en and Millie were still children, and t

grew into a guardian who watched over her every step. As she grew u

e slipped out of reach. At nearly the same time, their uncle had mismanaged the company to such an

ast few years, the decline of the company continued,

ger he looked, the more his expression tightened. "Come back home," he said with

l, but it is located downtown, and transportation is convenient," she sa

nderstood that her own heart had not yet recovered. Staying by his side every day would

ut

, but Millie did no

not accomplish anything for myself. Now that I am ending it,

cannot provide for you?" Darren asked, lifting an eyebrow. In

fort can slowly wear a person down." She wanted to explore the world beyond her narrow routi

silent, the unease i

and as if making a promise. "I will

o you truly intend to end things with Darren?" He knew b

ion, Millie gav

further for fear of upsetting her. Instead, he reached out and gently

her arms around him once more. "T

t, he never once turned his back on her. Whenever she needed h

mself. They sat across from each other and shared lunch in a calm and familiar silen

switched on the television and let the noise fill the room. She had been seriously considering what dir

startled her awake. By then, night ha

she glanced at the scree

his reason for calling, she a

ntly at Verve Hotel with Mr. Evans for a business dinner. I happened to see

rose to her feet. "I will be the

coat, hurried outside, and signaled

e room at Verve Hotel. Most of the guests had already left,

around his collar, and his shirt was creased and untidy. He had always paid c

out gentl

her for a brief moment before letting them fall

he had drunk far

Millie asked, "Why are you b

assistant, was usuall

to handle," Ruben repl

to him. "Come on. Let me t

yes drifted shut again. "Give me a moment," he mut

he needed assistance, she stepped out to look for a staff member. As she walked

you ever seen him in a position like this b

g to be patient. Now that his sister is divorcing Mr. Evans, no one feels obligated to be generous

is r

f Ruben slumped over the table flashed through her mind. She turned slightly

soon as she noticed Millie standing there, she released her

Zoey spoke first. "Millie, what a coincide