Renee wasn't angry or surprised—she had expected that her friend might not come. After half an hour, almost all the customers in the dessert shop had left except for her. To anybody else, it looked like she was there for the free air-conditioning."Madam, you've been at the shop for more than two hours. Do you need any help?" A waiter came over and asked kindly."I'm waiting for someone." Renee looked up awkwardly and added, "Give me a taro tiramisu.""Umm... Okay." The waiter nodded hesitantly and left.Renee raised her brows, looking around. They couldn't kick her out as long as she kept ordering food. Renee took out her phone and texted her friend. "Aren't you coming? The waiter said I've been here for too long… But it's alright—I'm a shameless person. I'll wait for you." She sent the message, but didn't get a reply. Night was nearing, and the waiter kept glancing at Renee expectantly.Finally, the windchime at the door rang as the door opened, and someone walked in."Welc
Joanne stared at Renee contemplatively. "Just tell me what you want since you were so determined to meet me." It was not the first time Renee had asked Joanne out for coffee, and Joanne usually ignored all her texts. She knew Renee hadn't expected her to show up.Renee sighed dramatically. "We escaped death together, but you still don't trust me. I just want to talk to you, so there's no need to be so suspicious!" Renee smiled at Joanne warmly, speaking like she was an old friend."Really?" Joanne relaxed slightly. She picked up the glass of lemon water in front of her and sipped it."Why should I lie?" Renee added sincerely, "You might not consider me a friend, but I see you as one. I've always wanted to talk to you over coffee." Joanne pursed her lips, then lowered her head and stirred her drink absent-mindedly. "How have you been lately? I heard that... you got into trouble. You almost died, didn't you?""That's right." Renee nodded. "Honestly, my days have been full of ups an
Renee munched on a soft cake as she casually asked Joanne.The smile on Joanne's face froze, and her gaze turned icy. "Why are you asking?" "I'm just asking; I don't have any hidden agenda, I promise." Renee put two fingers together and said seriously. "I swear I'm just concerned about you as a friend. If I lie, let me be struck by lightning.""There you go again!" Joanne immediately frowned. "Stop saying such unlucky things!""What else can I do? I have to prove my innocence so you won't be so guarded around me." Renee shrugged and pouted."Fine, but just keep it to yourself." Joanne took a deep breath and confessed, "I've been working as a language teacher at an elementary school. Mr. Hunt helped me get the job. He even bought a three-bedroom house for me near the school. I spend the day with my students, and go home to watch dramas or scroll through my phone at night. It's calm and peaceful... It's the happiest I've been in years." Joanne felt like she had been reborn. She did
The air seemed to crackle with tension. Joanne said nothing as she took a tissue to wipe her lips, then stood up to leave with her bag."Hey, Joanne! What are you doing..." Renee immediately gripped Joanne's wrist and smiled charmingly. "I was just messing with you, you don't have to answer if you don't want to. Why are you getting upset?""Why did you bring it up if you know I don't like to talk about it? It's like you want me to leave!" Joanne snapped, her previous warmth instantly gone. "It's a special treatment!" Renee pursed her lips, sounding serious.Joanne frowned. "What's that?" "Immunotherapy!" Renee cleared her throat and elaborated, "You know, people couldn't cure fever in the past. The only resolution was to keep getting fever until their bodies built antibodies to fight off bacteria. After a while, less people fell sick, and finally, there was no disease in that area.""What kind of crap is that? Does it have anything to do... with you mentioning that person?" Joa
Renee sounded like she was exaggerating Quinton's good sides and ignoring his flaws, but what she said was the truth. The current Quinton was not as extreme and cruel as he used to be, which might have been because of the love Renee and the kids showed him. He had become a rational, gentle, and kind person, so Renee wanted to meet Joanne because she hoped to bring them together. Even if they didn't get together, she would be happy if they resolved the grudge between them. She knew that Quinton hadn't forgotten about Joanne, and she didn't forget him either; They were just waiting for a chance, which Renee shamelessly saw herself as."He stopped... hating Mr. Hunt?" Joanne's eyes widened in disbelief. She had grown up with Quinton and had witnessed the worst sides of him. How could a vengeful person like him let go of his hatred that easily?"Why would I lie to you?" Renee sounded firm. "Not only did he let go of his hatred, they've become acquaintances. But they aren't on the best of
Defeated, Renee returned to Everheart Manor, feeling glum. At that moment, Everheart Manor was filled with a rare liveliness and warmth. Adie had recovered and left the hospital, so Quinton and Leia were holding a small family gathering. Their close friends were there too, but they hadn't mentioned anything to Renee—they were waiting for her to come back to surprise her. However, as time passed, their excitement died down, and they soon grew hungry.When Renee opened the door, everyone cheered and clapped excitedly."Great! Ren is home. Let's eat!" Leia waved at the others, gesturing for them to take their seats."This is…" Renee picked a piece of confetti from her hair, looking confused. "What day is it today? What is everyone doing here?""It's just an ordinary day, but it's a happy one!" Quinton led Renee into the house and gave her a large sunflower bouquet. "Renee, you and the kids have suffered a lot recently. I hope that you three can be happy every day from now on. Don't
Everyone's eagerness turned into disappointment.Leia frowned and glanced at Justin. "You're so stingy, Mr. Baldwin. You rarely get Renee gifts, but the one time you do, you get her a keyboard?"Xavier sighed and said mockingly, "I, for one, am relieved to see Mr. Baldwin's gift. Renee... I think you can wait a little longer if you want to get another man." He had always regarded Justin as Stefan's greatest rival in love, even more so than Jovan. Justin's family background was similar to Stefan's, and they both shared a love of programming. Their characters and tempers were alike too, and they almost seemed like soulmates. However, after seeing Justin's gift, Xavier felt that Stefan didn't have to worry."But the keyboard looks unusual… There must be a special meaning to it!" Quinton looked at the keyboard that Renee was holding approvingly.Renee unpacked the keyboard carefully, as if she was holding some kind of sacred treasure. "Ah, you all don't understand. That isn't a regul
Xavier quietly took his phone out and snapped a photo of Renee hugging Justin. "Yes... Keep it up. Just ignore me, I need to use the washroom." He snuck out of the living room.Xavier walked to a corner and looked around, then went on Facebook and found Stefan's profile. He sent him the photo he had secretly taken just now. "Stefan, don't forget that Renee is close to Justin. I don't care what you're going through, but if you don't stop this, you're going to lose her for real!" Just as he sent the picture, someone snatched his phone from his hands."Who—" He turned around and saw Leia holding his phone. He sighed and said calmly, "Give me back my phone.""No!" Leia took a few steps back and started scrolling through Xavier's chats. "Such a good friend to Stefan… Are you just spending time with us so you can spy for him?" "You make it sound like I'm doing something illegal..." Xavier tried to defend himself. "I make friends everywhere I go. Stefan is my buddy and Renee is my good f