Chasing Light Through Darkness By Caleb Snow 32

Chasing Light Through Darkness By Caleb Snow 32 Summary

Jeffrey, who had never given Annabeth any compensation before, suddenly reappears eager to make amends now that she no longer needs him. He calls her with feigned concern, asking about her whereabouts and who she was talking to. At that moment, Selena Walter, a girl from Annabeth’s past, approaches warmly, linking arms with Jeffrey and inviting Annabeth to join them for a meal, expressing surprise and joy at seeing her after six years.

 

Selena explains that no one had heard from Annabeth during those years, and many thought she had gone abroad, which Annabeth confirms with a distant smile. Jeffrey tries to deflect the conversation from the past, offering a small cake to Selena, who insists on stopping Annabeth from leaving. Selena gratefully acknowledges Annabeth’s support during university, pleading for a chance to reconnect despite past grievances. After some hesitation, Annabeth agrees to spend an hour and a half with them.

 

On the way to the restaurant, Selena chatters energetically and affectionately feeds Jeffrey pieces of cake, showing their close, playful relationship. Jeffrey warns Selena to behave because Annabeth is watching, and Selena apologizes for their public displays of affection, explaining it’s a habit from years of marriage. Annabeth calmly responds, recalling that such behavior had even occurred in her own house during their university days, causing an awkward silence.

 

Before reaching the restaurant, they stop at a fireworks shop where Selena excitedly picks out designs for her upcoming birthday celebration. Jeffrey looks at Annabeth meaningfully and suggests a particular firework called “Ocean Tears,” triggering a flood of buried memories. The chapter ends with the reminder of Jeffrey’s past deep love for Annabeth, highlighting their complex history of four years together and six years of marriage.

 

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Despite everything, Jeffrey never gave me even a single penny as compensation.

But now that I no longer needed him, he suddenly appeared out of nowhere, eager to offer me restitution voluntarily.

“Honey, I just called you. Why didn’t you pick up? Who were you talking to?” he asked, his voice laced with false concern.

I was momentarily caught off guard when a girl in a bright pink coat suddenly skipped over, looping her arm through Jeffrey’s with a lively enthusiasm.

Her smile froze for a brief second when she saw me, but it quickly returned as if nothing had happened. “Annabeth! It’s you! It’s been ages since we last saw each other. How about we go grab a bite together?” she suggested cheerfully.

Before I could even gather my thoughts, Selena Walter clasped my arm warmly and spoke in a bubbly, loud voice. “Annabeth, we’ve been looking for you for six whole years. No one heard from you—not even your old colleagues. They all assumed you’d gone abroad. Where did you disappear to?”

I studied the girl standing before me quietly. She had changed so much that I barely recognized her.

The once poor student, with her frizzy hair, simple clothes, and eyes as timid as a frightened deer, had transformed after six years under Jeffrey’s careful nurturing into a radiant, dazzling woman—like a red rose in full bloom.

With a distant yet dignified smile, I replied, “Yes, I did go abroad.”

Selena’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? But I came looking for you several times back then, and everyone said you were heading back to your hometown after the divorce…”

She trailed off, but Jeffrey quickly interrupted her before she could say more. “Sweetheart, let’s not dredge up the past,” he said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

“I bought you a little cake,” he added with a smile. “You better eat it soon before it melts.”

As Selena nibbled on the small cake, she muttered and insisted on stopping me from leaving. “Annabeth, we finally found you again. Please, let us treat you to a meal. I know you probably hate us because of everything that happened, but you saved me. You funded my entire university education. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today…”

Her tone was so sincere, almost pleading, as if refusing would make me the ungrateful one.

I glanced at my watch; it was still early in the evening.

“Alright then,” I said after a moment. “But I only have an hour and a half.”

In the end, they chose the restaurant.

On the way there, Selena chatted nonstop, occasionally feeding Jeffrey bits of cake directly from her mouth. Jeffrey, perhaps aware of my presence, seemed a bit stiff and held her restless hand firmly.

“Behave yourself. Annabeth is watching,” he whispered in a low voice.

Selena stuck her tongue out playfully in response.

“Sorry, Annabeth. We’ve just gotten used to this after years of marriage. Sometimes we can’t help but kiss even in public. Please don’t laugh at us.”

I quietly observed the fleeting spark of provocation and smugness in her eyes, then simply smiled.

“That’s fine. After all, you couldn’t even stop doing it with him in my house when you were still in university. I’m used to it,” I said calmly.

The mood froze instantly.

Selena and Jeffrey both looked slightly uncomfortable, but my expression remained composed as I continued walking forward.

Before we reached the restaurant, we passed a fireworks shop. Selena’s eyes lit up immediately, and she insisted on dragging Jeffrey inside to browse.

“Honey, didn’t you promise to light up the whole city with fireworks for my birthday in three days? I want to pick out the designs first. Annabeth, you don’t mind, do you?” she asked, glancing at me.

I smiled faintly. “Not at all.”

Jeffrey gave me a meaningful look before turning to select fireworks. “How about this one—the Ocean Tears?”

I froze. Those distant memories, almost buried, suddenly surged back.

Jeffrey had once loved me deeply. We were together for four years and married for six.

Conclusion

 

The encounter with Jeffrey and Selena stirred a complex mix of emotions within me—resentment, nostalgia, and a quiet acceptance of the past that shaped who I am today. Despite the years of silence and the wounds left unhealed, I found myself stepping into a moment of fragile connection, acknowledging the shared history that lingers between us. Their presence was a reminder of the love once cherished and the painful growth that followed, illuminating the shadows I had long tried to outrun.

 

As we moved forward together, the delicate balance of old memories and new realities hung in the air like the promise of fireworks yet to be ignited. In that fleeting hour, I allowed myself a glimpse of forgiveness—not for their sake, but for my own peace. The past, with all its light and darkness, had led me to this place of quiet strength, where I could finally embrace the fullness of my journey and the woman I had become.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions and unresolved tensions between Annabeth, Jeffrey, and Selena. As past memories resurface, the delicate balance of their interactions is bound to be tested, revealing hidden wounds and unspoken regrets. Annabeth’s calm exterior may soon face challenges as she confronts the echoes of a love that once was, now complicated by betrayal and the passage of time.

 

Expect a blend of nostalgia and confrontation, where the characters’ true feelings begin to surface beneath polite conversation and forced smiles. The significance of the upcoming birthday and the symbolic fireworks hint at moments charged with both celebration and underlying conflict. Readers will be drawn into a web of emotional complexity, wondering how the past will influence the choices and relationships that unfold.