Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 494

494 You Can’t Keep Living in the Past

Tess’s mind wandered back over the countless years she had spent at the Embers, years filled with being overlooked, dismissed, and treated as if she were invisible. The memories stung sharper than she expected, and she bit down hard on the inside of her lip, the sudden pain jolting her back to the present moment.

“Don’t worry,” she murmured to herself, forcing a steady breath. “I won’t let bitterness cloud my judgment.”

With great effort, she lifted the corners of her mouth into a faint smile as she faced Lyra and Raven, determined to mask the turmoil she felt inside. Yet, despite her attempt at calm, the atmosphere in the office remained thick with unspoken tension, barely easing at all.

Lyra let out a quiet sigh, sensing Tess’s resolve. She chose not to press further. “Looks like you’re planning to keep things civil with the Embers for now,” she said softly. “If that’s the case, we can put the investigation on hold. Why don’t we wrap up early today? That way, you can spend some more time with Layla.”

Standing, Lyra moved toward the door, but paused and glanced back at Tess. The look she gave was full of understanding, almost like a silent encouragement. Tess caught it and returned the gesture with a gentle nod and a small smile.

Raven, who had never been fond of heavy, suffocating moods, quickly followed Lyra out without another word.

Not long after the door clicked shut behind them, a knock came from outside. “Come in,” Tess called out, still straightening the files Lyra had left scattered on the desk.

Abel appeared in the doorway, his breath a little uneven as if he had hurried over from somewhere. The first thing he noticed was the worry etched across Tess’s face.

“What’s wrong, Ms. Ember?” he asked, concern threading his voice.

He crossed the room in a few long strides and settled into the chair opposite her, his eyes fixed intently on her. Tess felt a sudden awkwardness under his gaze; his presence was distracting enough, and now the paperwork seemed even harder to focus on.

Sighing, she pushed the files aside. “Did you get Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Violet settled in okay?”

Abel studied her for a moment longer, his gaze lingering thoughtfully. “Of course,” he replied smoothly.

He tossed his jacket over the back of the chair and leaned back comfortably, yet his eyes never left Tess. “But why didn’t you answer my question earlier?” he pressed.

Tess blinked, confused. “What question?”

Abel clicked his tongue twice, a teasing edge to his tone. “I come all this way, and you’re miles away in your head? That’s a little rude, don’t you think, Ms. Ember?”

He leaned forward, lowering himself so their eyes met evenly. “I asked what’s wrong. You don’t look well.”

Before she could respond, his hand gently cupped her cheek.

“Maybe,” Tess admitted quietly. “For me, I just want you to notice me more, even when I’m busy.”

Abel was candid, his voice soft but sincere. Tess hadn’t expected such honesty, and a flush of embarrassment mixed with irritation crossed her face as she shot him a sharp look. “I’m serious.”

“So am I,” he replied, nodding.

Noticing the stiffness in her expression, Abel quickly shifted the subject. “You just returned from Krigan a few days ago, and since then, you haven’t stopped moving. Ever since you got to Aetheris, you’ve thrown yourself into dealing with the Embers and chasing old scores. That’s why everyone’s worried.”

He looked directly into her eyes. “We all have things from the past that hurt us. But Tess, you’ve started a new chapter. You can’t keep drowning in old pain.”

Though Abel was younger, his voice was steady and reassuring in a way that surprised her. The moment felt strangely out of place, yet comforting.

Clearing her throat, Tess forced a small smile. “It’s all behind me now. Maybe I should listen to them and head home early to spend some time with Layla.”

The room seemed a little lighter as she said the words, but inside, the past still whispered softly, refusing to be forgotten so easily.