Chapter 6

Just like in my previous life, the next morning I got up to find breakfast prepared by Stephen on the dining table. He had already left for the office.

This time around, I no longer spent my workday longing for Stephen to call with sweet nothings, as I used to.

I threw myself completely into my work, meticulously handling the translation tasks at hand until they were nearly perfect.

I had lunch at a restaurant near the office. Sitting in a corner of the dining room, I frowned, a trace of worry in my eyes as I contemplated the upcoming family dinner.

How should I deal with the relatives' biting sarcasm?

Was there any way to shut them up and spare my parents the embarrassment?

I turned over various strategies in my mind.

That evening, instead of going home, I went straight to my parents' house.

At a dimly lit turn near the building's entrance, I suddenly ran right into a tall figure.

I lurched forward, my balance shot, and for a split second, I was sure I was about to crash to the floor.

But before I could hit the ground, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me close.

The moment our eyes met, time seemed to stand still. His gaze was deep and bright, especially vivid under the faint light.

My heart started pounding, my face went hot, and in a fluster, I turned away, scanning the hallway to cover up my embarrassment.

I looked back at him, my voice sounding a bit awkward, "Harrison, you're here."

Harrison Green gave a slight nod, responding steadily, "Yeah. Came to report to your dad, Mr. Lacey."

His voice was low and magnetic, unusually clear in the quiet night.

I collected myself, trying to break the awkward atmosphere. "Well, you should head back now."

But he didn't leave immediately. His gaze lingered on me for a moment, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"What is it?" I asked, puzzled.

"You... How have you been lately? You look troubled," he ventured after a slight hesitation.

His words took me by surprise. I hadn't expected him to be so perceptive about my mood.

I forced a faint smile. "It's nothing. Just... Stephen is skipping the family dinner the day after tomorrow, again. It's got me worried."

He frowned slightly, a flicker of concern in his eyes. "It's just a family dinner. It's fine if he doesn't come."

I sighed softly. "Logically, yes, it's not a big deal. It's just the relatives' gossip... It'll make things awkward for my parents. I hate putting them in that position."

Harrison looked at me, thinking it over. "People will talk. You can't control that. Please don't take it all on yourself. Sometimes, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself."

I nodded, suddenly feeling self-conscious about how much I'd shared with Harrison. I lowered my gaze slightly.

After all, we weren't as close as we'd been in childhood, when we could tell each other everything.

Just then, a soft breeze rustled by, tousling my hair.

He instinctively reached out as if to brush it aside, but halfway there, he seemed to realize it might be inappropriate and awkwardly withdrew his hand.

"I... I should head up now," I choked out, the awkwardness suddenly too much to bear. Tossing out the words in a hurry, I turned and almost bolted away.

He remained standing there, watching my retreating figure for a long time without moving.

Harrison and I were the same age. We grew up together on the same military base housing compound, attending the same schools from kindergarten through high school.

We made that walk to school together every single morning, and headed home together every afternoon.

Things started to change in college. He went off to a military academy, and I ended up majoring in languages at another school. Later, with work keeping us both busy, we rarely saw each other.

Then I got married, and we just drifted even further apart.

I hurried upstairs, fished out my keys, and let myself into my parents' place.

"Dad, Mom, I'm here!" I called out, kicking off my shoes as I walked in.

"Hey, sweetie! You must be hungry. Dinner's almost ready," Mom responded happily, leaning out from the kitchen.

I peeked into the kitchen and saw my parents bustling around, the mouthwatering aroma of food filling the air.

I walked into the kitchen and rolled up my sleeves. "Mom, let me give you a hand."

"Come on, sweetheart. Go relax on the couch. It'll be ready soon," Dad said.

Mom shooed me out of the kitchen. "You've been working all day. Go lie down for a bit."

I couldn't help but smile and plopped down on the couch.

In no time at all, dinner was ready. The table was filled with all my favorite dishes.