Chapter 545

Xander had not expected Abigail to bring up Nathan, and it set off a flicker of unease within him. "Why the sudden question?"

Abigail managed a small, forced smile. "Just looking to understand him better, from another perspective."

Her smile did not reach her eyes; Xander noticed but did not press. "I've told you before, Nathan and I are very close, almost like one person. If you ever need something from him and can't reach him directly, you can always tell me."

"And how did you meet?" Abigail asked. "The Harts are just average folks, hardly noteworthy in Florivera."

With practiced ease, Xander spun a tale. "Our grandmas were close friends. They would often arrange for us to play together, so we've known each other since we were children."

"Oh..." Abigail let out a soft sound, then switched gears. "And your wife? You've been ill, and yet she hasn't been by your side?"

"She wasn't aware of my illness initially. Once she found out, she came straight away," Xander replied.

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