the living room like a child waiting for Christmas morning. A wide, gleaming smile lit up her face. "My God,

with a quiet concern. His wife just

ently. "But they're grown.

lly happening-my hopes are sky-high, and yours should be too. Besides, what does Son know about lov

. But the door was locked-again. Five days now, not a word from him. He had shut the world out, eve

erything, lighting the spar

creaked open. The sight stopped her breath, sending chills down her spine.

ll me you've been sulking over that little

oftened, brightened with renewed excitement. "Anyway, I'

d of guilt and regret. Audrey's tear-streaked face haunted him. Max's wo

___________

school together, celebrated victories, and mourned failures. Greg had helpe

good?" Max greete

Bill replied

ace. What's going on? You know I'm here for you," M

tened intently, though familiar with the situation,

is the 21st century. Our parents can't keep us under their thumb forever. But you also need to be sure of Audrey's love for you. I'm not saying she doe

o-I have emer

ater had been poured over him under the

But the seed had been planted.

arp voice ya

t a response. You're just sulking away. Yo

murmured, blinking

l stand in for him. That's final." Her hands flew to her hips in a dram

look your hi

ft, heels clickin

ll carried warmth. The girl was sweet. But not good enough. Not for her son. Not for Conste

m, dialed a number, her

came a po

, "she said, trying to

pardon my manners, ma'am," the v

r tone steely. "Talk to your daughter. Make her

ing her saliva, which has clustere

afternoon, I had better pretend that

he said, adju

erously-to keep her away. Pl

ne wen

d as she clutched the phone, Melissa's

room. Audrey had been a shadow of hersel

ing to kill her mother with worry. Every inch

ice cracked like dry

a sarcastic laugh. Beatrice raised

't be joking at this

himpered, letting out th

he tears, the bro

..

s top-notch. Melissa couldn't contain her Joy as she had announced to everyone who gave her ears that her da

ork in Constellar, it never came as a surprise to Greg, fully knowing that hi

the States. The clinking of glasses and faint laughter floated through the air, mingling with the rich aroma that filled the dining space. Throughout the date, he f

cover up for her son, who went mute from the onset

er presence was magnetic. She carried herself effortlessly with such elega

her fingers delicately reaching for her Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse. The purs

care of it," Melissa replied, her voice s

ss the table, the sparkle in her eyes with a mix of intelligence and mischief, pulled him in despite his desire to remain aloof. It struck him tha

t her presence. He recalled snippets of their previous interactions-her sharp wit and the little kindness she had offered on previous occasion

ror, pondering the significance of the luxury she surrounded herself with. He clenched his jaw, battling the urge to

d the car to a U-turn as if he was awoken into co

g ride of Romeo a