I quickly detected her malice beneath the facade of kindness.Her hurtful comment about my painful past stung, and I replied, "You had such a tragic childhood, yet you've managed to achieve success on your own. You're braver than I am."Joey's childhood was a nightmare for her. As soon as I mentioned it, her expression froze."I envy your happy childhood," she said, visibly struggling to control her anger."People who have had fortunate childhoods continue to heal throughout their lives. That's why I was able to move on from my unfortunate marriage so quickly," I responded, returning to my magazine."During that livestream, Max said he wasn't the father of your child. Have you ever thought about finding the man you had sex with?" Joey probed.Initially, I had wanted to find him, but that desire faded over time. Without a child connecting us, there was no reason to be tied to a one-night mistake.Only Wendy and Steven knew that I had been searching for him. I wouldn't share my tr
"Jen, it's just a coincidence. You don't need to thank me!" Penelope said, not taking any credit. She also refrained from commenting on Joey's actions, which touched me even more.Despite her own hardships, Penelope never passed her suffering onto others. She approached everyone with kindness and equanimity. In my eyes, she had become the embodiment of goodness.Not just me, but Wendy also praised her highly, even suggesting she'd introduce Penelope to a successful, gentle-natured boyfriend.I teased, "Wendy, you love matchmaking so much. If you ever quit PR, you could become a professional matchmaker.""I'd only play matchmaker for those closest to my heart, which right now is just you and Penelope! I wouldn't bother for anyone else!" Wendy retorted.Given Wendy's connections, her introductions would surely be promising young men. "I thank you on Penelope's behalf," I said."Don't thank me yet. She may seem gentle, but her actions show she's quite strong-willed. She might alread
The hotel had a comprehensive security system that ensured excellent privacy.Luke's room was an executive suite on the top floor, while mine was a single room on the third floor.After receiving my key card from the reception, I handed Luke his suite card.Luke glanced at my card. "Our rooms aren't on the same floor?""I'm your assistant. Our travel expense standards are different," I explained.If I stayed in an executive suite, the company wouldn't fully reimburse me. Although I could afford it, I believed in spending wisely. Since losing my child, I had been donating monthly to disabled children, trying to make amends."When traveling, I need to ensure your safety. In the future, book a room next to mine," Luke insisted."It's not necessary, Mr. Walker. The Brookshire Hotel is very safe," I replied. The hotel had excellent reviews, although it was expensive."The company will cover all your travel expenses.""Mr. Walker...""It's settled," Luke said firmly. He had planned
From his expression and eyes, I could see that he was very hungry, yet still trying to maintain his dignity.I pushed the pie towards him. "If you don't know the way, perhaps you could tell me about Brookshire's culture and customs instead!"I was determined to give him the pie one way or another."That I'm familiar with," he said, wiping his hands on his clothes before taking the pie. After a bite, he looked at my empty hands. "You gave me your pie. What will you eat?""I'll buy another one," I said, going to purchase two more pies and a cup of milk, worried that one wouldn't be enough for him."It's too much. One pie is plenty," he protested, eating slowly despite his obvious hunger."You'll get thirsty with just the pie. The drink will help," I explained."Well, if you insist," he said gratefully, accepting the milk.We moved to a nearby bench. I wiped it clean with a tissue from my bag.He sat on the edge, careful not to dirty my clothes.After he finished eating, I offer
"Times change and progress demands change."My father used to say similar things."Indeed, times change so fast that us old folks are about to be left behind," he sighed."You're still young, sir!" I encouraged."I feel young, but my mind isn't keeping up," he said, sounding confused."It'll get better," I reassured him, knowing that Alzheimer's has no cure, only treatments to slow its progress and ease symptoms like memory loss, speech difficulties, and loss of self-care ability.Aware of his condition, he gazed at the sunset. "It's a nice day today!"At the police station, I explained the situation. When the grandfather couldn't answer questions about his name and age, the police had to search missing person reports for clues.Worried about wasting my time, he sat nervously. "Go on with your day, miss. I'll listen to the police and wait for my family here.""Alright," I agreed, realizing I couldn't help much in an unfamiliar city.I left my contact information with the offi
"What time exactly?"Luke was always concise."4:30 PM, private room 103.""Ms. Middleton managed to get a reservation at Royal Chef's Restaurant?" Joey's eager voice came through the phone.Joey was in Luke's room? This call couldn't have come at a worse time!Worried I might be interrupting Luke and Joey's private moment, I quickly said, "I was just asking. If you're busy, Mr. Walker, I can go to Royal Chef's by myself."I've had a good appetite lately. I could easily finish a meal for two.Luke replied, "I'll be there on time.""It's so hard to get a table at Royal Chef's," Joey chimed in again before Luke hung up.Knowing the woman Luke liked was staying at the same hotel, yet I still asked him out to dinner - it felt like I was trying to steal him away!I felt a bit uneasy.Five minutes later, my phone rang. It was Joey calling.She liked Luke. Given her personality, she was probably calling to confront me.Things between Luke and me were strictly professional. Worried I might mak
His aura was cool and dignified, exuding an air of restraint. As Wendy would say, just looking at him made you want to tear off all his clothes.Even after being with Max, I'd never seen him undressed. At that thought, an image of Luke without clothes flashed through my mind, making my cheeks flush involuntarily.Afraid Wendy might notice my infatuation, I quickly pushed those inappropriate thoughts away."I wonder if he'd still be so composed with all his clothes off!" Wendy's eyes gleamed mischievously."That challenging task would be up to you, Wendy!" My throat felt dry as I took a sip of coffee, lowering my gaze to hide my emotions."No way, undressing him means taking responsibility. Luke may be handsome, but he's far too dull for my taste. Sweetie, he's your idol. You admire him so much, maybe someday...""Stop right there, Wendy! That day will never come!"I knew Luke and I lived in different worlds. There would never be sparks between us.My mind drifted back to that c
It seemed Luke and Joey had parted on bad terms, not even finishing dinner. My well-intentioned plan had backfired.With Luke's mood still sour, I didn't dare ask what happened between him and Joey. I could only speculate silently.As the staff at the Royal Chef restaurant set the dishes on the table and lifted the covers, I saw gourmet delicacies straight out of a cooking show. The visual impact was so strong, I couldn't wait to taste them."Enjoy your meal," the waiter said."Thank you," Luke replied, tipping the staff member, who then left.Seeing me motionless, Luke asked, "Aren't you hungry?""This restaurant truly lives up to its reputation." After eating a small appetizer earlier and giving up my seat to Joey, I had planned to skip dinner. But now, with so many delicacies before me, my appetite was piqued. I picked up my fork. "They're so exquisite, like works of art. I almost don't want to ruin them.""It's just food. Filling your stomach is more important. Try it and se