Fireflies in Midnight Silence By Aria Bennett 20

Fireflies in Midnight Silence By Aria Bennett 20 Summary

The household staff quickly prepared the rooms upon Paulette’s return, aware of her broken heart. Hubery noticed bloodstains on his clothes and changed before visiting Paulette, who was calmly packing her suitcase. When he gently asked if she was hurt, she expressed a mix of helplessness and resolve, insisting she would not waste tears on Samuel, who had betrayed her. She declared she didn’t want to see him again and planned to leave soon.

 

Hubery, concerned about her traveling alone, offered help through a friend near her destination. Paulette, asserting her independence, was escorted by Hubery to the airport. He gave her a contact number and urged her to reach out upon arrival. Paulette intended to stay abroad for a while to distance herself from Samuel before returning home.

 

At the airport, Paulette met Lyndon Anderson, a tall, handsome man sent by Hubery to look after her. Despite his reserved manner, Lyndon engaged her in light conversation, easing her tension. He led her to a house that was more masculine and unexpectedly comfortable, revealing his intention to keep her safe by having her stay with him.

 

Though Paulette felt like a child again, Lyndon reassured her that he was mostly away during the day and encouraged her to make herself at home. The guest bedroom was warm and inviting, clearly prepared for her comfort. After settling in, Paulette called Hubery, who joked about Lyndon being a better match than Samuel and encouraged her to move on, leaving Paulette both frustrated and slightly amused.

 

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The household staff were well aware that the young lady had returned home with a shattered heart, and they quickly set about tidying the rooms with a sense of urgency.

Hubery caught sight of the bloodstains marring his clothes, prompting him to retreat to his room for a quick change. Once refreshed, he made his way to Paulette’s room without hesitation.

Inside, a large suitcase lay open, half-packed. Paulette appeared unfazed by Samuel’s earlier arrival; she was methodically organizing her belongings with a quiet determination.

Hubery lingered silently at the doorway, observing her for a moment before breaking the silence. “Does it hurt your heart?” he asked gently.

Paulette paused her packing and lifted her eyes to meet his. A flicker of helplessness shone in her gaze. “Hube, if I had time to pity him, I’d rather pity myself,” she replied softly. “Stop testing me. No matter how much I punish myself, I will never waste a tear on someone who stabbed me in the back—worrying about whether he got hurt in the process.”

Her voice grew firmer as she added, “Whatever happens to Samuel, it’s no longer my concern.”

Hubery smiled warmly. “That’s the spirit of my sister.”

A soft laugh escaped Paulette’s lips, a brief moment of lightness amid the heaviness.

“But I don’t want to see him again. I’ll be leaving soon,” she declared.

Hubery nodded thoughtfully. “Alright. Still, I’m uneasy about you traveling alone. Luckily, I have a friend near where you’re headed—someone who can look after you.”

Paulette turned to face him, a trace of defiance in her eyes. “I’m not a child anymore.”

Hubery’s expression remained calm but resolute. “True, a child wouldn’t come home in such a state. When a child is bullied, the first thing they do is run home and complain.”

His words silenced her immediately.

That very day, Hubery personally escorted her to the airport. Before parting, he handed her a phone number and instructed her to reach out to his friend as soon as she arrived.

Paulette had already decided to stay abroad for a while—to put distance between herself and Samuel—before eventually returning home.

After enduring a long flight of nearly ten hours, Paulette finally stepped into the arrival hall. As she dragged her suitcase behind her, her eyes were suddenly drawn to a tall, strikingly handsome man who immediately caught her attention.

The man spotted her at once and gave a friendly wave.

Walking directly toward him, Paulette asked, “Are you… Lyndon Anderson?”

Dressed in a sleek silver-gray suit, Lyndon stood tall and exuded an air of refined elegance.

He nodded and effortlessly took her suitcase from her grasp. “Yes.”

Feeling slightly awkward, Paulette said, “Mr. Lloyd, I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Lyndon smiled gently and led her outside into the fresh air.

Though Paulette didn’t know Lyndon personally, she found that despite his somewhat reserved demeanor, he managed to find just the right moments to spark conversation, easing the tension between them.

The atmosphere never became uncomfortable.

Before long, Paulette followed him to the place he had arranged for her to stay.

She had expected a modest place—just enough for her to check in and report back to Hubery.

But upon arrival, she was taken aback. The house was unmistakably masculine in style. Her eyes landed on a man’s jacket casually draped over the sofa.

She stared at Lyndon in surprise. “Mr. Lloyd… this…” she began, uncertain.

Was he seriously offering her a place to live with him?

Lyndon responded by loosening his tie, the subtle formality slipping away to reveal a more relaxed, even slightly wild side.

A faint smile played in his eyes as he calmly explained, “Hube told me to make sure you’re safe. I figured the best way to do that is to keep you under my watch.”

Suddenly, Paulette felt like a child again—like someone dropped off at a friend’s house by their family.

Noticing her discomfort, Lyndon offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I’m at the office most of the day and only come home to sleep at night.”

“Feel free to use anything in the house. If you want to add or change anything, just go ahead. No need to be so reserved.”

He briefly walked her through the layout before answering a phone call and retreating to his study to work.

Watching him disappear into the study, Paulette finally allowed herself to relax a little.

She pushed her suitcase into the guest bedroom and immediately noticed how much softer and more welcoming the decor was compared to the rest of the house—as if the room had been prepared especially for her.

Quickly unpacking her belongings, Paulette then pulled out her phone and, with a mix of frustration and amusement, scolded Hubery over the call.

Unexpectedly, Hubery laughed heartily before replying, “Lyndon is a top-notch eligible bachelor—far better than that jerk Samuel. People say the best way to get over someone is to start fresh with someone new. I’m waiting for your good news!”

Fuming, Paulette ended the call with a snap, though a small smile lingered on her lips.

Conclusion

 

The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing Paulette’s emotional resilience as she chooses to protect her own heart rather than dwell on betrayal. Her resolve to move forward, despite lingering pain, is gently supported by Hubery’s unwavering care and the unexpected kindness of Lyndon. Through these quiet moments of companionship and understanding, Paulette begins to find a fragile sense of safety and hope amid the turmoil.

 

This chapter delicately explores themes of healing, trust, and the strength found in new beginnings. Paulette’s journey from heartbreak to tentative renewal is underscored by the warmth of familial love and the promise of unexpected friendships. Though the past still shadows her, the quiet gestures of support around her signal that she is not alone, and perhaps, the midnight silence will soon be illuminated by the gentle glow of new fireflies.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into Paulette’s uneasy adjustment to her new surroundings and the complex dynamic between her and Lyndon. As she navigates this unfamiliar environment, her guarded heart may begin to thaw, but the shadows of her past with Samuel still loom large. The tension between her desire for independence and the protective presence of Lyndon will create an emotional push and pull that keeps readers on edge.

 

Meanwhile, Hubery’s role as a steadfast brother continues to shine, but his trust in Lyndon hints at unseen layers in their connection that could complicate matters. Paulette’s journey of healing and self-discovery is only just beginning, and the quiet moments of vulnerability may soon give way to unexpected challenges that test her resolve. Readers will be left wondering how much Paulette can truly let go, and what hidden truths might surface in the sanctuary she thought she had found.