Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert) novel Chapter 622

Sylvia wandered downstairs in a daze. When she finally sat out in the garden, she noticed the old stone fountain, which had been bone-dry for ages, was now brimming with water.

The lawn around it looked greener, fresher—almost like spring had finally decided to show up.

Everything seemed to be coming alive again.

Everything except her. She felt like a ghost, pale and out of place, trapped in an endless winter nobody else could see.

She wanted to let it all out—all the frustration and pain—but she didn’t even know who to blame anymore.

Sure, she was the one who’d been hurt, the one who’d been wronged, but somehow the whole world had twisted itself around to make everyone else the hero.

And she? She’d become the villain.

Sylvia curled her fingers into her palm, hard, almost desperate for the tiny sting of pain. Maybe that would help her focus, help her breathe.

A shadow suddenly fell over her, and a warm, steady hand wrapped around hers.

“Sylvia.”

Lester’s voice was a little breathless, like he’d rushed over.

She blinked, forcing a shaky smile. “Hey. What’s up?”

Lester sat beside her, gently prying her clenched fist open. He pulled a steaming cup of hot chocolate from his jacket pocket and pressed it into her hands.

“Don’t bother faking a smile,” he said, his tone soft but serious. “It really doesn’t suit you right now.”

Sylvia’s composure faltered. “I’m sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

He didn’t ask for details. Instead, he held her hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. “What did Chris say?”

“He said it’s fine.”

She didn’t want Lester to worry. And she definitely didn’t want to start some mess between the Sanfords and the Garcias. So she forced herself to flex her fingers, pretending everything was okay.

But Lester saw right through her. He gently stopped her from moving her hand and lowered his voice. “You don’t have to pretend for me.”

His words were like a fireplace in the middle of a blizzard—just a little spark, but enough to thaw the ache in her chest.

She bit down on her lip, fighting to keep the tears in, but the hurt spilled over anyway.

Lester brushed away the dampness from the corner of her eyes, then pulled her close, her head tucked against his chest.

“It’s alright. Cry if you need to.” He rubbed her back in slow, comforting circles.

Sylvia couldn’t hold it in anymore. She hugged him tight, burying her face in his shoulder.

“I never meant to hurt Reese...”

“I know.”

“Is everything I do just wrong?”

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