When the Flame of Love Fades (Sierra) novel Chapter 319

Chapter 319 Buried Wounds

Finished

Dora clearly adored Sierra. The moment Sierra asked if she wanted to go to the children’s play area downstairs, the little girl agreed without hesitation.

Quinn stroked her daughter’s hair gently and said, “Go on, and make sure to listen to Auntie Sierra.”

Dora nodded obediently. Watching her, Sierra felt a pang in her chest. A child this young shouldn’t have to be this well- behaved. She couldn’t tell if it was just Dora’s nature–or the result of something she’d gone through.

Sierra wanted to know more but knew it wasn’t the right time. She gave Johnathan a quick glance before carrying Dora out of the room.

Dora clung to her trustingly, her little arms wrapped tightly around Sierra’s neck.

“Dora,” Sierra asked softly, “how was life when you and your mom lived overseas? Were you happy every day?”

Dora didn’t speak. Just when Sierra thought she might not answer at all, the child murmured, “I didn’t see Mommy much. She was always busy.”

Sierra’s heart sank. “Then who took care of you? Your dad? Someone else?”

Again, silence. This time, Dora didn’t respond at all–not even after a long wait.

Sierra didn’t press her further. She was just a three–year–old, after all. For now, she could only hope Johnathan would get more answers inside.

Inside the hospital room, the silence was heavy.

Johnathan waited, but when Quinn stayed quiet, he finally broke the stillness. “What? Do I need to beg you to speak?”

“Johnathan…”

Quinn’s voice trembled–equal parts fear and sorrow.

“What’s going on?” he demanded. “Tell me everything. Now.”

He was barely holding onto his patience.

Still, Quinn said nothing, lips pressed tightly shut.

That pushed Johnathan over the edge. “Fine. Don’t say anything. I’ll investigate it myself.”

Panic flashed across Quinn’s face. “No–please, don’t!”

She looked utterly humiliated. “Just… give me some dignity, okay?”

Johnathan gave a bitter laugh. “Dignity? What’s more important–your pride or your child’s life?”

He didn’t wait for an answer. “Do you even know Dora’s test results are worse than yours?”

“What?” Quinn looked stunned, clearly unaware.

“You really didn’t know?”

His gaze turned sharp. “She never told you she was in pain?”

The kind

1/2

12:10 PM