LOGINEli and David’s relationship slowly began to enter a more serious stage. Eli was becoming accustomed to having the man in her daily life. She began to recognize David’s habits, knew what food he liked, knew when he was tired after practice, and even knew when David simply needed someone to listen to
Eli approached them with a questioning look at David. Hadn’t her boyfriend said he had practice for the competition preparation two months from now?"You're here?"Natalie nodded. "David actually got here first."David smiled faintly. "I happened to be nearby."Natalie immediately interrupted, "He’s
Since the incident at Claire Bakery, Eli and Natalie’s relationship had actually grown closer. Because Natalie and David had been best friends since childhood, having Natalie around made it easier for Eli to adjust to David’s circle of friends.They began spending more time together on campus. Somet
“I can walk by myself,” Natalie said when David began to bend down.“Don’t be stubborn.”Before Natalie could object, David had already scooped her up in both arms. His movement was so easy and familiar. Natalie instinctively wrapped both arms around David’s neck and rested her head against his ches
As soon as she entered Claire Bakery, Eli immediately realized that the place was much busier than she had imagined. Several of David’s friends from the basketball team had already gathered around one of the large tables. There were also several students from their classes talking and laughing toget
“But what happened?”David sighed. “Eli, don’t make everything complicated. We don’t have much time.”The girl fell silent.She actually still wanted to look at a few more shelves. There was one section she had been wanting to visit for a long time. She even wanted to look for a particular book that
As always, Chase was the perfect gentleman—pulling out a chair for Althea, making sure she was seated comfortably before turning his attention to Josh. He gently helped the little boy settle in, trying his best to ease any discomfort in this unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers.Throughout dinn
Was that request respected? Of course not.Kate wasted no time turning to Lena. “Open it,” she ordered flatly.Felicia and Kalina were already waiting, all too eager to carry out their mother’s command. Lena, who had spent the morning helping Althea tidy the room and bring down her luggage, hesitate
“Then I’ll see you at the house, Mr. Miller,” Selena said with a slight, polite bow. “And you—don’t forget to say your goodbyes to your grandparents. Don’t let them think you don’t want to spend time with them.”Her words made Eli turn and stare at her mother in disbelief. Even so, she did what she
“I didn’t realize you two were close,” Althea said, shifting slightly in her seat so she could speak more comfortably with Josh.The car rolled away from the restaurant at an easy pace. City lights flickered on one by one, their reflections sliding across the windows. Josh sat quietly in the passeng







