C93 Different Hearts

The video call remained silent for several moments after Laura's last question. The three of them stared at one another through their screens, each trying to think of a solution.

Finally, Laura let out a deep sigh. "I... I don't think I should tell my father." Alicia and I looked at her. Laura lowered her head before explaining. "My father has always been strict when it comes to relationships. If I suddenly tell him that I'm dating someone, especially after a picture like this has already started spreading, he might oppose us before even hearing the whole story."

She clenched her hands nervously. "I don't want him to misunderstand Mike." I nodded slowly. "I understand." Alicia also agreed. "Until we know who's behind this, telling him now might only make things worse." Laura forced a small smile. "Let's pretend we don't know about the picture for now. If my father asks us directly, then we'll explain everything honestly."

I thought for a moment before nodding. "That sounds like the safest choice." Although none of us were completely convinced, it was the only plan they had. After discussing a few more possibilities, we agreed to stay alert in case the situation escalated. Once the call ended, all three of us remained uneasy. Yesterday had been filled with laughter. Today had begun with uncertainty.

Thousands of kilometers away, Chris was finally on his flight home from England. He leaned comfortably against the airplane window, watching the clouds drift beneath him. A faint smile never left his face. His trip had been far more memorable than he had imagined. He had watched Sarah graduate. He had explored England with her.

They had laughed together, argued playfully, gone on dates, and shared quiet moments. Most importantly... They slept together and this time he wasn't drugged so he knew everything that happened. But he still did not confessed the feelings he had hidden for a long time. He unlocked his phone and looked through the pictures they had taken together yesterday.

There was one where Sarah was pretending to be angry after he stole a bite of her dessert. Another showed her laughing freely while standing beside the River Thames. The last picture was his favorite. Sarah was smiling softly while holding his hand during graduation's photoshoot. Chris gently rubbed the screen with his thumb. "I'll see you again soon."

Remembering that scene made Chris laugh to himself once more. Several passengers glanced at him curiously. He didn't care. For the first time in years, he truly understood what happiness felt like.

Meanwhile Sarah was packing her luggage, her aunt was in tears as she bid farewell to her. All these years studying abroad she had looked after sarah her brothers doted daughter. But now she was finally returning home. Sarah's flight was in the aftermoon unlike Chris who was already on his way. She was very happy after spending yesterday's day with Chris and what worse was that they did it again but this time Sarah had no regrets. She enjoyed it.

Back in the Wood family home, however, the atmosphere was completely different. Ben quietly sat at the dining table. His breakfast had already gone cold. Ever since that confrontation, Samantha moved into the bedroom in the far corner, his bedroom had become strangely quiet for him. He had once wished for peace. Now he realized loneliness was far worse.

Every morning he instinctively looked toward the bedroom where Samantha stay in. Every evening he found himself expecting Monica's cry to echo through the room. Instead... There was only silence. He slowly picked up his cup of coffee before putting it back down untouched.

In the table on he was quiet, while Tracy, Samantha And kelvin ate happily opposite him. Kelvin looked happier than anyone had seen him in a long time. "Sarah will finally be home today." His smile never disappeared. Tracy smiled just as brightly. "Our daughter is finally coming back."

She still remembered asking Sarah if they should attend her graduation ceremony. Sarah had refused. Neither she nor Kelvin had known that Chris had secretly flown to England to surprise her. Thinking about it now, Tracy couldn't help smiling. "I wonder how was her graduation." Kelvin chuckled. "I just want to see her safely home."

As breakfast continued, something unexpected happened. Kelvin looked toward Ben. "So... Aren't you excited your sister is coming back home?" Ben froze. He blinked twice. For several seconds he simply stared at his father. It had been a week since Kelvin had spoken to him, let alone so casually.

Ever since their confrontation, meals had become painfully silent. They would eat together without exchanging a single sentence. Even Tracy had rarely spoken. Today was different. Seeing Ben's surprised expression, Tracy smiled gently. "What are you looking at? Your father asked you a question."

Ben quickly recovered. "I am.. just that last time she left because of me." "And she did not invite me to her graduation, I am afraid she might still be angry." Kelvin nodded. "That's good. That why you have to apologize clearly to her." Although the conversation was short, it warmed Ben's heart. Perhaps... Things were finally beginning to heal.

After breakfast, Samantha busied herself helping Tracy prepare lunch. Over the past few weeks, she had slowly become accustomed to living with the Wood family. The nervousness she once felt had gradually disappeared. Tracy treated her like her own daughter. Even the servants had begun smiling whenever they saw her.

Nearby, little Monica sat happily in a baby chair. Compared to before, she had grown considerably. She could now sit up by herself, although she still occasionally lost her balance. Seeing her adorable movements made everyone laugh. Kelvin walked over immediately. "Come to Grandpa." Monica reached both tiny hands toward him.

He carefully lifted her into his arms. "My precious granddaughter." He gently bounced her up and down until she burst into cheerful laughter. Watching them together brought a smile to Samantha's face. Kelvin adored Monica so much that it naturally extended to Samantha as well.

He constantly reminded the servants to prepare nutritious meals for her and made sure she never lacked anything. Sometimes Samantha wondered if she had really become part of the family. Those doubts disappeared every time Kelvin proudly introduced Monica as his granddaughter.

Tracy looked at Samantha while chopping vegetables. "Only two more weeks." Samantha blinked. "The wedding." A faint blush appeared on Samantha's cheeks. "It still feels unreal." Tracy smiled warmly. "You've already become part of this family." " I hope one day you can forgive Ben and start everything afresh." Kelvin nodded while still holding Monica. "Two weeks from now, we'll officially welcome you as our daughter-in-law."

Samantha lowered her head shyly. "Thank you... Father... Mother." "I maybe as time goes we don't know. But don't worry mother as long as he worked hard anything can happen" The words still felt unfamiliar, but saying them filled her heart with warmth.

Ben overheard her words as he was passing by. Guilt filled her. Her heart went cold. Eversince she left his room. He had never tried anything , 6 days have passed. But still he never had the courage to apologize. However now was not the time. Everyone was looking forward to Sarah's return. Everyone was preparing for the upcoming wedding. Personal Agendas can wait.

However, he wondered what would happen when the postor say "kiss the bride. Would she agree? If she refused everyone would make fun of him and If they don't do it Everyone will ask why it was skipped. Should he cancel the wedding." His feelings were complicated.