Chapter 2044: The Wish Back Then

In the blink of an eye, the weather turned chilly. Many, still basking in the warm glow of the recently passed Christmas festival, were not yet fully in work mode. Jonathan and Madilyn's wedding was set for shortly after Christmas. Archie and Benny prepared a gift for their godmother's wedding, while Estella designed her godmother's gown. Roxanne, meanwhile, suffered two weeks of morning sickness, lamenting her inability to fully enjoy the Christmas feast.

Just then, the iron gates of an unknown prison in Horington slowly creaked open. Elektra emerged, walking slowly. She wore a down jacket over her clothes, her hair slightly disheveled. She hadn't told her family her prison term had ended. After a brief farewell to the guard, she gazed at the long, winding path ahead, obscured by snow. After a moment's thought, she decided to call a friend for a ride.

Unexpectedly, two white cars sped down the snow-covered road and stopped beside her. James leaped out, his gaze fixed on Elektra. "I'm here, Elektra! Don't underestimate us, even though you kept us in the dark!"

Jonathan followed, holding the wish bottle Elektra had once buried. He nodded. "I even knew you planned to buy a flight ticket and leave Horington after visiting your parents."

Shock registered on Elektra's face. Her weary eyes flickered, then fixed on the wish bottle. In an instant, her thoughts flashed back ten years. She remembered her childhood friendship with Lucian, James, and Jonathan. The years melted away, revealing a forgotten wish.

As Jonathan stepped onto the snow, a rustling sound filled the air. He stopped before her, grinning as he handed her the bottle. "Regardless of your decision, we hope you'll look at your past wish before making up your mind."

Tears threatened, but the freezing air froze them back, preventing an embarrassing cry. Her eyes were still red-rimmed, however. She uncorked the bottle and removed the paper inside.

James chuckled. "Don't worry, we didn't peek! But if you don't mind, we'd like to see it now."

Elektra glared. "No way! Don't even think about it!"

A question arose in her mind: What were my feelings toward Lucian back then? Could my recent affection have stemmed from possessiveness?

The paper was filled with writing. Stunned, she repeatedly looked at James, muttering, "This can't be true. It's impossible. Why can't I remember my wish?"

Much of the writing detailed times spent together. Most, however, concerned James, whose house was next to the Lane residence, leading to more interaction. She had even wished for Yennefer's recovery and for James to smile again, instead of secretly worrying.