Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 251

Chapter 251 

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“I think you and Mr. Carter should really sit down and talk things through,” Camila said. “Not everyone gets to find love in this world. Just look at me, and then look at Mr. Lane.” 

Charles jumped in right away. “My focus is on work and my career. I don’t care about romance right now. Once I’m stable and capable, then I’ll think about settling down.” 

“But you know, Mr. Lane,” Camila replied, “when you finally decide to look for love and marriage, you’ll find that nothing ever seems right. Because love never waits for you to be ready before it shows up in your life.” 

As Camila spoke, there was a hint of sadness behind her bright, confident smile. 

It was so subtle, almost imperceptible. But Briana caught it. 

“Ms. Terrell,” Briana paused for a few seconds, then finally asked, “What made you feel that way?” 

“Because I’ve experienced it myself,” Camila replied. 

“Experienced it?” Briana repeated, a bit surprised. 

Camila waved her hand. “It’s all in the past. Let’s not talk about it. Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter, I guess you’re curious why I’ve been playing along with Mr. Lane’s schemes, right? Honestly, it’s simple. I just want to see lovers finally end up together.” 

That was why she kept helping out and coming up with plans. That was all there was to it. Lovers couldn’t be separated. Even if they fought or made trouble, they still couldn’t break up. 

If they loved each other enough, and as long as one of them refused to let go, they would always find their way back to each other. 

‘Oh, I thought it was because I have so much pull, or maybe Shepard’s got even more,” Charles joked. 

‘It’s just because I wanted to,” Camila replied. 

‘But seriously,” Charles shifted gears, “what kind of heartbreak have you been through? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention it before. Care to share?” 

Camila didn’t respond to that at all. “It’s getting late, and we’ve covered most of what we needed to. Let’s just have a proper meeting at the office another day to discuss the rest. Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter, I’ll be heading out now.” 

‘Hey, wait, Charles called out. He was itching to ask more, curiosity written all over his face. But Camila had already grabbed her bag and coat and was heading out. 

I’ll walk her out,” Charles said, hurrying after her. 

Briana watched as Camila walked out of the villa, then turned her gaze to Shepard. 

Shepard raised his eyebrow. “Briana, you have to believe me now. I’m totally innocent here.” 

He really hadn’t gotten involved at all. Seriously, it was all Charles and Camila’s idea. 

‘Actually, I wanted to ask you,” Briana said, “where did you find such a hidden gem like Camila?” 

“She’s truly exceptional. You can see it just by looking at her resume,” Shepard replied. 

Shepard had an uncanny eye for talent. He never misjudged anyone. 

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Chapter 251 

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But what really surprised him was that Camila wasn’t just outstanding at work; she was also meticulous, compassionate, and genuinely warm–hearted in everyday life. 

At first, he’d planned to recruit Camila for the Carter Group. 

But after thinking it through, he realized Dreamscape Corporation needed her even more, so he transferred her over without a second thought. 

Now, with Shepard steering the ship, Charles handling the management, and Camila driving the business forward, Dreamscape Corporation was getting bigger and stronger every day. 

Meanwhile, Lane Group, with Edward in charge, was going downhill fast. 

It wouldn’t be long before Lane Group was about to collapse. 

Edward was holding on for dear life, refusing to give up control. But in the end, all that remained was just an empty shell. 

Charles and Briana had already struck out on their own. 

“Worn out from wandering around?” Shepard asked, gently brushing her bangs aside. “Honestly, I thought you’d be bunking with Olivia again tonight.” 

Briana kept her head down. “Why would I stay out all night?” 

“Come on, if you set your mind to something, who could ever stop you?” Shepard said. 

Not even he could get in her way. All he could do was go along with her and indulge her whims. 

“I really didn’t do anything,” Briana muttered, her voice trailing off until it was barely a whisper. “I’m heading upstairs, going to bed.” 

She darted up the stairs, leaving Shepard standing there all alone. 

‘Whenever I’m alone with him, my heart just starts pounding before I even notice,’ Briana thought. “That feeling I used to have is back. It’s really back. 

‘You never really learn to treasure something until you’ve lost it. Only then do you realize how precious the moment is.‘ 

Briana’s heart was torn between loving him and being afraid. 

She really did love him. But she was scared, scared that life could change in an instant, and that feelings could shift without warning. 

Love could be there one second, and gone the next. 

Shepard had hurt her so much before, and that pain still lingered. 

After her shower, Briana sat down at her vanity, doing her skincare. 

Shepard leaned back against the headboard, his eyes quietly following her every move. 

Just watching her like this, he felt a wave of peace settle over him. Everything just felt so perfect and calm. 

Briana could feel Shepard’s gaze following her everywhere, never letting her out of his sight. 

Honestly, she had no idea how to face him. 

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10:33 am DDMM. 

Chapter 251 

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Just this morning, they were still fighting the illness together, supporting and encouraging each other every step of the way. But by nightfall, all their worries had melted away. 

Now, what filled their hearts was that undeniable love. 

‘Can I really just make up with Shepard and pretend nothing ever happened between us?‘ Briana wondered. ‘Am I truly able to let go of all the pain and grievances I’ve suffered through these five years of marriage? 

‘But if we don’t reconcile, how am I supposed to keep going with him?” 

Watching Briana dawdle around, Shepard couldn’t take it anymore. 

“Briana, are you done yet?” he called out. 

“Just sleep by yourself,” she replied. 

“How am I supposed to sleep without you?” Shepard said. 

Briana was just about to reply when a thought suddenly struck her. She whipped her head around to stare at him, eyes wide in disbelief. “Hold on. Why are you in the bed?” 

‘Wasn’t he supposed to be sleeping on the couch?‘ she wondered, ‘He’s been staying on the couch for days!‘ 

Shepard paused, a hint of hurt in his voice. “So I still can’t sleep in the bed tonight?” 

‘Guess I still don’t get to sleep in the bed with her, Shepard thought. 

Seeing Shepard pout like that and hearing his pitiful tone, Briana nearly lost it and had to fight back a laugh. She bit her lip, struggling to keep a straight face. 

“Briana, how far do I have to go?” Shepard sighed, sounding a bit defeated. “Just give me a hint, and let me know what you want from me.” 

He’d put in so much effort, but deep down he knew it still wasn’t enough. But at the very least, he just needed a little hope from her. Just a tiny bit would be enough. 

“Just be yourself,” Briana said as she stood up and walked over to the bed. “I don’t have any hints or instructions for you.” 

Shepard sat up in bed. He looked at her, paused for a moment, then suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms. 

Briana gasped in surprise as she tumbled straight into his embrace. 

“Sometimes I just want to forget everything and just take you in my arms,” Shepard whispered, his breath quick and ragged. “But I can’t help it. I care about you so much, my heart aches for you, and I want to respect you.” 

He gently kissed the top of her head, right where her hair parted. He only meant to give her a gentle touch, just to show his affection. But soon enough, he found himself completely unable to control his desire. 

Shepard’s lips began at Briana’s hair, trailing down to her forehead. From her forehead, his kisses continued their path downward. Finally, they found her lips. 

Shepard finally kissed Briana, deeply and passionately. He’d dreamed of this moment for so long, countless times, his heart aching with longing. And once he started, he couldn’t hold back anymore. 

Briana tried to push him away, but he pulled her even closer, refusing to let go. 

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She tried to say something, to turn him down, but the moment her lips parted, Shepard seized the opportunity and claimed her lips in a deeper kiss.