A Love Buried by Secrets novel Chapter 14

With the help of a flight attendant, Serena left the airport in a wheelchair. As she did, she spotted a man walking toward her.

"Rena, right? It's been a while," the man said.

He smiled and effortlessly started pushing her chair.

Serena's childhood memories felt distant, leaving her with little more than a vague image of Julian from that time. But now, as she faced him, those faint recollections came rushing back, and she smiled in return.

"Julian, thank you for doing this," she said.

The man was Julian. He had moved to Nekkerland over ten years ago, where he'd earned his doctorate and became a leading orthopedic specialist.

They had been promised to each other as children, but they'd only spent a few years together before Serena went to live at the Lowell residence with Karen and met Elliot.

Over time, Julian, who had once been so close to her, had faded from her thoughts. Now, seeing him again after all this time, he wasn't quite how she remembered. And with her legs not functioning, she couldn't shake the awkwardness.

Julian, however, behaved as if nothing were amiss. He wheeled her to the parking lot, carefully lifted her into the passenger seat, and fastened her seatbelt with deliberate care.

After adjusting her legs for comfort, he even produced a blanket. Feeling self-conscious, Serena gave a small wave.

"You don't have to do this, Julian. My legs are numb. I wouldn't even feel the cold."

Julian pretended not to hear. He smoothed the blanket carefully before meeting her eyes. "You might not feel it now, but if you're not careful, it could cause problems later when the feeling comes back."

His gentle tone took Serena by surprise. She lowered her gaze momentarily before raising it again. Her hands clenched into fists as if she were holding something back.

"Is there any chance that my legs will recover?" she asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hope flickered in her eyes as she watched him.

Julian met her gaze steadily and answered firmly, "It's more than a chance."

"Will I be able to stand again?"

"We don't have to go in, Julian. I'll mostly be staying in my room anyway."

Although they had been promised to each other since childhood, Serena understood that she had no right to his secrets yet. If she could help it, she didn't want to cause him any trouble.

Julian visibly relaxed as they moved past the room, continuing the tour until he finally brought her to her bedroom.

Had she caused him problems? Had he been forced to give up someone important, leaving him with unbearable regret?

The idea that she might have unknowingly become the villain made her sudden arrival feel painfully awkward. She tugged at Julian's sleeve, her expression apologetic.

"Julian, our families made this commitment too hastily. I'm just here to receive treatment for my leg. If you're in love with someone else, I can speak to both sides of the family about it."