Chapter 10
After that day, Wesley and Lily became regulars at the bookstore.
Almost every weekend, they would spend an hour or two at Serene Moon.
Lily would quietly sit in the corner sofa, absorbed in picture books, while Wesley would select a medical text and read silently beside her.
Sometimes, Cassidy would brew them a pot of herbal tea–chamomile or lavender from her special Seattle collection. Wesley would always thank her politely, while Lily would sweetly say “Thank you, Miss Cassidy” before returning to her book.
One sunny Saturday, Wesley suggested taking Lily to the amusement park.
‘Why don’t you join us?” He adjusted his glasses, extending the invitation sincerely, “Lily’s been talking nonstop about wanting you to come along.”
Cassidy initially wanted to decline, but seeing Lily’s expectant gaze, her heart softened.
The amusement park buzzed with noise and excitement. Lily held Wesley’s hand with her left and Cassidy’s with her right, running excitedly from one attraction to another.
They rode the carousel, bumper cars, and even waited in line for the Ferris wheel.
When the Ferris wheel reached its highest point, Lily suddenly pointed to the distant clouds and said, “Mommy lives
here.”
Cassidy’s heart tightened.
Wesley gently pulled Lily into his arms, whispering, “Mommy is watching Lily from heaven. She wants Lily to be happy every day.”
ily nodded, then unexpectedly turned to Cassidy: “Miss Cassidy, could you be Lily’s new mommy?”
The air instantly froze.
Cassidy didn’t know how to respond.
Seeing her discomfort, Wesley quickly intervened: “Lily, don’t say such things.”
‘I’m not making it up!” Lily’s little face flushed red. “I like Miss Cassidy! And Miss Cassidy likes Lily too, right?”
Cassidy looked at the little girl’s stubborn expression and suddenly thought of Emma–she had been the same way, fiercely determined once she set her mind on something.
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Chapter 10
“Of course I like you, Lily,” she said gently. “But a mother is irreplaceable. No one can take her place.”
Lily nodded with partial understanding, then leaned back against Wesley’s chest.
On the drive home, Lily fell asleep in the back seat.
Wesley drove, occasionally glancing at Cassidy through the rearview mirror.
“Thank you for accompanying her today,” he said quietly. “It’s been a long time since she’s been this happy.”
Cassidy shook her head. “I enjoyed it too.”
Outside the window, the sunset painted the clouds in brilliant gold and red.
Cassidy instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes from the glare. Her sleeve slipped down, revealing a scar on
her wrist.
Wesley’s gaze lingered on the scar for a second before quickly looking away.
For the remainder of the journey, his brow remained slightly furrowed.
A week later, Wesley came to the bookstore alone, carrying a thermos.
“This is my homemade calming tea,” he handed the container to Cassidy, speaking softly. “It might help with your
sleep.”
Cassidy blinked in surprise, asking with genuine bewilderment: “How did you know I have trouble sleeping?”
Though she’d left that place behind, the memories of the past never truly faded. Countless nights she’d jolted awake rom nightmares, the ghosts of her previous life refusing to let her rest.
Wesley adjusted his glasses, his eyes behind the lenses gentle and perceptive.
You forgot I’m a doctor? You can always come to me for help… I think we can consider ourselves good friends now, ight?”
Cassidy instinctively pulled down her sleeve to cover her wrist.
I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry,” Wesley quickly apologized.
It’s just… as a doctor, and as a friend, I hope you’ll take care of yourself.”
Cassidy remained silent for a moment before finally smiling. “I see. Thank you for the tea.”
If I ever need help, I’ll definitely come to you. Don’t worry.”
After that, Wesley visited more frequently, sometimes with Lily, sometimes alone.
Chapter 10
Each time, he brought small gifts–a bunch of wildflowers, a box of homemade cookies, or newly blended calming
tea.
Cassidy gradually grew accustomed to this companionship. Sometimes, watching Wesley and Lily reading in her bookstore, she would have the fleeting thought that this was the life she had always longed for–simple, peaceful,
filled with warmth.
One rainy night, Cassidy was organizing bookshelves when the doorbell suddenly rang.
Wesley stood outside, completely soaked, holding a feverish Lily in his arms.
‘I’m sorry to disturb you so late,” his voice trembled slightly. “Lily kept asking to see you… She says only your stories will help her fall asleep.”
Cassidy quickly ushered them inside, taking the burning–hot Lily from him. Looking at her flushed little face, she fel an overwhelming surge of protectiveness.
Gently patting her back, she murmured, “I’m here, Lily. Don’t be afraid.”
That night, Cassidy kept vigil at Lily’s bedside, softly telling her stories. Wesley sat nearby, his gentle gaze fixed on
them.
When Lily finally fell asleep, the rain outside had stopped. Moonlight filtered through the curtain gap, casting a silver streak across the floor.
“Thank you,” Wesley said softly.
Cassidy shook her head and started to rise, but her legs had gone numb from sitting too long. She stumbled slightly.
Wesley caught her quickly, steadying her with his hands, only to realize how close they were standing once she regained her balance.
The sudden proximity left them both flustered. Both blushed silently, averting their eyes without a word.
