N Laugh.


    As dusk settled, the group of friends decided it was time to head home after a fun-


    filled evening.


    Nathaniel, who was hosting this gathering at a private club, saw everyone off at the entrance until only a few remained.


    He watched Giselle get into Lysander''s car and couldn''t resist pulling Lysander aside for a quiet word.


    "Come on, you owe me an exnation. What exactly are your intentions with Giselle?"


    Among their circle, Giselle was affectionately known as "Sis Giselle" because she was a bit older and always known for herpetence since childhood.


    Lysander nced at him, his expression clear and sober under the moonlight, his voice steady. "Why does it matter to you?"


    Nathaniel felt his irritation rising. "We''re like brothers! Of course, it matters to me." "Giselle''s practically family to me, too. Can''t I show a little concern?"


    "Listen, if you really have feelings for her, you should sort out your marriage first. It''s not fair to keep things ambiguous."


    "You don''t want things getting messy on both sides, do you? You''d be the one with the headache."


    Lysander''s gaze was icy. "Mind your own business. Maybe you should sort out your family issues first."


    Nathaniel let out a frustratedugh.


    "Seriously, I''m trying to have a real conversation here, and you''re stabbing me in the heart."


    He knew his family, the Pembrokes, had their own share of drama—a tangled mess of unresolved issues spanning years. Did he really need reminding?


    Unable to hold back, Nathaniel gave Lysander a yful punch on the shoulder. They''d been friends for years, after all. Despite the tension, he offered some heartfelt advice.


    "I''m serious."


    "You know about my family. Remember how my dad''s endless affairs made such a scene? My mom left for another country and hasn''t spoken to him in years. She didn''t even care when my sister was in trouble. Our family nearly fell apart."


    "Trust me, trying to have it all isn''t as easy as it seems."


    Lysander chuckled, a mysterious glint in his eyes under the moonlight. "That''s because your old man couldn''t handle it. I''m not him."


    Nathaniel paused for a couple of seconds before eximing, "Get lost!" Maybe he should have kept his mouth shut.


    Some people just won''t listen to reason!


    The start of the school year.


    M was up early, getting Julian ready for his first day at school. The little boy was off to join his peers atst.


    Although he was already eight, Julian had never attended a regr school due to his shy nature. Nathaniel had arranged for private tutors at home, but he knew interacting with other kids was important.


    Seeing Julian had made progress, Nathaniel felt it was time to introduce him to school life, hoping he''d make friends and be more outgoing.


    When Nathaniel arrived, Julian was already wearing his backpack, waiting eagerly.


    Despite not expecting much, Nathaniel invited M to join him in taking Julian to school. He still felt a little uneasy.


    M declined the offer.


    Until the court hearings were over, no one would tear her away from the hospital. It had be her second home.


    But seeing Julian''s hesitant, longing face, she moved closer, crouched down, and gently kissed his soft cheek, offering quiet encouragement.


    "Julian, you''re amazing. You can do this, right?"


    Julian''s eyes sparkled as he nodded earnestly. Before M could rise, he leaned in and nted a kiss on her cheek, softly whispering,