Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 23

Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 23 Summary

In Chapter 23 of **Shattered Dreams Find Light**, Carter experiences a whirlwind of emotions as he encounters Simone again, only to find her in the embrace of another man, Ralph. The sight ignites a potent mix of jealousy and despair within him, highlighting the unresolved feelings he harbors for her. Their brief exchange is charged with tension, as Simone’s warmth towards Ralph contrasts sharply with her coldness towards Carter, leaving him feeling invisible and heartbroken.

As the conversation unfolds, Ralph’s casual demeanor and familiarity with Simone, including a mention of her son, Ethan, deepen Carter’s unease. Despite his attempts to engage with Simone, she remains distant, asserting her independence and rejecting his offers of help. This rejection stings, as Carter has gone to great lengths to ensure her safety, yet she seems unappreciative of his efforts. The emotional turmoil escalates when Simone’s frustration leads to a heated confrontation, causing Carter to lose control momentarily and grip her arm, an act he immediately regrets.

After a brief separation, Carter follows Simone to her home, where he witnesses her vulnerability as she speaks on the phone, revealing the weight of her struggles. This moment of fragility draws him closer to her, and as they leave the chaotic environment behind, he senses an opportunity for connection. Their arrival at a new apartment brings a glimmer of hope, and Carter’s protective instincts surge when a neighbor, Felix, flirts with Simone, sparking jealousy once more.

In an impulsive moment, Carter kisses Simone, igniting a powerful connection that transcends their earlier conflicts. The kiss symbolizes a shared acknowledgment of their intertwined fates, offering a fleeting escape from the chaos of their lives. However, as they pull away, the reality of their situation sets back in, and Simone’s mixed emotions reflect the challenges that lie ahead. Despite the obstacles, Carter feels a renewed determination to fight for their relationship, believing that together they can overcome their shattered dreams and find a path toward healing and hope.

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**Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost**
**Chapter 23**

Carter’s heart raced as he withdrew his hand from his pocket, stepping forward to bridge the distance between himself and Simone. The air was thick with unspoken words, and he could feel the weight of longing pressing down on him.

“Lovely to see you again,” he whispered, his voice barely breaking the silence that hung between them.

“Indeed,” Simone replied, her tone soft yet distant. She quickly regained her composure, clearing her throat as she turned her attention to the man who had just enveloped her in a warm embrace. “It’s truly wonderful to see you again.”

“Same here, sweetie,” the man grinned, his arm possessively encircling Simone’s waist, making Carter’s stomach churn with an unsettling mix of jealousy and despair.

Carter’s jaw tightened instinctively at the sight of her in this stranger’s arms. The warmth of her earlier smile felt like a cruel twist of fate, a dagger that pierced through his heart.

“You look divine,” the man complimented her, completely disregarding Carter’s presence, as if he were invisible.

Simone beamed back at him, a radiant smile illuminating her face. “Thank you, Ralph.” But then, as if a switch had been flipped, she turned to Carter, her voice now icy and formal. “How can I assist you, Mr. Wilde?”

The chill in her tone sent a shockwave through him, and he fought the urge to respond with irritation. “I’ll wait,” he stated firmly, making it clear that he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Actually, I never fully recovered,” Ralph interjected casually, his tone light as if they were discussing the weather.

Recover from what? The question sparked a flicker of curiosity in Carter’s mind, but it was quickly overshadowed by the tightening of his chest.

Simone’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she stepped away from Ralph’s embrace. “Oh, Ralph,” she said, her voice almost pleading, as if she was trying to soothe a wound that had yet to heal.

“You hurt me for real, Simmy,” Ralph continued, his voice dripping with sincerity. “And I—”

Simmy? The nickname sent a chill racing through Carter’s veins, igniting a fire of possessiveness within him.

Simone quickly interrupted him, her voice firm. “We’ve already discussed this.”

Ralph glanced at Carter, assessing him with a fleeting look of curiosity before nodding. “Okay, I understand. Do you want to meet tonight? Dinner, perhaps?”

“Sure,” she replied eagerly, her enthusiasm palpable, and it felt like a slap in the face to Carter.

He stood there, bewildered by his own presence, listening to their exchange. As infuriating as it was, a morbid curiosity kept him rooted to the spot, unable to tear himself away.

“Would 8 be fine?” Ralph asked, his tone casual.

“That’s perfect,” Simone replied, her smile radiant, and Carter felt the walls closing in around him.

His fists clenched at his sides as he turned away, casting a quick glance at the guards surrounding him. This moment offered him a chance to regain his composure, to mask the turmoil brewing inside.

When he looked back, Ralph had pulled Simone into another hug, planting a kiss on her cheek, and Carter felt a surge of anger rise within him.

“How’s Ethan?” Ralph inquired, a hint of nostalgia coloring his voice. “I’ve missed that little fireball.”

