She leaned closer and whispered in Justin’s ear, “I’m really fine–just a bit under the weather. If we call a doctor to the hotel, Uncle and Aunt might think I’m

high–maintenance or something.”

Justin felt a tickle from her soft breath, and a faint smile yed at his lips. “Alright,” he murmured, “whatever you say.”

Oliver and Car, ever the gracious hosts, apanied them up to the hotel suite.

Car’s face was all warmth and cheer, as if the awkward scene at dinner had never happened.

Edith thought to herself, If I could ever master that kind ofposure, I’d really be able to hold my own one day.

“Justin, it’s such a wonderful surprise that you’re staying the night,” Car beamed. “For dinner, I’ll have someone pick you up–why don’t you bothe back to the Hawksley house for a proper family meal?”

Justin didn’t even hesitate before declining her invitation. “Aunt Car, Edith isn’t feeling well. It’s best she doesn’t have to go back and forth right now. Don’t worry–l promise she won’t go hungry.”

Oliver chuckled, the message clear to anyone paying attention: at this moment, nothing mattered more to Justin than Edith. “That’s all we needed to hear. Truthfully, we were just worried about her not getting enough to eat.’

Edith understood Oliver’s concern for her, just as she’d understood Car’s earlierck of interest. Both, she knew, were because of Justin.

So she didn’t feel hurt by Car’s indifference, nor was she especially moved by Oliver’s sudden attentiveness. She saw things for what they were.

The hotel overlooked the ocean.

Their suite had a massive window that stretched from floor to ceiling, and the air conditioning blew a cool breeze over Edith’s face, making the zing sunlight outside seem bright and golden, not scorching.

Only now did she finally rx.

She felt as if that heavy stone pressing on her chest had finally been lifted.

Justin had barely stepped into the suite when his phone rang–it was his assistant.

b08:09 /b

Something urgent hade up at thepany, and he slipped into the study for an emergency video call.

Edith was happy to be left to her own devices. She curled up on the sofa by the window, closed her eyes, and let herself drift.

Outside, the sea breeze rustled through the palm trees, and sunlight spilled into her

eyes.

She squeezed her eyes shut and dozed off. By the time she woke, the sun was already nting low in the sky.

A blush of pink hovered between the horizon and the ocean, painting everything in a soft, dreamy light.

Edith opened her eyes and immediately reached for her phone, snapping a picture to capture the moment.

If only she had her painting supplies, she thought wistfully. Her fingers itched with the urge to recreate that sky in bold, swirling oils.

She stood up and noticed the study door was ajar.

Peeking inside, she saw Justin deep in conversation–everyone on the video call looked tense, including him. The long meeting had left his usually tousled hair a bit messier, and the fringe falling over his forehead made him look unexpectedly boyish.

She checked the time. The meeting had been going on for hours.

It really must be urgent.

Not wanting to disturb him, Edith quietly grabbed her purse and slipped out.

At dusk, the beach would be beautiful.

She wanted to feel the sea breeze on her skin. Justin was still busy, after all.

Northcrest didn’t have the ocean. Compared to Southborough, Northcrest was like a steady, mature adult–while Southborough reminded her of a mischievous child, sometimes throwing harmless tantrums that only made it more endearing.

Stepping out of the hotel, Edith breathed in the salty, humid air and walked toward the shore, letting the wind guide her way.