Chapter 14
That day, Eleanor was once again in the classroom at the orphanage, guiding the children as they painted, when a silhouette suddenly appeared at the doorway.
Their eyes met.
Kane’s eyes were already glistening with tears.
Step by step, he moved towards Eleanor.
Ever since their fleeting encounter in the park, Kane had been restless, desperately searching for Eleanor.
Now, at last, he had found her.
For a brief moment, Eleanor appeared stunned, but she, too, recognized Kane.
However, he seemed like a different person from the man he was over a month ago.
His face was pale, his complexion dull, and he looked gaunt and weary.
It reminded Eleanor of the time when she was gravely ill.
Eleanor had always had an inkling that she might see Kane again.
Not just because she now went by Eleanor, but because her current appearance bore an uncanny resemblance to her past self.
Perhaps it was the bond of their “shared destiny” that made her feel this way.
Yet, she had never expected to have any relationship with him again.
Even now, although she once saw him as her savior, after being hurt to the point of feeling like she had died once, seeing him again stirred no emotion within her.
Kane, noticing the unfamiliarity in her eyes, froze momentarily.
“Ellie, don’t you recognize me? It’s Kay.”
“Oh.”
Eleanor’s expression was indifferent, as if his identity meant nothing to her, and she said, “I’m teaching right now. Please leave.”
But Kane kept his gaze fixed on her, scrutinizing every subtle change in her expression.
Eleanor, however, paid him no further attention and continued with the class.
From start to finish, she remained composed and unruffled, as if Kane were merely a ghost in the room.
Kane’s eyes never left her.
She felt so familiar, unmistakably Eleanor.
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Yet her attitude towards him left him in doubt.
They had known each other for over twenty years, childhood sweethearts who had shared a passionate love. No matter what had happened, she couldn’t possibly be so indifferent to him.
However, Eleanor had indeed been cremated by Lillian.
The Yates family and the funeral home could attest to that.
So who was this Eleanor standing before him? Could she really be his Ellie?
As Kane’s mind reeled with confusion, Eleanor finished the class and left the room.
Instinctively, Kane followed her.
He seemed unwilling to let go, recounting the story of him and Eleanor to the woman before him, hoping for some recognition.
With the Christmas approaching, Eleanor was preparing Christmas wreath.
Her hands moved smoothly, without a hint of hesitation.
When Kane finished speaking, Eleanor completed the final move.
It was a sunflower, vibrant and full of life, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Much like Eleanor herself at that moment.
“Ellie.”
Fearful she might leave and return to her dormitory, Kane quickly stood up to block her path.
Eleanor lifted her eyelids slightly, casting him a detached glance.
Finally, she spoke.
“Why don’t you kneel and apologize?”
Kane’s eyes shimmered, and after pondering her words, a spark of hope lit
“Ellie, do you mean if I apologize, you’ll forgive me?”
Eleanor let out a derisive laugh.
“Isn’t your Ellie buried in the cemetery?”
up
in his gaze.
“The reason I asked you to kneel is because it’s what you owe Eleanor. Since you see me as her, it’s the same to kneel to me.”
“And as for forgiveness, you’ll have to ask Ellie yourself.”
With that, Eleanor gathered her paper snowflakes and turned to leave.
She had made her stance clear, and she believed Kane understood.
Indeed, Kane didn’t follow her any further.
