As they descended the stairs, they spotted Mrs. Fay seated on the couch, watching TV. “Good morning, Mrs. Fay,” Eugene greeted her politely.She looked up, and the more she observed her prospective son-in-law, the more she approved of him. But when her gaze shifted to Lydia, concern immediately clouded her face. “Lydia, yesterday you didn’t have dark circles, and now they’re so noticeable. Did you not sleep at all last night?”It made sense, she thought. Lydia and Quincy had been deeply in love. Divorce wouldn’t be easy, and while she felt her daughter’s pain, Mrs. Fay knew it was better to get it over with now rather than prolong the hurt. She couldn’t let a moment of sympathy pull Lydia back into that painful situation.”No, Mom, I slept fine. I just forgot to close the window, got a bit cold, and had trouble falling back asleep,” Lydia fibbed, hoping to put her mom at ease. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.But a mother knows her daughter best. Mrs. Fay saw through the excuse but chose not to call her out. “It’s the weekend. Why don’t you two go out and grab me some skincare products? I’ve just run out.””Sure thing,” Eugene replied quickly, eager to help. Eugene knew exactly how to win over Mrs. Fay, making her laugh with just a few well-chosen words.She glanced at the clock on the wall and smiled. “Alright, you two, don’t waste time hanging around with me. You young people have your own things to do. Go have some fun.”Lydia couldn’t bring herself to refuse her mom. Ever since she had returned home, she had seen the deep worry in her mother’s eyes. It was her own mistakes that had caused her mother this heartache and concern. Now that Eugene was able to lighten her mother’s mood, she couldn’t bear to be the one to disappoint. “Alright, Mom. We’ll be back in time for dinner.””You don’t have to rush back on myaccount. Your dad and I have gotten used to our quiet evenings together. Ever since you came home, wehaven’t had any time alone. Why netwhenedon’t you two make a night of it, and we’ll have our evening here? That way, everyone can enjoythemselves,” Mrs. Fay said sincerely.Mrs. Fay had found happiness in her own marriage, one that had grown stronger over the years despite starting as a business arrangement. She wished for her daughter to find that same kind of contentment. “Let’s go. Morning rush is over, so we should have smooth traffic if we leave now,” Eugene said, reaching for Lydia’s hand.They walked out hand in hand in front of Mrs. Fay, but once they were outside the house, Lydia quickly released his hand. Eugene’s expression showed a hint of disappointment, but he didn’t comment on it.He walked over to the car and opened the passenger door for her. “Lydia, I’m not sure which brand of skincare products your mom uses. Do you know?”After she settled into the seat,”Of course, I do. She’s been loyal to the same brand for years,” Lydia replied, initially intending to sit in the back. But with the passenger door already open, she decided to get in.Eugene leaned in, reaching for theйetseatbelt to buckle her in. Lydia startled, quickly waving him off. can handle it myself, thanks. You don’t have to treat me like I’m in grade school. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.” Eugene chuckled, closing the door. “My bad. I love children. I guess I got into the habit. I was looking after my cousin’s little girl the other day, and I’m stilbin kid-care mode.” He smiled, then walked around to the driver’s side and got in.