Chapter 619
Karmen sat back against the heavy leather armchair. “I decided not to pursue her,” he said.
“Why?” Carlos asked, leaning forward and swirling his own drink. “Do you regret it now? Seeing her again, knowing what could have been p>
“I should have taken action when I was young,” Karmen admitted. “I stepped back then, letting the moment slip through my fingers. I used to tell myself there was no use looking back, and that the time had passed. That is what I thought for a long time p>
He took a slow sip before continuing. “Besides, Aisha knows now how I felt about her. I laid it bare. But she was still indifferent to it. Some fires just don’t have enough oxygen to restart, Carlos. Maybe it’s for the best. Maybe I will have someone better in my life,” he affirmed.
He again brought the glass to his mouth and drained the remaining alcohol in one steady gulp.
Carlos nodded slowly, a quiet respect for his friend’s resolve settling between them.
“I honestly thought you would insist on me trying one last time,” Karmen chuckled. “Especially because of that vision of yours p>
“I only insisted because I saw a version of you that was drowning in the regret of silence,” Carlos stated. “But after speaking with you now, I can see the shift. Moving forward is clearly what’s best for your soul p>
Karmen turned his glass in his hand, his eyes narrowing as he studied Carlos with a newfound curiosity. “Tell me something… Did we know each other before you arrived in San Ravendale? I’ve rarely allowed people in, Gabriel being the only real exception. But with you, it feels as though I’ve known you for a lifetime,” Karmen remarked. He paused, his voice dropping to a more serious note. “You can see everything, can’t you? Not just the future, even the past? It’s just you keep it to yourself p>
Carlos met his gaze, only smiling a little.
“Say it. There should be no secrets between friends,” Karmen stated, the amber liquid splashing into his glass as he refilled it.
“We were brothers in a past life,” Carlos answered. “You were my elder brother p>
The glass in Karmen’s hand paused mid-air, his eyes widening in genuine shock. “Really? You’re serious p>
“Hmm. Well, that was a lifetime ago,” Carlos explained with a small, nostalgic smile. “It has nothing to do with who we are today, but it explains the connection. To be honest, I never expected our paths to cross again in this life. And I can’t see the pasts of others. I’ve only ever been able to see my own p>
Karmen studied him for a long moment, trying to process the revelation. “You never acted surprised when you met me,” he murmured, recalling their first encounter.
“Oh, I was surprised,” Carlos admitted, a soft chuckle escaping him. “I just have a very good poker face p>
“It’s unbelievable,” Karmen laughed, a short, breathless sound of wonder. He finished his drink in one quick motion, the warmth of the alcohol matching the newfound warmth in the room. “Carlos, why don’t you come to my home tonight? My mother would be thrilled to see you p>
“I’d like that,” Carlos agreed, nodding. “Sure p>
“Zander, what is this?” Flora asked, a soft, radiant smile lingering across her lips as she looked down at the vibrant gift.
“Flowers. I thought women liked them,” Zander answered simply. He raised a hand, signaling for the waiter to come to their table.
Flora couldn’t contain her delight. She leaned in, breathing in the sweet, heady scent of the massive rose bouquet. The velvet petals were a deep, passionate red.
“How long will you stay at the palace?” Zander asked.
“We are going back tomorrow,” Flora replied, her smile fading just a fraction at the reminder of her departure.
Zander nodded slowly. “I see. Then I suppose we should make the most of this evening p>
“Doesn’t your pack wonder where their Alpha disappears to so suddenly?” Flora questioned, her eyes dancing with mischief.
“Do you think they stalk me?” Zander chuckled, the sound deep and relaxed.
The waiter arrived at that moment, handing them the menus. They took a brief pause to scan the options, both ordering their favorites before the waiter bowed and retreated with the menus in hand.
“Who knows? Some might try to stalk you,” Flora teased, leaning her chin on her hand. “What if they find out you are seeing me? Your pack is quite protective of their leader p>
“I’ll be happy if that happens,” Zander answered. He reached across the table, his fingers grazing the edge of her hand. “At least then, I’d have a reason to declare my feelings for you publicly p>
Flora felt a flutter in her chest at his blunt honesty. A guilt tugged at her heart for making Zander wait for her feelings to reciprocate for him.
“You’re very bold today, Zander,” she whispered, her smile widening as she tried to shake off the heavy thoughts.
“Did you consider coming to the pack house?” Zander asked, his eyes searching hers for a genuine answer.
The waiter returned, quietly arranging the plates from the trolley onto the white tablecloth. Once they were alone again, Flora took a breath and looked him in the eye.
“I have been thinking lately about it,” she answered softly. “And I did promise you that I would come. So, yes, I’m coming. How about I bring my parents with me this Christmas?” she suggested, her eyes brightening at the idea.
“That will be wonderful!” Zander replied with excitement. “The sentiment within the pack has changed for the better. Now that the truth is completely out, how Alex conspired to wipe out the Conley family and how you were also caught in the crossfire as a victim, the people understand. They’re ready to welcome you p>
He picked up his cutlery, and a warm, contented expression settled on his features. “But for now, let’s start eating before the food turns cold. We have so much to talk about p>