<h4>Chapter 285: Help</h4>


    "Thank you so much foring, Mnie," Marianna said warmly as she set the teacup down beside the papers and stared at the girl in front of her, almost unable to move her eyes. "I was really looking forward to this. I know it’s a bit of an imposition, especially with your schedule... but I truly value your input."


    Mnie gave a polite smile and shook her head, a smile on her face, which was more out of reflec than it was genuine as she continued, "It’s no problem. I’m just not entirely sure I’m the best person for this sort of thing. I don’t really have a lot of experience with interiors oryout choices. Not in this kind of setting, at least."


    Marianna tilted her head, her eyes kind. "That might be exactly why I want your input."


    Mnie looked up, slightly confused.


    "I mean it. Last time when you saw the pictures and suggested the changes, suddenly made sense. Everything you’ve suggested so far-whether you realised it or not- has made me feel exactly why this house never felt like home. And whenever I imagine the changes you’ve suggested, it feels like his house will feel more like a home again. Even thatment you madest time about the sitting area feeling too formal and old fashioned, I wanted that changed, and it feels warmer now. Less stiff."


    Mnie gave a faint, almost reluctant smile as she looked around the small study, curious at the homely feel of it, different from the rest of the house, "That wasn’t a suggestion really. It was more of an observation. But this ce... you’ve emptied the entire house and not touched a single thing here. Why?"


    Marianne nced around at the study and smiled and then at the framed picture on the desk.," I dare not change anything here. This is my husband’s domain that he lets me use all the time. But if I make changes, he might actually ban me from entering."


    Mnie grinned at that and nodded," I can understand that. Men can be guarded about their territories."


    That’s exactly what I appreciate. See, you understand me. It is why I am choosing you. I’d rather something feel a little mismatched, a little lived-in... than have it look like it belongs in a showroom catalogue. There’s something cold about that kind of perfection. It doesn’t suit this house. Or me. Now, I love this room and it has been done up by him, who doesn’t know anything about colour coordination. I think we get used to assuming that only the experts know best. But sometimes, an honest reaction, a fresh pair of eyes, is worth just as much, if not more. That’s what you’ve given me."


    She stood up then, and almost pped her hands," See this. These pictures were taken so many years ago, but he insists on keeping them here. I’ve tried telling him so many times that we should add some of out new pictures rather than these almost faded ones from two decades ago, but he insists. Come, Mnie. See this."


    Mnie stood up and walked towards the bookshelves with the pictures slowly and smiled," Actually, these pictures are just perfect. No wonder your husband insists on keeping them. You looked beautiful, Miss Thomas."


    Marianne rolled her eyes," Stop with that Miss Thomas thing, I’ve already told you that. And thank you for thepliment... But most days I am embarrased by the pictures. I look so smitten with him."


    Mnie tilted her head. "You two look so... at ease."


    Marianne smiled. "That one’s from Florence. He alwaysined about the heat, but I think that’s the happiest he ever looked on camera." Even as she said this, she tried to look at Mnie. This was actually theirst vacation before Mnie had been taken away. She had millions of pictures with the three of them... She could not help but wonder if Mnie remembered this.


    But as her gaze shifted to the second photo, Marianne felt disappointment. Mnie had been her father’s little princess, always crawling into hisp when he returned. She had hoped that she would actually recognise him. This next was more candid-taken indoors, at Mnie’s second birthday party. She knew it was too much to expect her to remember but she was hoping she did.


    Then came the third photo and she watched Mnie pause and get a frown on her face.


    Then came the third photo, and Marianna’s eyes locked on Mnie’s expression.


    She saw it—that tiny shift.


    Mnie leaned forward slightly, her gaze narrowing, a faint frown settling between her brows. Her lips parted, just a fraction, as if she were about to say something.


    But before the words coulde, her phone buzzed sharply and looked down at the screen and replied to whatever message she had received... Marianne watched her, hoping that she would go back to the photo instantly but instead, she looked up at her and said, "Miss Thomas. I’ve already seen the entire house and taken the notes we might need. I’ll definitely share a few curated selections with you- some vintage pieces, and maybe even a couple of signature items from Mr. Nate Denoit himself. His studio justunched a new linest week. I think you might like them."


    Marianne opened her mouth to respond, to stop her, but Mnie was already reaching for her bag.


    "I’ll take my leave now," she added with a polite, almost rushed smile. "There are a few more meetings I need to get to today, and I don’t want to run behind."


    "Mnie—wait," Marianna said, stopping her hurriedly, "Would you mind staying just a few more minutes? There’s someone-"


    "I’m really sorry, but I can’t," Mnie interrupted her and said slowly, "I’ve overrun two schedules this week already. If I don’t leave now, I’ll bete for the next client."


    Marianne tried again, her heart starting to race. Her husband had been dyed. And if he missed Mnie, he would be disappointed, "Just five minutes. He-"


    But Mnie was already opening the front door.


    And there he stood.


    The man on the other side of the threshold was tall, broad-shouldered, his expression mild but unreadable. He held a folder in one hand and had clearly just raised the other to ring the bell again.


    For one heartbeat, everything was still.


    Mnie froze in the doorway.


    Her eyesnded on him- and she didn’t move. Her polite smile faltered just slightly, reced by something unreadable. A flicker of something. Surprise? Confusion?


    The man blinked and gave the faintest of nods and Mnie nodded back," You still look the same." The man blinked again, his eyes almost moistening at the words. Did his daughter really remember him?