Hello? Rebecca answered.
Rebecca.
Francis paced restlessly on the front walk, pressing his fingers to his brow. I’m at your grandfather’s house.
I know…
Rebecca moved to the window, pulling the curtain aside. She could see him standing by his car at the front gate.
When you arrived, Grandpa asked me to go upstairs.
She might be on the second floor, but she’d heard every word exchanged downstairs between her grandfather and Francis.
Grandpa said from now on, he’ll be picking me up and dropping me off at work.
What?
Francis froze, hand still against his forehead. Was the old man really trying to keep him and Rebecca apart?
If it were anyone else, Francis would have fought back. But this was Rebecca White’s grandfather.
There was nothing he could do.
So, what did you say? Francis asked, frustration clear in his voice. What are you going to do?
Me? Rebecca hesitated, then answered softly, I’ll listen to Grandpa… It’s probably for the best.
For the best? Francis’s voice darkened.
Rebecca winced at his tone, but forced herself to continue.
You’re already swamped with work, plus taking care of her… You’re burning the candle at both ends. I’m fine here with Grandpa. You don’t need to worry about me.
Rebecca, what are you thinking? Francis’s voice was tight, the pressure in his words unmistakable.
I’m not thinking anything.
Rebecca forced a bitter smile. What could I possibly be thinking? And what are you so worried about? Whatever you want me to do, I can’t really refuse, can I? But because of Grandpa… let’s just not see each other for a while…
Rebecca, are you asleep?
The knock on the door and Galloway’s voice came through the phone. Not yet, Grandpa!
Rebecca called out, then hurriedly whispered into her phone, I have to go, Grandpa’s here… I’ll call you later!
Rebecca?
Francis stared at his phone, but the line was already dead. She’d hung up.
Damn it.
He withdrew the phone, clenching it in his palm, his frustration deepening.
Not see each other for a while?
How long was a while, exactly?
His experience with relationships was laughably limited, but even he knew distance was dangerous. The longer couples stayed apart, the
colder things got.
Rebecca’s feelings for him had always been fragile-hardly strong enough to survive a freeze.
And lately, he couldn’t stand even a single day without seeing her.
Just as she said, he’d been burning the candle at both ends-working late, taking care of everything, but no matter how busy he got, he’d always made time to stop by Rosewood Mansion, if only to catch a glimpse of her.
Even a glimpse was enough.
But now… what should he do?
Francis gripped his phone so tightly his knuckles whitened, his brother’s words echoing in his ears.
…
Saturday night.
After Jenna fell asleep, Sherilyn slipped out to meet Joyce.
They’d arranged to meet at a quiet bar on Riverbank Street.
Sherilyn, over here!
Joyce was already waiting when Sherilyn arrived—and she wasn’t alone. Seated beside her was a man Sherilyn knew well: Joyce’s cousin, Nanson Cooper.
Sherilyn smiled, quickening her steps. Sorry I’m late.”
You’re not late, we’re just early. For once, I got here first-took the night off after a long shift yesterday, so I thought I’d wait for you for a change…
Sherilyn took a seat, offering Nanson a polite nod and a smile. Mr. Cooper, it’s been a while. Sorry to trouble you again.
It’s good to see you, Nanson replied warmly. But there’s no trouble at all. I should be thanking you for bringing me business.
Oh, but you-
Oh, stop! Joyce broke in with a laugh. You two are way too polite. Come on, we’re all friends here just relax.
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