When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 377

After leaving the temple, Dorothea didn’t go back to The Stephens Estate. Instead, she headed straight for the villa she and Latham once called home. All she wanted was a little peace and quiet. Linda made her some soup, but after just a couple spoonfuls, Dorothea couldn’t eat another bite.

She drifted into Latham’s study and sat down in her usual spot. Her hand found its way to her belly, now softly rounded, and as she pressed gently, she felt a tiny flutter beneath her palm. A shaky smile tugged at her lips. “Shipley, Bonnie, you miss Daddy too, don’t you?” The babies kicked again. Thinking of all the times Latham would lie with his head on her stomach, eagerly listening for any tiny movement, her eyes turned misty.

Before she realized it, Dorothea was standing in front of the safe again. The urge hit her to try the lock one more time. Last time, she’d tried their birthdays and their anniversary, all to no avail. Now, out of nowhere, her fingers tapped in the date from that old elementary school photo she and Latham had been in together.

Beep. The lock clicked, and the heavy door swung open.

Dorothea felt her fingertips tremble. Inside, there was another, smaller drawer—still shut tight. She typed in their wedding anniversary. To her surprise, that did the trick, too. The drawer slid open, and inside, sitting all alone, was a deep-blue notebook.

She hesitated a moment, then reached in and picked it up. The cover felt cool and smooth. When she flipped it open, bold, confident handwriting greeted her. It was Latham’s journal.

[April 12, 2012]

Just jotting this down—pretty sure today was when we first met. Back then, I thought she was interesting. This funny little girl, scared out of her mind, threatening a thug with nothing but a fountain pen. She looked so quiet and well-behaved but deep down, she was fierce. She’s amazing in every way... except for her terrible taste in guys.

[June 30, 2013]

Saw her again. She’d shot up! At the airport, crying her eyes out while saying goodbye to some guy. Early romance, huh? Still got awful taste, kid.

[October 10, 2016]

It’s been a few years. Dorothea, your taste is bad, and your memory is worse. We’re at the same high school and you really haven’t noticed the better-looking senior right here? And your stamina doesn’t cut it either—got heatstroke at orientation.

[November 5, 2016]

Honestly want to report you. Scribbling on desks isn’t cool. Why carve “Albert”? His name isn’t even nice. Mine’s at least a thousand times better. Seriously, you need better judgment.

[April 10, 2017]

Second place in class, and you cried for half an hour. Such a crybaby.

...

From here on, the journal read like a story unfolding year by year. Dorothea had never realized that Latham had been quietly watching her, all those years.

The pages flipped forward—2018. She was eighteen then.

[May 15, 2018]

It’s been a while since I saw you. You’ve gotten even prettier. So pretty you were in my dreams last night... If anything happens to me, someone needs to burn this notebook. If Wade or the others ever read this, I’ll never live it down. I wonder which college you’ll choose?

[June 8, 2018]

Congrats on finishing your exams. Did you do well? That grin on your face says it all. When you get your acceptance letter, should I go confess to you? Would that be too much? Probably. Maybe I’ll just run into you by accident.

Dorothea’s breath hitched. When her acceptance letter came, Latham never showed up. Could it be...

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