No.


    Just as he hadn''t believed Evangeline before.


    Only now did Soren clearly feel the sting of karma.


    He didn''t speak, and Evangeline took his silence as a confirmation.


    "If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up," Evangeline said.


    "Wait," Soren cut in.


    But after speaking, he paused again.


    It used to be him who always hung up first, who turned and walked away, leaving Evangeline with his cold back. But somewhere along the line, their roles had reversed.


    Before, Soren had only felt angry and annoyed by it.


    But now, holding the phone, he found himself wanting to hear her voice just a little longer.


    "What is it?" Evangeline asked concisely.


    Her tone held only a hint of curiosity, devoid of any other emotion.


    Soren felt a pang of disappointment.


    He nced down at the bandages wrapped around his chest and said with feigned indignation, "I almost died saving you. Don''t you think you should at least show some concern and ask how I''m recovering?"


    Evangeline hadn''t forgotten about his injury, but he was with the Fawkes family, and Poppy was there to take care of him.


    As long as he wasn''t dead, there was really nothing to ask about.


    Evangeline replied perfunctorily, "You sound full of energy. I''m guessing you''re recovering well."


    "I''m faking it."


    Soren hinted, "The doctor said my recovery has been so-so. Maybe if I could have some nourishing soup every day, I''d get better faster."


    Evangeline was silent. The old Soren almost never showed weakness, let alone say something so humbling.


    But she had noticed back at the cliff that Soren wasn''t quite the same person anymore.


    The old Soren was aloof and so cold he seemed emotionless. But the new him seemed less and less inclined to hide his feelings.


    Sometimes, he was even like a petnt child.


    Not wanting to get entangled with him any further, Evangeline said, "I''ll see what I can do."


    Nourishing soup could be bought anywhere. Sending a portion over wouldn''t be hard.


    After hanging up, Evangeline heard footsteps outside, and then her bedroom door opened. Finn walked in.


    Sheriff, his belly round and full, was licking his paws.


    Seeing Finn, Sheriff immediately rolled onto his back, his round eyes fixed on him.


    Finn walked over and gently stroked his belly.


    The kitten immediately somersaulted away, darting out from under his hand.


    He''s fast for a little guy.


    Even though he was the one who invited the touch.


    Finn thought with amusement.


    But then, the little guy was a lot like Evangeline sometimes.


    L.ne


    Oblivious to his thoughts, Evangeline gently stroked Sheriff''s head. Knowing the kitten wouldn''t answer, she couldn''t help but ask softly, "Are you full my little love?


    Sheriff let out a tiny, sweet meow.


    Evangeline felt her heart melt.


    "Was that Soren on the phone?" Finn asked Evangeline.


    Evangeline didn''t hide it from him and told him what Soren had said about Poppy''s public apology.


    Finn was silent for a few seconds,


    then chuckled. "I find it hard to


    believe she''s the type to belo et


    apologize to you.


    Evangeline thought the same thing.


    But on second thought, if Soren was forcing her to, it might make sense.


    Just as she was pondering this, her body was suddenly lifted into the air. Startled, Evangeline realized Finn had picked her up.


    As if sensing her confusion, Finn''s lips curved into a slight smile. "The little one is full," he said softly. "But my darling has been hungry for a while. It''s time for you to eat something, too."