bChapter /bb207 /b

Seeing her best friend look so pitiful and wronged, Pennie immediately made up her mind. “Come on, you’re technically the senior here! It’s been ages since you saw each other–what’s so bad about a little

conversation? I’ll arrange it for you.”

Lucille’s eyes lit up. After all that buildup, her goal was finally within

reach.

Meanwhile, Edith had wandered through several shops but couldn’t find any paint supplies. Figuring it was too much trouble, she simply gave up on the idea of painting.

She strolled barefoot along the edge of the beach, letting the surf cool her toes, before heading back to the hotel.

In the elevator, she happened to run into today’s groom–Winston.

Running into Winston wasn’t exactly a rare event; after all, this hotel was hosting everyone attending the wedding reception, so he had to stay

here too.

But unlike most of the Northcrest trust–fund boys, Winston had a certainid–back charm unique to Southborough–a touch of mischief in his grin, even the way he spoke carried a teasing tone.

i“/iSis–inw, iyou /iand Lucille really do look alike.”

Winston sounded genuinely amazed.

It wasn’t just their features–the easy smile, the gentle mannerisms, even the softness in their voices–were uncannily simr.

Edith offered a polite smile. “Miss Lowell is a beauty. I’ll take that as apliment, thank you.”

ncing around to make sure no one was listening, Winston couldn’t hold back his curiosity. “So, Sis, did Justin ever mention anything about Lucille to you?“,

b16:37 /b

Chapter

People from Southborough always had a talent for gossiping so casually. Edith shook her head. “No, he never brought it up.”

Winston nodded, thoughtful. “Makes sense, I guess. Who really talks about their exes with their wife? But if you ever want to know, I can fill you iin/ii./ii” /i

Edith pressed her lips together, her calm smile unwavering. “No need. If Justin wants to talk about something, I’ll listen. If not, it’s not my ce to ask.”

Winston couldn’t help giving her an approving thumbs–up. “Impressive, Sis. You’ve definitely got what it takes to be a societydy.”

She took his words as nothing more than a politepliment.

As the elevator neared her floor, Winston finally got to what he really wanted to say. “Hey, about earlier at dinner–I might’ve said something that made you ufortable. I want to apologize. Don’t take it to heart, okay?”

Edith, of course, wasn’t the type to dwell on it.

You only have so much room in your heart. Fill it up with trivial things or people who don’t matter, and there won’t be space left for what’s truly

important.

Besides, she knew that Winston’s attitude toward her would always depend on Justin’s attitude toward her.

She smiled. “It’s fine, I don’t mind.”

Winston grinned. “You’re gracious. I’ll talk to Pennie too–she won’t dare give you trouble again.”

The elevator doors slid open.

Edith’s floor had arrived.

Winston held the door for her, gentlemanly. “Take care, Sis.”

i212 /i

b16:37 /b

“Thank you.”

With a word of thanks, Edith quickly stepped out and headed straight for

her suite.

She’d made sure to bring her key card before leaving, but as she fished it out of her bag, she heard a young woman’s voiceing from inside the

room.

Edith looked up to double–check the room number, wondering for a moment if she’d gotten the wrong door.

She blinked, peering at the numbers again–no, this was definitely 1899.

Her hand hesitated on the key card. For a second, she wasn’t sure if she should open the door.

Should she be polite and knock first?

What if something private was going on inside?