So, after a brief sulk, her irritation dissipated.
“Even though you’re a meanie, you searched everywhere for me when I disappeared and even froze yourself to stay by my side.” Gemma wrapped her arms around Murphy’s slender waist, resting her head against his chest. She listened to the strong, steady rhythm of his heartbeat and softly murmured, “My Uncle Murphy gave up everything to choose me.”
She had no parents, no family, and not even close friends. Her sole connection to the world was Murphy.
However, Murphy was different. He had family; he had everything. Yet he gave it all
up
for her.
Before she was frozen, she had lamented that no one had ever chosen her unconditionally–not even her mother, who abandoned her in the end.
Now, however, Murphy had staked everything, firmly choosing her.
Wherever she was, he would go. He would hold her hand forever and never let go.
“So, I forgive you, Uncle Murphy,” Gemma said, lifting her head to plant a kiss on his chiseled cheek. “But you must promise never to lie to me again.‘
Murphy smiled. “Sweetheart, you kissed the wrong spot.‘
11
With that, he gently cupped her face and leaned in to kiss her.
He should have kissed her long ago–when she first confessed to him. Back then, he should have wrapped her in his arms and claimed her lips. But he had been too foolish and shackled by societal norms, unable to realize his own feelings.
Fifty years ago, when she lay in the cryo–casket, he had reached for her, only to be stopped by the unyielding barrier of ice.
Yet now, this kiss transcended 50 years of time and finally landed on her sweet lips.
After their brief moment of intimacy, Gemma asked, “Uncle Murphy, what made you change your mind? Was it because you lost me and in your grief, everything suddenly became clear?”
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Chapter 24
+25 Bonus
“It was,” Murphy admitted with a smile. “But that wasn’t the whole story. That day, after I left the cryogenic experiment base, I met a young man on the street who was pursuing his neighbor’s daughter. What he said… opened my eyes.”
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Chapter 25
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
