In the courtyard below, Delh was busy as a bee, moving things around with a determined focus.


    Nick stepped out onto the balcony, casually leaning against the railing as he watched her. He didn''t want to interrupt her flow.


    The winter breeze tousled his hair, making it look a tad wild. In hisfy loungewear, the slightly open cor revealed glimpses of scars, hinting at untold stories. He hugged himself for warmth before heading back inside.


    Checking his phone, Nick''s eyebrows shot up in surprise.


    He''d slept from seven in the morning until well past four in the afternoon without burning any sage or popping any sleeping pills—just relying on a few well-ced acupuncture needles from his sister. He''d tried alternative medicine before, but nothing ever worked, so he''d given up. His sister''s skills, however, seemed to be the real deal.


    Gathering himself, Nick changed into fresh clothes and headed downstairs.


    Just as she was taking off her apron, Delh spotted him. "Lynx, you''re up."


    He nodded, poured himself a ss of warm water, and leaned against the kitchen counter. Seeing that his mom was still tidying up, he asked, "We expectingpany?"


    While arranging flowers in a vase, Delh didn''t look up as she replied, "Yep, a friend of mine ising over with her daughter for dinner."


    Nick''s curiosity piqued at the mention of a daughter.


    After setting the vase just right, Delh turned to him, gesturing towards the kitchen. "By the way, there''s food ready for you. Your sister messaged me earlier, said you''d probably wake up around this time-uncanny, really."


    She shook her head, still amazed.


    Nick stood there, momentarily lost in thought, an unusual feeling rising within him. It was rare for someone who''d lived abroad for so long, in a home filled more with cold, impersonal gadgets than with warmth, to receive such personal care.


    Seeing him deep in thought, Delh didn''t call out to him again. Instead, she brought the food to the table. "Eat up. My friend and her daughter will be here soon, and I still need to spruce the ce up a bit-gotta make a good impression on the youngdy..."


    She continued mumbling to herself as she left the dining area.


    Snapping back to reality, Nick heard the phrase ''make a good impression on the youngdy'' echoing in his ears. So, this wasn''t just an ordinary dinner.


    **


    After school, Shawn picked up his daughter. Today, he was humming a tune in the car, which was pretty rare.


    Mirabe smoothed her coat and nced at Shawn. "You seem to be in a good mood today."


    Shawn, gripping the steering wheel, straightened up and cleared his throat. "Stock market''s up. Made a bit of money."


    Mirabe couldn''t help but smirk, suspecting that ''a bit of money'' was quite the understatement. It reminded her of how he had casually described their multimillion-dor car as ''not too expensive.''


    "Company''sing over tonight," Shawn remembered, informing his daughter.


    Her eyebrows lifted; this was the first time she''d heard of guests visiting their home. "Rtives?"


    Shawn nced at her. "ying matchmaker for your brother Zach."


    Mirabe coughed discreetly.


    From attendingrge matchmaking events to now hosting one at home, it seemed Zach was destined to meet someone.


    "Zach isn''t getting any younger; it''s time he found someone," Mirabe stated


    earnestly, as if discussing a matter of great importance.


    "Couldn''t agree more," Shawn nodded with genuine approval.


    After all, Zach was the one who stuck out in the family.


    Mirabe turned to gaze out the car window, then faced her father again with a question. "Dad, how did Nick''s insomnia and phobias start?"


    She hoped to learn more before the evening unfolded, the anticipation of new chapters waiting to be written.