I didn’t expect Holly to try ying matchmaker. Josh’s cold, expressionless face shed in my


    mind.


    The thought of him so bluntly rejecting my request to switch rooms-so direct and emotionless- made me suddenly feel yful. Without thinking much, I replied, “Sure.”


    I agreed, but it was more out of habit than anything else I didn’t really take it seriously.


    After breakfast, I borrowed a bicycle from Holly and spent the day cycling around the small town.


    By the time I got back home, it was already evening, and I had a new addition to my things: a sketchpad.


    I’d always loved drawing. Before my parents passed away, they had signed me up for dance, painting, singing sses, and even piano lessons.


    But when they were gone, everything stopped. The one thing that didn’t end was drawing, because it was simple-just a pencil and paper.


    Today, while I was out and about, I spent most of my time sketching-a new scene of Tideport.


    My parents’ biggest wish was to return and see the town. Of course, they’d nevere back, but at least I could paint the Tideport of today for them.


    “Zoe, why are you back sote?” Holly noticed me as soon as I walked in, and immediately came over, giving me a yful wink.


    I was a bit confused. “Grandma, you-”


    “Josh’s back. I already talked to him,” she said, ncing toward Josh’s room with a cheeky grin.


    That was when I remembered what she’d said earlier about ying matchmaker. I couldn’t help butugh. “You actually told him? I was just joking.”


    “Don’t joke about things like that,” she said seriously. “I’ve already said it.”


    “Well, what did he say?” I asked casually as I put the bike away,


    “He said he wants to talk to you personally.” She nudged me with a big, knowing smile. “It’s got potential.”


    Iughed. “If it works out, I’ll invite you to the wedding.”


    “Deal. But you better keep your word,” she said, still serious. “Now, go wash up and get ready. I’ll tell Josh to do the same.”


    “No need,” I said with a shrug. “It’s not like we haven’t seen each other before.”


    “This time, it’s different. This is a formal meeting,” she said, making meugh even harder.


    To be honest, I was really enjoying myself here. Especially today. I could wander around freely, draw when I felt like it, and speak my mind without worrying about anything. This was what freedom felt like.


    Even though Holly was a little overbearing, I appreciated her care. I walked into my room, didn’t botherbing my hair or washing my face, and copsed on the bed, pulling out my phone.


    I noticed my WhatsApp had been buzzing with messages all day. I could’ve ignored them, but curiosity got the better of me. The messages were from Myra.


    At that moment, something in me sank. I had to admit, part of me was still hoping to hear from Alvin. Of course, I wasn’t waiting for him to apologize or to get back together.


    But… I’d just disappeared from his life, and he didn’t even bother to check in. It made me feel like a total failure.


    I thought, ‘Even if he only sees me as a colleague or just a family friend, surely he would’ve been a little concerned, right?’


    He would’ve asked how I was doing, like Philip did, calling from halfway around the world just to check in. But Alvin didn’t.


    I opened up Myra’s messages. There were several new ones.


    Myra: [Zoe, is it true you and Mr. Dolton never registered your marriage? Is everything okay between you two?]


    Myra: [I heard rumors at thepany that Mr. Dolton has a mistress. Could it have been the woman he was hugging the other day?]


    Myra: [Zoe, where have you been?]


    Myra: [Did you run away from home? Don’t do anything crazy, there are plenty of men out there…]