Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 24

Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost 24 Summary

In Chapter 24 of *Shattered Dreams Find Light*, the story reaches a pivotal moment as Carter and Simone share a passionate kiss, igniting a whirlwind of emotions within Simone. This moment feels electric and forbidden, creating a deep connection between them. However, the reality of Carter being a married man quickly crashes over Simone, leading her to push him away in shock and guilt. The kiss haunts her, leaving her breathless and conflicted, grappling with feelings of desire and betrayal.

Carter, equally remorseful, expresses his regret, but the tension between them remains palpable. Simone tries to regain her composure as they shift their focus to the apartment they are exploring. Despite the beauty of the space, her thoughts are consumed by the kiss and the implications of their connection. As she wanders through the apartment, she battles with her emotions, feeling the weight of her responsibilities as a mother to her son, Ethan. The guilt of her feelings for Carter intensifies, especially as he expresses warmth and concern for her situation.

As the chapter progresses, Simone attempts to maintain professionalism, but the chemistry between her and Carter is undeniable. When he invites her to dinner with his family, she is torn between excitement and apprehension. The invitation represents a potential new beginning, but it also complicates her already tumultuous life. The chapter concludes with Simone feeling a mix of hope and trepidation, as she prepares for the dinner that could change everything. She resolves to navigate this new chapter carefully, balancing her desires with her responsibilities as a mother.

The emotional turmoil and tension set the stage for what’s to come, as Simone must confront her feelings for Carter while protecting her son and herself from the complexities of a relationship with a married man. The chapter leaves readers eager to see how Simone will handle the upcoming dinner and the revelations that may arise, hinting at a journey filled with potential healing and love amidst the chaos.

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**Shattered Dreams Find Light by Niro Dane Frost**
**Chapter 24**

The air crackled with an intensity that neither Carter nor Simone could ignore as their lips met in a kiss that felt both electric and forbidden. It was as if time had momentarily paused, suspending them in a moment of pure yearning that ignited a fire deep within Simone. She felt herself leaning into the embrace, her heart racing as if it were trying to escape the confines of her chest. In that fleeting instant, the world around them faded away, and all that remained was the undeniable connection they shared.

But just as quickly, reality crashed into her like a cold wave, pulling her from the blissful haze. Carter was a married man—a fact that loomed over them like a dark cloud. The sudden realization hit her hard, and she instinctively pushed him away, her breath coming in sharp gasps as shock coursed through her. Her hand flew to her lips, almost as if she could erase the warmth of his kiss with the mere gesture.

“Mr. Wilde…” she stammered, the words tumbling out in a jumble of disbelief and longing. She felt a mix of emotions swirling within her—desire, guilt, and a nagging sense of betrayal.

Carter stepped back, his face etched with regret, his green eyes reflecting a deep sorrow. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have done that…” His voice was thick with remorse, and she could see the conflict raging within him as well.

Turning her back to him, she wiped her lips, feeling the remnants of his kiss linger like a ghost on her skin. The sensation sent shivers down her spine, and she cursed herself for allowing it to happen in the first place.

“It was unprofessional of me,” he murmured, his tone soft and sincere, as if trying to soothe the chaos that had erupted between them. “I truly apologize.”

“It’s okay, sir,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She could hardly believe what had just transpired.

Carter slipped his hands into his pockets, the silence between them thick and uncomfortable. She had always known he had a reckless streak, from the moment he had pursued her at the hotel to when he had shown up unannounced at Jasmine’s house.

Her thoughts spiraled wildly, but she forced herself to redirect her focus back to the apartment they were supposed to be exploring.

“It’s nice,” she murmured, almost to herself, trying to regain her composure.

“You… can take a look around if you’d like,” he suggested gently, his voice breaking through the tension that hung heavy in the air.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, attempting to appear casual as she began to wander through the spacious living room. A grand stone fireplace dominated the space, its size both imposing and beautiful, a testament to the home’s charm.

In the kitchen, her fingers brushed against the cool marble countertop, and a door caught her eye, leading to a small patio beyond. She peered through the glass, spotting vibrant flower pots basking in the sunlight, their colors a stark contrast to the turmoil within her.

Leaning against the counter, she felt the weight of what had just occurred. Carter had kissed her, and not only had she allowed it, but she had reveled in the moment.

“You fool,” she scolded herself quietly, the words barely escaping her lips.

Her thoughts drifted to Ethan, and guilt settled heavily in her chest, tightening like a vice.

Maybe Alexa had been right all along; perhaps she had seen something in Simone that she had been too afraid to confront.

“Are you alright?” Carter’s voice cut through her reverie, pulling her back to the present with a jolt.

“Yes, yes,” she replied hastily, her heart racing. “Just exploring the place.”

As she stepped out of the kitchen, she noticed that he remained in the same spot she had left him, concern etched across his handsome features.

“What do you think?” he asked, his green eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

The memory of his lips against hers ignited a spark within her, and she quickly averted her gaze, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

“It’s lovely,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, as if the admission was a secret.

“It’s a two-bedroom apartment with an office space,” Carter explained, gesturing around the room. “I thought you and your son would really enjoy it. What’s his name?”

