Jacob's eyes widened. She had said this before, but he hadn't paid attention. This time, his heart tightened.After a moment, his expression darkened. "Don't say such things.""My mom told me, if you like someone, you should tell them. You should cherish them, stick to them, and make them happy. Life is short, and if you don't say it, you might never get the chance."Ivana brought her delicate face closer to his. "So, can I sing now?"Jacob didn't respond immediately. He could handle the most complex data, but Ivana's straightforward affection left him at a loss. After a long pause, he said quietly, "Do as you wish," and closed his eyes again.As he did, he felt the bed shift slightly under her weight. Then, a gentle song filled the room.She was right; her voice was beautiful. Though he didn't understand the foreign words, the melody was soothing, like a warm hand calming his fatigue and restlessness.Ivana sang softly for a while un

Ben stood there for a few seconds, then hurried into the locker room with his clothes.Andrew and Tony had just gotten into the car when Ben came rushing out, still looking flustered. He had his boots on the wrong feet, and his shirt was buttoned wrong.As soon as he got in the car, Ben slammed the door and looked at them, out of breath."Explain. Now."His handsome face was full of tension and curiosity, his hands clenched into little fists on his knees, staring at them intently.Tony cleared his throat.Then he looked at Andrew."Maybe you should explain."Andrew nodded.He turned to Ben and said, "As you can see, Tony and I are together."Ben's expression froze for a moment, then turned to confusion."Huh? Together?" Ben was startled. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?!"Andrew pressed the gas pedal, speaking slowly. "Yes."Ben was speechless. "But, Andrew, you do realize Tony's a

"Hotel?!" Ben took a deep breath, his mind racing with images before he shook his head to clear it.He had another thought. "So John knows about their relationship too?""Yeah, he's known for a while."Ben furrowed his brow, suddenly feeling like an idiot. Damn it. He thought he was the first to know Andrew's big secret!At that moment, a voice called out from the entrance. "Dad."Everyone in the living room turned to see Colin standing at the door, wearing a white t-shirt, looking as handsome as the moon and exuding a cool aura. Beside him stood Leah in a pure white dress, cinched at the waist with a black belt that highlighted her slender figure. She wore white sneakers, and her slightly curled chestnut hair flowed behind her, framing a doll-like face.James's eyes lit up. He had seen Leah's photos before and thought she was beautiful, but in person, she was even more stunning!"You're here! Come in!" James couldn't hide his smile.

Ben sat there, looking dejected. "It's not salt. Those are my tears."James was baffled. "What nonsense are you spouting?""Sorry, Dad. I'm just not feeling well today. I've been crying a lot, and I'm a bit dizzy.""Dizzy?" James's eyebrow twitched in irritation.If it weren't for the guests, he would have taken off his shoe and given Ben a good thrashing. But seeing that Ben seemed genuinely upset and alone, he decided to cut him some slack.James's tone softened. "Alright, let's just eat. Everyone, help yourselves. We're family here, so dig in."The guests nodded and picked up their forks, starting to eat.Tony and Leah, tasting Ben's cooking for the first time, were impressed."This steak is really good, probably the best I've ever had," Tony said.Andrew, sitting beside him, whispered, "If you like it, I can learn to cook too.""I get it, but stop holding my hand under the table. There are people watching."

Liora's voice was soft and seductive. Ben swallowed hard, ready to kiss her again when his phone rang. Startled, he pulled away."Hold on, my phone's ringing..."He answered the call, his expression changing as he listened. He replied a few times and then hung up, looking crestfallen."It’s the production team... They need me back this afternoon.""This afternoon?""Yeah." Ben checked the time, his face full of disappointment. "Looks like we won't get to be together tonight after all."As he spoke, his eyes lingered on Liora's perfect figure, his frustration clear.Liora picked up her phone from the side table and checked the time."Forty minutes left before I start work."Hearing this, Ben felt a wave of sadness wash over him.Did this mean he only had forty minutes left to spend with Liora today?Ben suddenly felt a tightening around his neck. Liora had wrapped one arm around it, her other hand brushing t