist.

The cool, smooth touch of the bracelet was a chilling reminder that even the warmest of feelings could cool down.

Some people, once lost, were lost forever.

Life was rarely perfect.

Most times, it was filled with regrets.