Caught off guard, she blinked in surprise. “Ethan.”

“Ethan,” he echoed thoughtfully, nodding. “That’s a nice name. I believe it means strength in Hebrew, right?”

“Strong,” she breathed, her heart constricting at the revelation.

“It must be challenging, raising a child on your own,” he said, his voice laced with warmth that stirred something deep within her.

“He is your son!” she wanted to scream, the truth clawing at her throat. Instead, tears threatened to spill from her eyes, and she fought to hold them back.

“Hey, hey,” Carter stepped closer, gently lifting her chin with a finger to meet his gaze. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I wasn’t…” she faltered, swallowing hard. “I was just…”

He enveloped her in a comforting embrace, his hand soothingly rubbing her back. “I apologize again, Simone.”

The way he spoke her name sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment, she melted into his warmth. But then, her thighs brushed against the unmistakable bulge between his legs, jolting her back to reality.

She gasped, stumbling back a step. “Mr. Wilde… we shouldn’t…”

“Can you just call me Carter, please?” he replied, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “Mr. Wilde was my late father.”

It was meant to be lighthearted, yet in that moment, it snapped her back to her senses.

What was she doing? Flirting with him? Especially given the circumstances surrounding their lives?

Clearing her throat, she regained her composure. “Mr. Wilde, the apartment is truly lovely. Thank you, sir.”

He remained silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Yes, it is.”

She took a step back, pretending to admire the empty space around her. Counting to ten in her mind, she waited for her heartbeat to steady.

“I think it’s time to go,” she finally announced, breaking the silence that felt like a heavy fog.

He continued to watch her, his brows knitting together in confusion. “I thought you needed my help.”

Oh, so he was going to play that card.

“It’s just questions,” she replied tightly, a hint of irritation creeping into her voice.

“You can ask me now,” he insisted, his tone firm yet patient.

She clenched her jaw, feeling the tension rise. “I didn’t bring my materials to work with.”

“But you have a phone,” he gestured towards it. “We live in a smart world. You can use that.”

She stared at him incredulously. How could a man be so infuriating yet so utterly irresistible? The urge to strangle him battled with the desire to kiss him again.

He held her gaze, unyielding, until she finally relented.

“Fine,” she groaned, pulling out her phone with reluctance.

“It’s not an argument. You can take a deep breath if you need to,” he said, his tone light but firm.

Her eyes narrowed. “I’m fine.”

“Alright then,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

She exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling to the surface. “I don’t think this can work. I don’t have my material—”

“Can you just—”

“It’s not that easy, Mr. Wilde!” she snapped, annoyance rising within her. His lips parted to respond, but she raised her hand to stop him. “My process isn’t simple. I need time to sit and think before I can come up with questions to ask you.”

To her surprise, he sighed instead of arguing back.

“Alright then,” he said softly. “Just let me know when you need me.”

Simone tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. “Sure. Are we done here?” She gestured at the vacant space around them.

“I think so,” he nodded, his expression thoughtful.

Taking one last look at the house, she stepped outside, the sound of the door clicking shut behind her echoing in her ears.

“Thank you, Mr. Wilde,” she said softly, her voice tinged with sincerity. “I appreciate everything.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied, a hint of warmth in his tone. “You work for us, and it’s our responsibility to ensure you and your child are safe.”

Her jaw tightened at his words. Work for them? But he could kiss her?

Irritation simmered beneath the surface, but she swallowed it down, unwilling to let it show.

“So, to the hotel?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Yes,” she affirmed, already making her way back to the car.

Once inside, she maintained a deliberate distance between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Her mind wandered back to the phone call with Jasmine, and she let out a heavy sigh.

“Are you okay?” Carter inquired, his voice cutting through her thoughts.

“Yeah,” she replied, avoiding his gaze, her heart still racing.

She couldn’t believe the house had been ransacked again. When she had called Jasmine about it, her friend’s response had been sharp and unkind.

Stealing a glance at Carter, she noticed he was staring out the window, lost in thought.

The apartment was exactly what she needed—a tranquil environment, and she had even secured a kind neighbor. Plus, she wouldn’t have to pay for it.

When the car came to a stop, Carter’s voice pierced the silence once more. “We’re here.”

“Thanks,” she said, stepping out of the vehicle and making her way to the entrance.

Carter followed suit. “I’ll come back to get you all the documents for the apartment.”

“Alright,” she nodded, moving inside with a sense of finality.

At the reception, she retrieved her keycard and took the elevator to her floor.

Inside her room, she found Salma knitting, and the older woman lifted her head as Simone entered.

“He’s asleep,” Salma whispered, her voice gentle.

Simone smiled, her heart swelling with affection as she tiptoed to the bed. She leaned down and kissed Ethan’s forehead, watching as he stirred slightly in his sleep.

“Thank you, Salma,” she said, her gratitude evident.

“My pleasure, ma’am,” Salma replied with a warm smile. “But your time isn’t over yet; you still have an hour.”

“Oh, it’s fine. You can rest here if you’d like,” Simone offered, sensing the weariness in Salma’s eyes.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Salma smiled appreciatively, returning to her knitting.

