Chapter 9
Cassidy arrived in Seattle, a place that despite being unfamiliar, gave her a sense of security,
After carefully exploring for two weeks, she opened a bookstore called “Serene Moon” on a quiet street in the old
district.
The space wasn’t large, but had excellent natural lighting.
She spent three months renovating, transforming the previously rundown storefront into a cozy reading sanctuary
Seattle had a long rainy season. Cassidy stood at the glass door of her bookstore, staring absently at the gentle rain
outside.
Just then, the wind chimes at the entrance rang out with a crisp sound, breaking the momentary silence.
“Welcome,” she turned instinctively, then paused slightly when she saw who had entered.
Standing in the doorway was a tall man holding a black umbrella, water dripping from its surface onto the floor.
He carried a little girl of about five or six in his arms. The child had her hair in two small braids and was shyly nestling against him.
‘Do you have picture books suitable for this age?” the man asked in a gentle voice as he closed his umbrella.
Only then did Cassidy finally saw his face clearly-
Sharp features, expressive eyes, gold–rimmed glasses perched on his straight nose, and eyes that held a subtle
warmth.
She froze.
‘Dr. Reed? Wesley Reed?”
The man was equally startled, studying her carefully before suddenly realizing: “Cassidy Morgan?”
Memories of the past crashed over her like a tidal wave.
Wesley Reed, a star of the medical school, two years her senior. Back then, he had been known as the campus genius–not only academically brilliant but also an accomplished pianist, the dream of countless female students.
‘What a coincidence,” she smiled, gesturing toward the little girl in his arms. “And this is…?”
‘My niece, Lily.” Wesley gently patted the little girl’s back, “Lily, say hello to the lady.”
The little girl looked up, revealing a delicate, cherubic face, and shyly said: “Hello, Miss.”
6.49
Chapter 9
Her voice was as soft as cotton candy,
Cassidy’s heart instantly melted.
She crouched down to be at eye level with Lily. “Hello, Lily. Looking for any particular kind of book? I’d be happy to recommend something you might like.”
Lily blinked her large eyes, then suddenly reached out her small hand to gently touch Cassidy’s cheek.
“You’re so pretty,” she said softly. “Just like my mommy.”
The air suddenly froze.
Wesley’s expression changed slightly as he crouched down to hold Lily tighter. “I’m sorry. Her mother… passed away a few years ago.”
Cassidy felt a tightness in her chest. Looking at this motherless little girl, she suddenly thought of Ethan and Emma.
They still had Natalie, but this child had no one.
“It’s okay,” she said gently, reaching out to softly stroke Lily’s hair. “Do you like fairy tales, Lily? I have many beautiful picture books here.”
Lily nodded, her eyes brightening.
For the next half hour, Cassidy patiently introduced various picture books to Lily.
The little girl gradually relaxed, even taking Cassidy’s hand, asking her to read stories aloud.
Wesley stood nearby, watching the scene with gentle eyes.
By the time Cassidy was reading “The Little Prince,” Lily was leaning contentedly against her, completely engrossed.
“You have a special way with stories,” Wesley commented softly when paying. “Lily is usually very shy around strangers, but she’s so comfortable with you.”
Cassidy smiled, handing the wrapped books to Lily. “I find Lily very endearing too. If she were my daughter, I’d be
so happy.”
The words slipped out before she could stop herself, but Wesley merely nodded thoughtfully without pressing
further.
“Can we come back again?” Lily suddenly tugged at Cassidy’s sleeve before leaving, looking up with hopeful eyes.
Cassidy crouched down and gently pinched her little nose. “Of course you can. You’re welcome anytime.”
Wesley held his umbrella and carried Lily back into the rain. Lily rested on his shoulder, waving toward the bookstore until they disappeared around the corner.
Chapter 9
Cassidy stood at the door, watching their silhouettes vanish into the rain, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through her heart.