At that moment, Simone’s demeanor brightened, and Carter’s heart sank further. “Oh, he’s doing well,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

Carter folded his arms tightly across his chest, a storm of questions swirling in his mind. How had this man met her son? How long had they known each other?

The lack of clarity gnawed at him, a relentless itch he couldn’t scratch.

“I’ll call you,” Ralph said, waving as he made his exit.

“Bye,” Simone replied, her wave a bit more subdued. She turned to Carter, and the warmth in her smile evaporated like mist in the morning sun. “How may I help you, Mr. Wilde?”

Annoyance bubbled up within him, but he swallowed it down, forcing himself to remain calm. “My mother mentioned that you require my assistance.”

When Michelle had reached out to him, it had provided the clarity he desperately needed.

When Drey informed him that Simone had left the hospital, a pang of hurt shot through him. Why had she distanced herself again? He had promptly ordered his men to follow her.

She had chosen a good hotel; he had to give her credit for that.

Her eyes flickered briefly before darting to his guards. “Yes,” she said, her voice clipped. “But I’m busy right now.”

“Where’s your son? Is he alright?” he pressed, concern lacing his words.

“Of course,” she replied hastily, stepping away from him. “Thanks.”

Carter pursued her, his determination unwavering. “So when do we start working together?”

“Soon,” she answered, not bothering to look at him. Her tone was sharp, filled with annoyance, and it stung more than he wanted to admit.

He was determined not to give up. Her safety was too important to him.

“I’ve arranged for two nannies for your son,” he blurted out, urgency flooding his voice.

She halted mid-stride, turning to face him, her expression unreadable. “Why?”

“Because I know you’ll need them. There’s a reputable school nearby, and a personal doctor who can check on your son regularly will be available once you agree,” he explained, pride swelling in his chest as he spoke.

He awaited her response, hoping for even a hint of gratitude, but instead, she replied, “Thank you, Mr. Wilde, but I can manage on my own,” quickening her pace as if she were trying to escape him.

His heart sank at her words. He had gone to great lengths to arrange everything, yet she seemed unfazed by his efforts.

What more could he do to win her appreciation?

Despite her rejection, he continued to follow her, his determination only intensifying. “What will you do when those men come back?”

It was a low blow to ask, but he couldn’t help himself.

“That’s why I’m in a secured hotel,” she snapped back, her voice sharp.

“And you plan to keep your son here? This isn’t a safe residential area; the surroundings—”

“Is none of your business!” she interrupted sharply, her voice rising. “When I need your help, I’ll let you know.”

Heads turned in their direction, and for the first time, Carter felt small and exposed. He stepped forward, gripping her arm gently but firmly.

She gasped, her eyes locking onto his, wide with surprise.

“You will not speak to me like that,” he warned through gritted teeth, his voice low and intense.

Silence hung between them, thick and suffocating, and he released her instantly, guilt flooding his chest and twisting his stomach.

Why was he always losing control around her?

Simone’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she turned toward the exit. “Excuse me.”

The guilt deepened, and he followed her, but he was too late; she had already hailed a cab.

Without thinking, he slid into his own car. “Follow that cab,” he instructed Rex, his voice steady despite the chaos inside him.

He forced himself to breathe as Rex drove discreetly, maintaining a safe distance.

Eventually, they turned down a quiet street and stopped in front of a small, unassuming house.

“Park here,” Carter directed, his heart racing with anticipation.

From his vantage point, he watched as Simone cautiously entered the house, her movements hesitant and unsure.

He waited for a sign of life, but when none came, curiosity overwhelmed him.

“Stay close,” he instructed Drey, making his way toward the door.

The interior was small and cluttered, a stale odor lingering in the air, a stark contrast to the warmth he had hoped to find.

Simone stood in the center of the chaos, her phone pressed to her ear, pacing anxiously.

“Everything!” she exclaimed, her voice strained. “Yes. To where? You know I don’t—” Her voice faltered, cracking under the weight of her emotions.

The raw vulnerability in her tone struck him like a physical blow. He cleared his throat softly, announcing his presence.

She turned sharply, eyes wide with fear, but relaxed upon recognizing him.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and something inside him shattered.

“Hey,” he said gently, stepping closer. “Are you alright?”

She hastily wiped her face, shaking her head. Her admission tightened his chest, and he instinctively reached for her hands.

“Fine,” she said into the phone before abruptly ending the call. She pulled her hand away, her expression shifting. “Is the house still available?”

His heart leapt at her question, but he masked his excitement. “Yes,” he replied, keeping his tone steady.

“I would love to see it, if that’s okay.”

“Of course,” he said quickly, eager to help. “Let’s go.”

Without a glance back at the disheveled room, she stepped outside, and he followed her closely, sensing the significance of this moment.

