?Chapter 1193:


    Ellis pressed, “So, what did you two talk about?”


    Freya gave in. “Nothing major, I just shared a few ideas. Eventually, he decided it would be best to make it part of an anniversary celebration for the proposal.”


    Ellis nced out the window as he tried to recall details. To be honest, he had no idea when his parents got engaged. They had celebrated all sorts of anniversaries over the years, but he only remembered their wedding anniversary.


    “If you need help, I’m just a call away,” Ellis reassured Freya, his familiar, mellow tone filling the space. “Always at your service.”


    “That won’t be necessary,” Freya responded without hesitation. “I’d rather handle things myself.”


    There was a silent promise to Caldwell that she couldn’t break by sharing more.


    Already, Ellis seemed to understand the truth behind her silence. A gentle, almost yful look lingered on his face as he teased, “You really don’t y by the rules, do you?”


    “I’ve got something to take care of, so I’ll head out now.” Freya decided it was time to end the conversation. Dragging out the call would only increase the chances she would slip up. Ellis was too good at getting information out of her.


    “Hold on, don’t go yet. I have to fill you in on something.” Ellis recalled his mother’s words and figured he’d better warn her. “She came across your proposal and insists on staying with you for a bit. If that’s not what you want, I’ll handle it for you.”


    “She’s nning to stay at my ce?” Freya picked up on the first part right away.


    “That’s right.”


    “Just the two of us?”


    “Exactly. She wants me out of the house.” Ellis shared every detail. He figured Freya would likely go along with Kendra’s request out of courtesy. But since she wasn’t one for entertaining guests, he thought she might want to avoid the situation.


    “So, when is she arriving? I’lle get her,” Freya blurted out.


    Ellis hadn’t expected her to say yes. For a moment, his handsome features showed a flicker of shock.


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    “Freya…”


    “What is it?”


    “Are you?”


    “What are you getting at?”


    “Are you volunteering for chaos?” Ellis asked, a hint of mischief coloring his words. “Did I stutter, or is your reception acting up?”


    She had actually agreed. Wasn’t she the one who wanted to spend more time with him?


    “Kendra will be family soon enough. Maybe this is our chance to connect,” Freya exined.


    A softugh slipped from Ellis, his voice taking on a sly note. “She already adores you so much that she’d go back thirty years and marry you herself. You really think you need more bonding time?”


    Freya stared at him, puzzled. What was he trying to say?


    “I’m starting to think you want to cause trouble between my parents.” Ellis pressed on, “Want to guess what my mom just told me?”


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