On Halloween, Yvonne was at the Istra Television station for their year-end g, performing a festive holiday song on stage with two other singers.


    After the show, Yvonne had just stepped out of the station when she received a call from Monica.


    Knowing her performance was over, Monica invited her over for dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were there, and Mrs. Moore had personally cooked a feast, including homemade beef and celery ravioli.


    Yvonne''s private car was waiting outside the station. After getting in, she gave the driver the Jones family''s address.


    Half an hourter, the car pulled into the Jones'' small courtyard.


    Monica, having heard the car, was alreadying out to greet her.


    "Yvonne''s back! Come in, quick, it''s cold out here," Monica called, waving from the doorway.


    For a moment, Yvonne felt transported back to her youth, when no matter howte she came home, her mother would always leave a light on for her.


    Monica''s hand was warm, too, as she led Yvonne inside.


    The temperature had dropped for the holiday, and the cold outside was enough to make one''s hands and feet go numb. But inside the Jones'' house, the heating was on full st, making it as warm as spring.


    Yvonne was still in the fishtail gown from her performance, her makeup wless, with only a fur coat thrown over it.


    Upon entering, Yvonne took off her coat and handed it to the housekeeper.


    "Well, well, look who it is! Our big star is back. Let me get a good look at you," Mrs. Moore said, walking out from the kitchen with a smile, still wearing her apron from making ravioli.


    "You''re even prettier in person than on TV."


    "Mrs. Moore," Yvonne said sweetly. "Mrs. Jones told me you were making ravioli. Do you need any help? I''m quite good at it."


    "Oh, you just help us eat themter," Mrs. Moore said with a wave of her hand, then headed back to the kitchen to boil the ravioli.


    Yvonne followed Monica into the living room, where Bruce and Mr. Moore were ying chess. Bet stood nearby, refilling their water.


    Yvonne was surprised to see Bet there. He wasn''t in uniform, but wore a simple, unbranded dark gray sweater and ck trousers. The casual attire softened the hard edges of this military bearing ending him the refined air of a nobleman.


    Bet looked up, and their eyes met unexpectedly, a lingering intimacy in their gazes.


    Yvonne smiled faintly before greeting everyone. "Mr. Moore, Mr. Jones... Mr. Thompson."


    "Yvonne''s here!" Bruce and Mr. Moore both smiled warmly at her.


    Bet just gave a faint nod in acknowledgment, acting as if they barely knew each other.


    The formal gown was very impractical, so Monica took her upstairs to find some of her old clothes.


    .nét


    Yvonne had always loved fashion,, and spoiled by her parents and Bet, she had more clothes@ach season than she could ever wear. Many Still had the tags on


    "These were all yours, never even worn. They''re older styles, though, so I hope you don''t mind," Monica said.


    "You always had good taste. These clothes are still in style," Yvonne replied with a smile, picking out a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt with rhinestones.


    She changed, removed her makeup, and tied her long hair into a simple ponytail. The look instantly made her appear younger, like a high school student brimming with youthful. energy.


    After changing, she went downstairs with Monica.


    In the living room, Bruce and Mr. Moore had finished several games of chess. Bruce


    had lost every single one and was ready to throw in the towel.


    "That''s it, that''s it. You should just let Bet y with you," Mr. Moore said, waving his hands in surrender.