Chapter 499: The Crisp Autumn Afternoon Breeze Carried Helen Whitmore's Contentment

The crisp autumn afternoon breeze carried Helen Whitmore's contentment as she concluded her garden tour.

At dawn the next day, the high-speed rail station buzzed with travelers.

Clara Whitmore watched the golden couple disappear through the ticket gates. Turning, she nearly collided with a breathless Spencer Hale.

"Mr. Whitmore!" Spencer lifted a bulging parcel. "All the fan letters are here."

Helen's eyes sparkled as her fingertips traced the package's surface.

* * *

Sunlight pierced the clouds while Clara hung freshly laundered sheets on her balcony.

The autumn wind tousled her hair as she turned to reorganize the closet.

Winter garments retreated into storage boxes, making way for fall attire.

When she next checked the clock, it read 2 PM.

Two lonely tomatoes occupied the otherwise empty refrigerator.

Clara snatched her keys and dashed out.

At the stairwell landing, Elias Mercer ascended the steps.

"Grocery run?" His gaze flicked to her reusable tote.

She nodded.

Without hesitation, Elias reversed direction.

Chilled supermarket air greeted them.

Crabs waved their claws inside the seafood section's glass tanks.

"Freshly caught, cooked to order!" The vendor beckoned enthusiastically.

As Clara accepted a plastic bag, a strand of hair escaped.

Her hands fluttered toward her bare wrist.

The gray hair claw glinted in her palm.

Her makeshift bun collapsed instantly.

Elias's slender fingers combed through her dark tresses.

Three precise movements secured the silken strands into a neat chignon.

"Second time," he murmured.

At the weighing station, Elias took the flour bag from her hands.

They moved between aisles with the seamless coordination of longtime partners.