“Secure the apartment,” he instructed Drey, who nodded in acknowledgment. He opened the car door for her and slid in beside her.

Simone shifted away slightly, creating a small distance between them, and he felt a pang of disappointment.

He focused on the window, refusing to take offense. “I’m sorry about… earlier…”

“It’s fine,” she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He pressed his lips together, choosing silence until they arrived. He intentionally left out the fact that his own house was not too far away, not wanting to overwhelm her.

“We’re here,” he announced as the car came to a stop. He extended his hand toward her, but she ignored it, stepping out on her own.

Straightening his jacket, he led the way, eager for her to see the space he had prepared for her.

Just as he was about to open the door, a voice called out from behind them.

“Hey! Hello. Are you the new neighbor?”

They both turned to find a man clad in a green tank top, his muscles gleaming in the sunlight.

Simone’s gaze lingered on the man’s physique, and Carter felt a surge of irritation flood through him.

“Yes, technically,” he replied before Simone could speak.

“Oh, nice to meet you. I’m Felix,” the man said, extending his hand toward Simone.

“I’m Simone,” she responded, her smile bright as she shook his hand, and Carter felt a surge of possessiveness well up inside him.

The handshake lingered longer than necessary, and he felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him.

“Thanks,” he said curtly, breaking the connection. He didn’t extend his hand, nor did Felix offer his again.

“I’ll see you around,” Felix said with a wink before sauntering off, leaving Carter seething silently.

Simone chuckled as she waved at him, and Carter felt a flash of anger ignite within him. His hand trembled as he opened the door.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful!” Simone exclaimed as she stepped inside, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Yes,” he replied, his heart racing at the sight of her delight.

Something shifted in his chest, and before he could think, he pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a kiss that felt like a spark igniting a fire.

As the kiss lingered between them, a myriad of emotions surged through Carter—relief, yearning, and an undeniable connection that had been simmering beneath the surface. The chaos of the earlier confrontation faded, replaced by a moment of intimacy that felt both electric and fragile. In that instant, he felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps, despite the misunderstandings and barriers that had come between them, there was still a chance for something beautiful to blossom. Simone’s initial shock melted into a tentative reciprocation, and Carter realized that this moment was not just about desire; it was a shared acknowledgment of their intertwined fates, a silent promise to navigate the storm together.

Yet, as they pulled away, the weight of reality settled back in. Simone’s expression shifted, a mix of confusion and vulnerability flickering across her face. Carter understood that while they had momentarily escaped the turmoil of their lives, the challenges ahead loomed large. The road to rebuilding trust and connection would be fraught with obstacles, but for the first time, he felt a sense of clarity. He was ready to fight for her, to protect her and her son, and to prove that shattered dreams could indeed find light. With a newfound determination, he took her hand, ready to face whatever came next, knowing that together, they could forge a path toward healing and hope.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of their shared kiss, a fragile yet undeniable bond began to form between Carter and Simone, illuminating the shadows that had long clouded their connection. The chaos of emotions that had once consumed them transformed into a quiet understanding, as if they were finally beginning to see each other for who they truly were—two souls navigating the wreckage of their pasts, yearning for solace and companionship. Carter felt a flicker of hope ignite within him, a belief that despite the turmoil and misunderstandings that had driven them apart, there was still a chance for healing. With every shared glance and tentative smile, he recognized that they were not just fighting for their own dreams but for a future that could include both of their hearts.

Yet, as the weight of reality settled back in, Carter understood that the path ahead would not be easy. The remnants of their past struggles loomed large, and trust would need to be rebuilt brick by brick. Still, he felt an unwavering resolve to stand by Simone, to protect her and her son, and to prove that love could flourish even amid the ruins of shattered dreams. With her hand in his, they stepped forward together, ready to confront the challenges that awaited them. In that moment, they embraced the uncertainty of the future, knowing that with hope and determination, they could transform their fractured lives into something beautiful, allowing the light to seep through the cracks and illuminate their way forward.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

As the dust settles from their unexpected kiss, Carter and Simone find themselves at a crucial crossroads, where the budding warmth of their connection clashes with the shadows of their pasts. In the next chapter, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of their emotional turmoil as they grapple with the implications of their shared moment. Will Simone allow herself to trust Carter again, or will her fears drive a wedge between them? As the stakes rise, the tension will intensify, revealing secrets that could either bind them closer or tear them apart.

With Ralph still looming in the background, Carter’s possessiveness and protective instincts will be put to the test. The arrival of new challenges and external threats will force both characters to confront their vulnerabilities head-on. Expect unexpected revelations about Simone’s past and her relationship with Ralph that could change everything Carter thought he knew. As they navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives, the question remains: can they truly overcome the shattered dreams that haunt them, or will the light they’ve found flicker and fade? Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, as the next chapter promises to be a pivotal moment in their journey toward healing and redemption.