As Simone settled into her work, her mind drifted back to the kiss with Carter, and she sought distraction in her tasks. She had barely spent forty minutes concentrating when a knock at the door jolted her focus.

Curious, she opened the door to find Carter standing there, a smile on his face as he stretched out a file and a transparent garment bag. “Hey, got these for you.”

She accepted the file but eyed the bag with suspicion. “What’s that?”

“It’s a dinner dress for you,” Carter replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Her brows furrowed in confusion. “What dinner?”

“My family is hosting dinner at 8 PM, and you’ve been invited,” he explained, his tone playful.

Simone’s heart raced, a mixture of excitement and apprehension flooding her senses. How had she gotten tangled up in this whirlwind of emotions?

**Conclusion**

In the aftermath of the tumultuous encounter, Simone stood at a crossroads, grappling with the whirlwind of emotions that had swept through her. The kiss lingered on her lips, a bittersweet reminder of the connection she had felt with Carter, yet the weight of reality pressed heavily upon her heart. She had tasted a moment of passion, but it was tainted by the knowledge of his marital status and the shadows of her own past. As she gazed at Ethan sleeping peacefully, the innocence of his dreams contrasted starkly with the chaos of her own. The choice was clear: she had to protect her son and herself from the complications that a relationship with Carter could bring, no matter how intoxicating it felt. Yet, as the evening approached and the invitation to dinner loomed, a flicker of hope ignited within her. This was an opportunity for a new beginning, a chance to step out from the shadows of her shattered dreams and explore the light that Carter represented, even if it was fraught with uncertainty. With a deep breath, she resolved to navigate this new chapter with caution, allowing herself to embrace the possibilities while remaining anchored in her responsibilities. As she prepared for the dinner, a blend of excitement and trepidation coursed through her veins, signaling the dawn of a journey that could lead to healing and perhaps, against all odds, a love that could withstand the trials ahead.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter of *Shattered Dreams Find Light*, readers can anticipate a whirlwind of emotions as Simone grapples with the implications of Carter’s invitation to dinner. The stakes have been raised, and the tension between them is palpable. Will she succumb to the allure of his charm, or will the weight of his marital status hold her back? As she prepares for the evening, the conflict within her will intensify, forcing her to confront not only her feelings for Carter but also the realities of her own life and responsibilities as a mother. Moreover, the dinner promises to be a pivotal moment, where family dynamics and hidden truths may come to light. With Carter’s family involved, Simone might find herself navigating a new world that challenges her perceptions and beliefs. Will she be able to maintain her composure amidst the pressure, or will the magnetic pull between her and Carter lead to further complications? As secrets linger in the air and emotions run high, the chapter is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how this intricate dance of desire and duty unfolds. Prepare for unexpected revelations and heart-stopping moments that could change everything for Simone and Carter.

Conclusion

In the wake of their charged encounter, Simone found herself standing at the precipice of a new reality, her heart a tumult of conflicting emotions. The kiss with Carter had ignited a fire within her that she thought had long been extinguished, yet the realization of his marital status loomed like a shadow, reminding her of the boundaries she must uphold for the sake of her son. As she watched Ethan sleep, the innocence of his dreams served as a poignant reminder of her responsibilities, anchoring her in the resolve to protect their fragile world. The invitation to dinner, however, offered a glimmer of hope, a chance to step into the light of new beginnings, even if it meant wading through the murky waters of uncertainty.

As she prepared for the evening ahead, a blend of excitement and apprehension coursed through her veins, signaling the dawning of a journey fraught with potential and peril. Would she allow herself to explore the connection with Carter, despite the risks involved? The dinner promised to be a pivotal moment, where the complexities of their lives would intertwine, revealing truths that could either bind them together or tear them apart. With every step she took toward this new chapter, Simone felt the weight of her past and the possibilities of her future collide, setting the stage for a confrontation not just with Carter, but with her own heart. As the evening approached, she steeled herself for the unexpected, ready to navigate the delicate balance between desire and duty, and to embrace whatever revelations awaited her in the unfolding story of her life.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

In the next chapter of *Shattered Dreams Find Light*, readers can expect the tension to reach new heights as Simone prepares for the dinner with Carter’s family. The invitation, which initially seemed like a chance for a fresh start, now looms over her like a double-edged sword. As she navigates the delicate balance between her growing feelings for Carter and the reality of his marital status, the emotional stakes will escalate. Will she be able to keep her heart guarded, or will the evening’s intimate setting and the magnetic chemistry between them lead her to make choices she never thought she would?

Moreover, the dynamics of Carter’s family will introduce new challenges for Simone. As she steps into their world, she will face not only the scrutiny of Carter’s loved ones but also the potential for unexpected revelations that could alter her understanding of him. Secrets may unravel, and hidden truths could emerge, forcing Simone to confront her own fears and insecurities. With every moment spent at the dinner table, the line between desire and responsibility will blur, leaving her to question if she can truly embrace this new chapter without losing sight of her past. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster filled with heartfelt dialogues, poignant moments, and the potential for transformative connections that could either heal or shatter the fragile dreams Simone has begun to nurture.