Maxine didn’t quite catch her hint. Smiling gently, she said, “Well, I understand. You’ve worked hard–these days, try to get some rest bearly /bbtonight/b.

    To Maxine’s surprise, Lisa’s cheerful demeanor abruptly vanished. She gazed at Maxine, deep concern clouding her face, for a long moment before bfinally /bturning to retreat to her own room.

    Maxine couldn’t help feeling perplexed by Lisa’s gaze. ‘Does she really think something has to happen between me and Sebastian tonightb?/bb‘ /bshe wondered.

    Seeing Maxine’s firm stance, Vivian finally relented. “Alright then,” she said, “If nothinges up, you must leave first thing tomorrow morningb!/bb” /b

    Vivian was furious, like a mother hen fiercely guarding her chick, shielding Maxine under her wing and absolutely terrified that even the slightest mishap might befall her.

    Maxine was touched as she looked at Vivian. She thought, ‘She’s such a devoted mother. If only Mona Parks had been half as caring, maybe I wouldn’t have turned out this way.

    ‘But what a pity…‘

    Maxine turned her head slightly, her longshes casting shadows that veiled her gaze, concealing the turbulent emotions in her eyes.

    Sebastian noticed her movement, pressed his lips together, and said gently, “Don’t worry. Brian and I are just staying for one nightb, /bbwe /bbwon’t /bimpose on you.”

    With that, he picked up his briefcase and headed straight into the guest room downstairs.

    He was well aware he wasn’t wee, but after waiting for her so long, patience was something Sebastian had in abundance. As long as he could stay, there’d always be a chance to get closer to her.

    Jessica, who had taken quite a liking to Brianb, /beagerly grabbed his arm and started telling him about her years abroad. As she mentioned William, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “William is such a wonderful guy!” she gushed. “Next time, I can introduce you two!”

    Then she turned eagerly to Maxine and asked, “Maxine, will William being with his parents too?”

    Maxine came back to herself and nodded in response.

    Jessica scrolled through her phone and pulled up a group photo, one that Maxine had taken of her and William during ba /bschool event.

    In the photo, the two children were hugging happily. William’s soft blond hair brushing against Jessica’s cheek made for an adorable sight.

    But to Brian, the expressions of the two in the photo felt unexpectedly jarring. Naturally gloomy and precocious, he’d always found bit /bhard to connect with his peers, making friends was simply out of the question.

    Brian thought to himself, ‘Who would’ve thought that even someone bas /bcarefree bas /bJessica could make such a good friend

    For a moment, ba /bswirl of conflicting emotions rose in Brian’s chest. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why.

    “Brian?” Jessica called again when he remained silent, a hint bof /bcuriosity in her voice.

    ad?”

    Brian came back to his senses, realizing he’d lost hisposure. He cleared his throat softly and murmured, “Well… maybe bnext /btime.”

    Watching Sebastian enter the room, Brian stood up and said, “I’m going to bed. Gotta get up early for school tomorrow.”

    Having been on leave for so long, Jessica looked at Brian with a bit of pity. “Brianb,/b” she said, “let’s talk after you get back bfrom /bschool. bWho /bknows, byou /bmight even catch me ion /iba /bcall with William!”

    Lately, she and William had been in regr contactb, /bbwith /bbeach /bcallsting over an hour. She would excitedly share bstories /bbabout /bbthe /bblocal /bbculture /bband /b

    b1/2 /b

    b09:28 /bbSun/bb, /bb6 /bbJul /b

    sights in Hathnd, along with photos she took during her outings.

    Brian tensed up, as if struck by a nerve. “We’ll see about thatter!” he said abruptly.

    With those words, he stepped into the guest room and shut the door behind him.

    In the room, Sebastian looked up at him. “What’s wrong? Upset because Jessica made a new friend?”

    iAD /i