Love On Ice: Don’t Leave Me, My Charming Liar

Chapter 23: Bonnie's heart sank for her. Had it not been for that dreadful incident years ago, Nyla might have enjoyed a life filled with parental love and sibling affection. Now, however, her family lay shattered, casualties of their unfortunate past. Cradling Nyla close, Bonnie soothed her. "I believe in your father too, Nyla. But after all these years without a shred of evidence, where do you even begin to search?" "A mistake has to exist somewhere.

My brother was convinced of it, convinced we missed some crucial detail." Nyla clung to these words, the last her brother had spoken before he was jailed, insisting the whole thing was a setup-the reason she had never given up. When Vicki joined the Brooks family through marriage, Nyla followed, albeit reluctantly, knowing that their protection was necessary. Ethan was her key to unlocking the past mysteries, his skills undeniable. Yet, unexpectedly, she found herself falling for Ethan. What began as a strategic alliance had morphed into a painful, unrequited love.

Bonnie exhaled gently, choosing her words carefully. "Let me help. Remember, you're not in this alone. Don't bear this burden by yourself." A wave of gratitude washed over Nyla, and she murmured, "Thank you, Bonnie." Their emotional exchange was abruptly interrupted by the buzzing of Bonnie's phone. She loosened her embrace, checked the caller ID with an eye roll, and flung the phone aside, clearly annoyed. Nyla caught a glimpse of the caller's name: Austen. "Austen on the line? What's he up to now? Could it be that you two..." Nyla's eyes danced mischievously.

"Enough of that!" Bonnie cut her off, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Somehow, my dad has convinced himself that Austen should be my chauffeur. Really, it's not like Ulares is a maze. Why would they think I can't find my way around? Their overprotectiveness baffles me." Visibly annoyed as the phone continued to ring, Bonnie's frustrated look drew a chuckle from Nyla.

L∆Ŧ€$† Ç₳þŧëяŞ ¡η glovєl.оm "Still haven't let that go, have you?" Years ago, as Bonnie was preparing to move abroad, she had left Austen a heartfelt note, asking him to join her for a day at the amusement park if his feelings mirrored hers. Austen never showed, and Bonnie braved the rides alone. She left for her new life overseas shortly after, without giving Austen prior notice. He learned of her departure too late, seeking answers from Nyla, who could only watch his crestfallen retreat. That unreturned affection remained Bonnie's quiet heartache. "What? Let go of what exactly?

What's there to move past? I'll show you right now-absolutely nothing!" Bonnie's abrupt movement betrayed her lingering feelings as she answered the call. "Hello, yes, I'm back. I'm at Nyla's for now. No, don't bother coming to pick me up. I can manage on my own." She ended the call swiftly, speaking no more than a few sentences. Nyla observed quietly. She was sure Bonnie hadn't moved past her feelings yet. "Want me to accompany you to your new apartment? We could check if you're missing anything and shop today." Nyla was ready to adjust her schedule for the evening. . . .