He had moved on with Clara —Xavier had accepted it.
He liked her. He could spend the rest of his life with her happily —he had accepted that too.
And yet, every time the mere thought of Adelyn surfaced, it made him waver. It made him reconsider.
Just like now.
Even an illusion of her presence was enough to make him forget everything —to run after her without thinking.
Just like that last time.
And just like he was about to do again.
"Adelyn …" He murmured under his breath, his hands already moving to unfasten his seatbelt before pushing the door open.
He didn't wait.
He just ran …
Following his instinct —following the familiar figure —until he caught her by the arm.
The woman paused.
And so did he.
His breathing uneven —partly from the sudden rush, partly from the anticipation of finally having her within his arm's length.
His heart pounded as he called out to her, his voice carrying the same affection it always had.
"Linnie."
However, just then —
