Chapter 1288: Like a Devoted Fool

"I don’t even know what’s been weighing on my heart," Callie said, crossing her arms as she gazed up at the towering bookshelves around her, filled with an endless array of ancient texts. "I just can’t get over the fact that they treated Holly Brennan so well, and then turned around and hurt me because of her." "Actually..." "I know," she interrupted herself. "I know they had their reasons, and they didn’t want to do it. But..." Callie’s voice trailed off, unable to continue. Her conflicted, brooding expression stirred something in Nelson, who stood behind her, his presence offering a quiet sense of protection. "I’m not asking you to forgive them," Nelson said, his voice low and steady. "I just hope you can let go a little—for their sake, or for mine—so you can trust us more." His words flowed like a gentle stream, impossible to ignore. Callie wanted to tell him about two years ago, when she had waited for them at the airport. They didn’t show up. Instead, they sent M