Chapter 15

Back then, Sean had tried everything he could to find Charlotte, but it was as if she'd vanished—no news came back. As his money depleted, even Joonga's hospital refused to take him in anymore. As such, he decided to return to Salvia. At least, the orphanage they once called home and their shared memories were still there. A month turned into six, and then a year turned into two. Sean had grown accustomed to coming back to the orphanage on his days off for a stroll. The place had been renovated, and the garden had been replanted several times over. Only the towering old oak tree remained unchanged. Every time, Sean would lose himself tracing the rough barks, searching for the marks they'd once secretly carved to mark their heights. Life at the orphanage was tough, but it was a bittersweet memory because Charlotte was there with him. In Sean's endless longing, she became an obsession he refused to let go off. So, when he saw Charlotte now, he could hardly believe his eyes. She was