"Try these on, Brother. I think I got your size right, but I''m not sure if you''ve gained or lost weighttely," Romina said.
Donovan checked the size and replied, "I work out every day-I''m not letting
myself get fat. My size hasn''t changed."
He pulled out the clothes, tried one on, and said, "Yeah, it fits. But Romina, don''t buy me any more clothes. I already have too many-my wardrobe''s full." Romina smiled. "I don''t have a boyfriend. When I saw Sister Seren shopping, I just bought a few sets for you too. But if I get a boyfriend, you might not even get a single shirt."
Donovan teased, "So you''re the type who picks love over family. I better enjoy the perks now before someone steals you away. Stock me up while you still care." Rominaughed. "I''m joking! You''re my brother-brother and sister for life. But a husband?
That''s not guaranteed forever. People fall out of love and divorce all the time." To her, sibling bonds were lifelong. Romantic love? Not always.
"It''ste-go upstairs and rest. We both have work tomorrow." Romina hummed in agreement, stood up, and went upstairs.
They didn''t talk anymore that night.
Romina didn''t run into River over the next couple of days. She figured he was spending time with his nieces and nephews. She kept seeing updates in
Serenity''s friend circle-photos of River with Bethany, carrying her and ying. Seeing them out and about, Romina felt the itch to take a break too. But she was mmed at work—meetings, documents, everything piling up. She also needed to find time to ask Maddox out for dinner.
Maddox still didn''t have a girlfriend. He had been on a blind date with Romina and seemed to like her, but she hadn''t felt anything, so it never went anywhere.
The weekend came quickly.
On Saturday night, Romina was set to attend a business cocktail party.
Maddox was also invited, so they agreed to go together.
That evening, Maddox arrived at the Lafond family vi.
"Sir, Madam, Young Master Johnstone has arrived," the butler announced as he led Maddox in.
Romina had already told her parents that Maddox would be picking her up for the event.
"Uncle, Aunt," Maddox greeted them, holding a gift bag. Even though the families knew each other well, he didn''t want to show up empty-handed as Romina''s date.
Romina had mentioned wanting to try dating him, and Maddox was open to it too. They figured it wouldn''t hurt to test the waters. If things worked out, both families would be thrilled.
"Maddox, wee. Please sit," Mrs. Lafond said with a warm smile, standing up to ept the gift.
"You didn''t need to bring anything," she added. "You''re already doing enough just bying."
"It''s just some nutritional supplements," Maddox replied. "They''re good for your health—just a little something from me."
Mrs. Lafond''s smile widened. "You''re very thoughtful. Your uncle and I actually take these regrly. They work well."
"I remembered Romina mentioning that you use them," Maddox said as he sat down across from them.