Reclaiming Her Heart

Carter headed out to the street to pick up a few things and then decided to drop by Ashbourne Manor to see Raymond.

He had three thousand dollars left, money he had earned himself. Before, he was just a spoiled rich kid living off his family's wealth. This was the first time he had made money on his own.

He spent two thousand dollars on a bottle of wine for Raymond. He knew it wouldn't impress Raymond, but it was the best he could afford.

A laid-back voice chimed in from the side.

"Wasn't that three grand supposed to be for rent? You can't find a place in Silver Bay City for less than a thousand a month, and you don't want to share. The cheapest you'll get is three thousand, and that's in a pretty sketchy area."noveldrama

Carter, holding the bottle of wine, had already gotten into the car.

"Yeah, but I have to spend it. Raymond's been really good to me. He's probably the best friend I've ever had."

The man got in the car with him. He was wearing a black leather jacket and had several earrings, giving off a rebellious yet cool vibe.

"I didn't expect Raymond to be like that. Everyone says he's a bit of a nutcase."

Carter rolled his eyes. "Only people who really know him understand how good he is."

The car stopped outside Ashbourne Manor. Carter got out and quickly headed to the front door.

After explaining why he was there, the staff let him in.

Carter could hardly believe it himself.

But when he pushed open the door to the hall and saw Raymond sitting on the couch, he suddenly didn't know what to say.

Raymond was watching an old black-and-white movie, probably not expecting any visitors.

He had a cigarette between his fingers, and the ashtray on the table was overflowing with butts. Who knew how many he had smoked.

"Raymond."

Carter called out, placing the bottle of wine on the table.

"I brought you a gift. I heard you haven't been feeling great lately."

Raymond's eyes were bloodshot. He glanced at the bottle and seemed to understand.

"Money you earned yourself?"

Carter stiffened, unsure how Raymond had figured it out, and nodded slowly. Raymond leaned back, looking exhausted. He had just returned after spending a long time searching for Selena.

The movie was paused. It was a classic love story that had been out for years.

Carter figured Raymond wasn't watching it for the movie itself, but just to have some noise in the hall so he wouldn't feel so lonely.

Raymond didn't say anything, and Carter didn't know what to say either.

After a long silence, Raymond finally spoke in a hoarse voice.

"You should go."

Carter stood up immediately. "Raymond, take care of yourself. Selena will be okay."

Raymond noticed that Carter had grown a lot. He used to be a carefree playboy, but now his face showed signs of change. After some time out in the real world, he had matured.

Raymond tried to smile but found it too difficult. He just nodded.

As Carter walked out of Ashbourne Manor, he saw his partner leaning against the car, one leg casually shaking, the earrings catching the light.

He frowned, opened the car door, and got in.

He was worried about finding a place to rent. Since he had decided to make it on his own, he couldn't rely on the Montague family or use Raymond's money.

Just as he was stressing out, his partner spoke up.

"Why don't you move in with me? I'll charge you a thousand a month. Can you cook?"

Carter was surprised. Although he hadn't known his partner for long, everyone said he had a bad temper and didn't like sharing his space.

"I can make instant noodles."

"That's good enough. Looks like we're roommates now."

Carter looked at his partner's face, thought about the thousand dollars left in his pocket, and nodded.