From Ashes of Scandals to His Embrace novel Chapter 359

Laurinda nestled quietly against Adolphus’s chest. He looked so content, a soft smile on his face as he reached for her hand. “Where’s your ring? Let me put it on you.”

She had seen his stubborn side before, so this time she didn’t hesitate. Laurinda placed the ring in his palm and offered her hand. Their fingers laced together, and as he slid the ring onto her finger, some of the heaviness of their upcoming goodbye seemed to fade. Seeing the ring there, a simple circle of promise, reminded him again that Laurinda’s heart belonged to him.

Outside, the sky was just starting to turn pale. Laurinda was still groggy when Adolphus scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom. He helped her wash up, and once she was more awake, helped her get dressed.

When they were ready, he lifted her into a chair at the dining table. Breakfast was already set out, warm and inviting. Laurinda took the bun Adolphus handed her and bit into it, finally feeling herself wake up. She glanced at him, confused.

“Why are we up so early? I thought we weren’t leaving for the airport until ten.”

He just smiled. “We’re making a stop first. I want you to meet someone before we go.”

Adolphus didn’t say who it was. Instead, he slid a bowl of congee in front of her and spoke with that gentle tone she was starting to love. “Eat your congee, too.”

Laurinda eyed him, half-amused at his secretive act. She squinted at him, took the spoon, and dug in without another word. When they’d both finished eating, they headed out together.

As they stepped outside, Laurinda looked up at the gray, sleepy sky. She hoped Adolphus really did have someone important for her to meet. If not, she thought, she might actually be annoyed.

They drove for a long time, winding through side streets and out toward the edge of the city. Eventually, they stopped at a narrow alley in a quiet suburb.

By now, the sun was up and the world was in full swing. People were out walking, picking up breakfast, hurrying to work on scooters. An old man strolled nearby, carrying a birdcage.

Laurinda’s eyes landed on the old man. She stared at him, then back at Adolphus. Was it possible? The man she’d been searching for all these years... Adolphus had found him.

“How did you know about him?” she asked softly.

“I saw his photo in your album. I asked around, had some people keep an eye out. We only got the news about him at three this morning. As soon as I heard, I brought you here. Do you want to go over and say hi?”

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