Landon urged everyone to continue, and soon the atmosphere lightened again.


    They all knew that Kieran was capable but was also a man of principles. As long as they didn''t provoke him, he would never make a move against them.


    "Kieran, what''s going on? You''re getting married, but you don''t seem happy?" Landon couldn''t stand seeing him like this. He genuinely liked Kieran, and seeing him upset made him feel ufortable.


    In social circles, he was universally recognized as an essory to Kieran.


    The question hit Kieran hard, making his mood even worse. He certainly couldn''t say he had been told he would get a divorce a yearter, even before his wedding.


    Landon sensed something was wrong. "Kieran, if you ask me, L seems straightforward. You should just be honest with her. Tell her you really like her and that you''re serious about this marriage.


    "Otherwise, she''ll think you''re only marrying to protect her, with nothing but familial feelings and no love. What woman could stand that?"


    Kieran lowered his gaze and silently stared at his ss.


    Landon''s mood was lifted; he had guessed right. He never expected that someone like Kieran, who seemed impervious, would be troubled by love.


    It was true what they said-heroes were no match for beautiful women.


    He was just about to continue when Kieran''s phone rang twice. With a flicker in his eyes, he nced at it and set his ss down on the table.


    "You all continue. The bill''s on me."


    "Huh?" Landon was confused. "Why are you leaving all of a sudden?"


    He hadn''t even had the chance to y the emotional advisor role fully!


    Kieran nced back at him. "I have something to do." With that, he left without looking back.


    Landon muttered angrily, "Who has the nerve to interrupt me? I''ll give them a good beating if I find out who it is."


    Meanwhile, the person causing the disturbance was sitting in the living room of Evergreen Heights. Before her, a small strawberry cake sat on the table.


    She stared at the chat screen, feeling a little lost.


    She could tell that something was off with Kieran today. He had left early this morning; by this time he should have been back, but he hadn''t returned


    Could something she said yesterday make him think of painful memories? Did he not want to see her, or was he just upset?


    L was uncertain, torn between thoughts, and decided to try something. She


    went out and bought a small cake, then sent Kieran a message.


    "Uncle Kieran, I bought you a small cake. When will you be home? Should I put it in the fridge to keep it fresh?"


    She attached a photo of the cake. The reply came slowly, but he did respond. "I''ll be home soon."


    That "soon" meant she waited about 20 minutes. When she heard the door open, she quickly stood up.


    Kieran looked over, their eyes


    meeting briefly before he quicklyet


    lowered his gaze and stared at his shoes. There was nothing unusual about his expression or movements


    "You went out today?" he asked as he walked toward her, his coat casually draped over his arm.


    L nodded. "This morning, the tailor came to take my measurements. Then, I went to the office. On my way back, I bought this little cake for you.


    "Have you eaten yet? If not, you should eat a little now. The cream might be too rich otherwise."


    As she stepped closer, she noticed a faint smell of alcohol on him.


    He looked down at her, pausing momentarily before replying, "Have you eaten? If not, I''ll make something for you."


    He turned toward the kitchen, but she stopped him. "Don''t you need something to wear on the wedding day?"


    Her voice was soft, but the question made Kieran''s heart skip a beat. Did this mean that, perhaps, she was even a little hopeful about this marriage? He remembered what Landon had said and a smaltsmile tugged at his lips.