44 I'll Let You Go

Evening, at Home.

“Marco is back. The chef made your favorite dishes today. I’ve noticed you’ve lost some weight recently, so make sure to eat well.”

For the first time, I observed this woman carefully—Harper’s mother. Unlike my own mother, she lacked elegance, but she exuded warmth, perhaps where Harper inherited her lively nature. Only when dealing with me did Harper reveal that cold, resistant side of herself.

“Thank you,” I replied, and Harper’s mother exchanged a glance with my father. I pretended not to notice.

After dinner, I headed to the study.

“Is Harper with you?” my father asked as soon as I entered.

“Is there something you need?”

“Don't play dumb, Marco. Someone told me something, and your mother has been worried about Harper.”

“Harper’s at Cambridge, isn’t she? I’ve been back to handle some matters and haven't kept track of her.”

“Tell me the truth, Marco.” Without even lifting his eyes, he threw a file that was at hand, striking me across the forehead, causing a sharp s