Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 22

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**Title: Faith Didn’t Survive Time – by Aadi Sharma**
**Chapter 22**

In the span of three long years, Charlie had wrestled with the harsh reality of life devoid of Lola’s presence.

The ache in his stomach was a constant reminder of his loss, a physical manifestation of grief that would strike at the most unexpected moments. Edwin, on the other hand, remained haunted by the absence of his mother, a void that echoed with memories of her warmth and laughter. Charlie often buried these thoughts deep within, a protective instinct against the crushing fear that Lola might never return to them.

What if, in some cruel twist of fate, she was unable to come back? The thought sent a shiver down his spine. How could he ever confront the gaping emptiness that would linger in her absence? Even if he hadn’t been the one to take her life, the heavy burden of guilt would forever shadow him. It was a reality Charlie dreaded with every fiber of his being.

Yet, as fate would have it, the worst had not materialized.

Lola had come back—alive, vibrant, and standing strong.

Charlie found himself entranced by the fleeting moments of her image flickering on the screen. She looked different—thinner, her once flowing locks now transformed into a stylish bob. Her skin, once pale and ghostly, had taken on a beautiful, sun-kissed hue, and her eyes sparkled with a newfound brightness, alive with energy and spirit.

The knowledge of her survival slowly untangled the tight knot that had wrapped itself around his heart for so long. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he could breathe easier.

Just then, his assistant entered the room, a concerned look etched on his face. “Should we suppress the online uproar?” he asked, unsure of how Charlie would respond.

Charlie simply shook his head, a resolute expression settling on his features. “No. Let it be. Just ensure that none of this reaches Edwin.”

The assistant blinked in surprise, taken aback by the unexpected response. But Charlie was firm in his decision. The venomous remarks and criticisms that had once stung him now held little power over him. In fact, he felt a strange sense of gratitude towards those sharp-eyed netizens; their relentless pursuit of the truth had brought him the news of Lola’s return sooner than he could have hoped.

His instinct was to reach out, to call her immediately. He retrieved her number, a sequence he could recite perfectly even with his eyes closed. But as he hovered over the call button, his thumb trembling just above it, he hesitated.