Chapter 34 She lowered her head , letting the steam rising from the bowl obscure her emotions . She took another sip . Its good . Im glad you like it . Ivans tightly pressed sembled slightly as he clenched his fists , turning his head to the side . After a long pause , he took a deep breath , picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks , and placed it in Lindas bowl . Dont just drink the soup eat something . It was such a simple sentence , yet as Ivan spoke it , he felt a dull pain pulling at his ribs . When the meal was over , silence stretched between them . Finally , Ivan , trying to seem at ease , pushed against his knees and forced a smile . He looked at Linda , unable to take his eyes off her . Linda , its getting dark . Let me walk you back . Her response was soft , her head slightly lowered . Standing up , she reached for her scarf to wrap it around her neck again . Ivan naturally took it from her , his movements practiced and smooth as he helped her tie it securely . The space between them was close so close that Lindas breath carried the familiar scent of their past . So close that Ivan could kiss her forehead just by leaning down slightly . So close that a small step forward could bring them back into each others arms . 12.3 A But despite the proximity , Ivan could only withdraw his hands after securing her scarf . Alright , lets go . As they walked , their steps fell into an unspoken rhythm . Not hurried , but neither deliberately slow to prolong their time together . Each step brought them closer to the Inevitable parting . Ivan purposefully lagged half a step behind , his gaze fixed on Lindas back . The wind on the bridge was harsh . Linda shivered slightly , burying half her face in her scarf . She stopped , looking out over the pitch black river below , and spoke softly . Ivan , why do you think the protagonists in novels drift apart ? Is it because of their own choices , or the novelists merciless manipulation ? The wind whipped Ivans hair , scattering it across his forehead . He remained silent for a long moment before finally answering , his voice low . I dont know . I used to think it was all the plots doing , but then I realized that the plot is nothing more than a series of choices made by the characters themselves . Just like how you once said youd only ever love me , and then it became just … you loved me . Lindas gaze didnt shift from the river as she asked , her voice calm , almost detached . Ivan , Ive always wondered did you ever truly love Katherine ? In the ongoing romance novel "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" by CrushReel, Cassandra finds herself in a seemingly perfect marriage with a loving husband and adorable stepchildren. However, her troubled past looms large, raising questions about the true stability of her newfound family. As she navigates the complexities of blending her past and present, Cassandra must confront the shadows that threaten to disrupt her blissful facade. What secrets lie beneath the surface, and how will she protect her newfound happiness from the ghosts of her past? This modern tale delves into themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the intricate balance between love and secrets. The unique blend of billionaire romance and office drama adds layers of intrigue to Cassandra's journey as she strives to keep her personal life from unraveling. With a compelling narrative that intertwines sweet romance with contemporary challenges, "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" stands out as a must-read for fans of heartfelt stories set against the backdrop of corporate intrigue. Experience the emotional rollercoaster of Cassandra's quest for love and acceptance in this captivating novel. Available to read online at CrushReel, immerse yourself in a world where past mistakes collide with present desires, promising a gripping narrative that will leave readers yearning for more.