---- Chapter 22 Jake's voice grew softer, but Eva heard it clearly. Her heart was in turmoil. Something seemed to be about to burst out, but she dared not think about it deeply. Jake noticed the flicker in her eyes and urgently stepped forward. But Eva became wary when she saw him approaching her. "Don't come any closer! Jake, the moment | signed the divorce papers, | completely gave up on you. | have a new life now, and | don't want you to disturb me anymore." Otherwise, we won't even be able to remain like siblings." Eva got back into her car and started the engine. Jake did not stop her this time. He watched the car sway and wobble away, his heart filled with bitterness. He longed to hold her close again, as before, when he could hug her anytime. Jake was three years older than Eva and had always been tall since childhood. Eva grew up in the countryside with inadequate nutrition. So she was much smaller than her peers. He could easily lift her up back then. ---- He always made Eva giggle with laughter. As they grew up, Jake realized he had special feelings for Eva and began to keep his distance from her intentionally. After they got married, Eva often tried to get close to him, but he deliberately avoided her. Now, when he reached out, he could only touch the air. Jake returned to his house and felt dejected. He locked himself in his room and pondered deeply. Finally, he took out a piece of paper and began writing down the promises he had made to Eva when they were kids but never fulfilled. There were so many that he filled one page after another. In the end, the paper was dampened with Jake's tears. When the morning sunlight entered Eva's room, she sensed something was different. Looking down, she noticed a lovingly crafted swing hanging from the big tree. The forgotten memories came flooding back in an instant. When she was a little girl, her favorite game was having Jake push her on the swing. She shouted for him to push higher, then slower, and the boy always had endless patience, adjusting to her preferred height. ---- She giggled and asked him, "Will you still be there to push me when I'm grown up?" Later, they got married. But the swing in the Stephens family's estate only moved when the wind blew. She put on a cold expression, dressed, and went downstairs. Jake stood by the swing and looked at her with the same gaze as many years ago. "Eva, let me push you on the swing." Eva walked closer to him, step by step, but she stopped in front of him. "This tree is centuries old and a protected historical landmark. It is illegal for you to set up the swing without permission here, Jake. | could report you." Jake's smile froze on his face. "| just wanted to make you happy." Eva called the property management to have the swing removed. Eva then said flatly, "Jake, I'm very busy now. | had countless books to read and classes to attend. | really don't have time to deal with you. Could you let me go?" Jake's face turned pale instantly. After a brief pause, he took out a small rabbit plush toy from his pocket. Its fabric had faded from repeated washing. Eva's pupils contracted sharply. "Do you remember it, Eva?" ---- Of course, Eva remembered it. When they were children riding at the ranch, she almost fell off her horse because she wasn't strong enough. It was Jake who leapt off his horse without hesitation and protected her. However, he ended up being trampled on the back by the horse. His ribs were fractured, and he had spent three months bedridden. The doctor said he was lucky. If it slightly shifted... Jake's face turned pale from the pain, but she cried her heart out. So he had to hold on tightly and show no sign of pain, as he feared that she would feel more guilty and afraid. After crying her eyes out, Eva took out her most cherished bunny plush toy and put it in Jake's hand. "Jake, I'll give you my bunny. From now on, I'll always listen to you." "Do you remember the promise you made then?" Jake's words pulled Eva back from her thoughts. Before she could respond, he continued, "I've never asked you to repay me for anything. But this time... Eva, come home with me."