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Novel Catalog
Chapter 40
Jasper watched as Eden’s demeanor began to shift, her expression softening, though the sorrow still lingered in her eyes. He could see the inner turmoil she was trying to suppress, but he was glad to see the familiar strength starting to emerge within her once again. She was a fighter, and despite the setbacks, he knew she would pull through.
“Eden…” Jasper started, his voice filled with concern, but Eden raised a hand, signaling for him to stop. She didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Not now.
“I’m fine now,” she said, her voice steadier. She offered him a small, reassuring smile. “Thank you for being there for me. I’ll be okay.”
Jasper hesitated for a moment before nodding. He could tell she was trying to convince herself just as much as him. But he wasn’t going to press her. “Alright,” he said softly, “just promise me that you’ll take care of yourself, okay? You don’t have to face everything alone.”
Eden nodded, though the weight of the past still clung to her. “I’ve learned that the hard way. I’ll be careful.”
The night was quiet as they stood on the street, surrounded by the glowing lights of the city. Eden’s mind was far from the present moment. She was already planning, already thinking ahead. The Gienger family was back in her life, and she couldn’t let that go unchallenged.
Jasper could sense the shift in her, the determination returning. It was the same drive he had seen in her all those years ago—before everything had changed. He knew that deep down, she was preparing herself for the inevitable confrontation with the Gienger family. But he couldn’t help but worry about the toll it would take on her. The past had a way of digging up wounds that never truly healed.
“Jasper,” Eden’s voice interrupted his thoughts, “I’m going to find out the truth. I need to understand everything, even if it means facing them again.”
He sighed, the weight of her resolve settling in his chest. “I know,” he replied quietly. “But just remember, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here for you, no matter what.”
Eden met his gaze, her eyes filled with both gratitude and uncertainty. “I know. And I appreciate it.”
Jasper smiled warmly, though there was a sadness behind his eyes that he couldn’t hide. He had always cared for Eden, but seeing her struggle with her past and her pain tore at him. He wanted to protect her, to shield her from the hurt, but he knew that she had to face it on her own terms.
“Come on,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. “Let’s get you home. You’ve had a long day.”
As they walked towards the car, Eden felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. The encounter with Myra and Bethany had shaken her, but it had also fueled her resolve. She had come back to River City for a reason—to uncover the truth and to take control of her own destiny. She wouldn’t let her past define her any longer.
Jasper drove her home in silence, the city lights flashing past as Eden looked out the window, lost in thought. The road ahead was uncertain, but she was determined to face whatever came her way.
Meanwhile, Victor was still at the restaurant, his thoughts consumed by Eden and the growing suspicion that she might be connected to the Gienger family. He had seen the same fear in her eyes that he had seen years ago. It was as if she was running from something—or someone.
His mind couldn’t shake the feeling that Eden was hiding something important, something that could change everything. But he wasn’t ready to confront her just yet. He needed answers first.
The night ended, but for both Victor and Eden, the journey was just beginning. The past was never truly behind them, and the shadows of their shared history loomed large, waiting to be brought into the light.