Sadie meticulously dodged

roup, it was almost unbelievable

y, determined to finis

he divorce was finalized-then hand in her

e, clutching a box of Laura's favorite pastries, made he

er of many years, still resided within the

om the school grounds to the apartment building, she

re?" he inquired, his eyeb

look at him, her face m

about you?" she replied, her tone

even further, his fa

u around. Noa-uh, I mean, I

af of documents. "I'm currently involved

came here once or twice a year during my childhood, so it's likely we

tinue on her way, Laura emerged from the apart

ched him, laying a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Young man, wh

ng, cautiously responded, "Oh, you're Sadie's gran

to make Laura's smile

g her that this cheerful encounter might soon take an awkward tur

chuckled. "What do you mean, 'no'? You've brough

louded Alex

a moment t

ke things th

clear the air, but Laura cut h

g as she ushered them into the building. Their path was ma

"My granddaughter's boyfrien

ctant resignation, a silent communication fill

tinged with embarrassment. "I mentioned to Grandma

ok it more gracefully

, "It's fine. Let her enjoy her misund

t Sadie understood

ce softening with concern. "If you

hful social circle, her eyes shimmering with a b

grace, she gradually faded from the gath

ok another unexpected turn

ura murmured, gesturing for Sadie to tak

two-bedroom with an invitingly spacious living roo

well," Laura remarked, her hands wrapped

ing her grandmother glow with happiness for the first time

't mind-my grandma absolutely loves to chat. And thank you for everything today-seei

aracter. I remember hearing tales of the strict 'Iron Lady' teacher

amlessly until they reached

corted Sadie to the ent

up the stairs, a sudden misstep caused her to tw

was palpable as he quickly stepped forward

n unexpected fist swung through the air, c

lex's voice was sharp, his disbel

eturned a punch, drive

destepped, his eyes narrowing into slit

you wit

t, but before he could stitch his words

with him anymore," she declared firmly, her voice tinged

loser, inspecting Alex's face for injuries.

hurt because of her filled her

ange was like a match to kindling. A fier

rist with a grip that was both sudden and f

die's protest was sharp as she struggled aga

is voice a mix of concern and command, att

t a chilling glare from Noah th

e dragged Sadie through the h

r open with such force that it swung wild

ed at the damaged door, then

ou?" she demanded, her voice r

er words mockingly, his sneer sharp a