Maisie stood in stunned silence as a voice emanated from outside.
"Yes, I'm worried too!" The two turned toward the source of the voice and spotted Lily walking in, positioning herself
in front of the mirror.
"I'm here to powder my face! Ignore me, go ahead!" Lily declared, and Camila smiled in response.
Maisie couldn't shake the feeling that Camila's expression changed upon seeing Lily, though she couldn't be certain
if it was just an illusion.
"Oh, Maisie, are you going home?" Lily turned her head to inquire after applying lipstick. "Perfect. We're done
eating now, so I thought we'd call it a night so that everyone could go home. I'll give you a ride! Rachael didn't
drink. She'll drive!"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"I..." Maisie attempted to speak, but Camila interjected, "Is that okay, Ms. Lily? Won't it be awkward if you run into
my cousin when you send her home?"
"Hmm?" Lily, a bit tipsy from the drinks, hadn't considered that. She asked aloud, "What's there to be awkward
about? Do you think it's awkward, Maisie? If I run into Daniel, you'll just tell him that we went drinking. What can he
do about it? What? You can't have your own life and friends when you date him?"
"Ms. Lily, that's not what I meant!" Camila whispered, "Weren't you and my cousin. Forget it. I'll get him to pick her
up!"
Lily squinted, seemingly more sober now. She looked at Camila with a cryptic smile. "So, you want Daniel to come?"
"I—" Camila started, but Lily cut her off, "I'm talking to Maisie, not you! Why do you talk so much?"
Camila fell silent.
Sensing Lily's unsteadiness, Maisie rushed to support her. Lily smiled at her, patted her shoulder, and gestured for
her to follow, assuring her a safe ride home.
As they left, Maisie couldn't help but glance back and caught a momentary flash of malice on Camila's face under
the dim bathroom light.
Shocked, Maisie saw Camila waving with a smile. "Safe trip home, Ms. Lily. Safe trip home, too, Maisie! Please take
care of her!"
"Mm-hmm, safe trip. Safe trip home, everyone!" Lily waved without turning around, and Maisie's racing heart
gradually calmed.
Reflecting on it, Maisie considered Camila's usual kindness and professionalism. How could she harbor malice?
The gathering concluded in cheerful conversations.
On the weekend morning, Daniel brought breakfast to the hotel room. Upon entering, he found Maisie asleep at the
table with her computer still on.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Despite being upset, he gently moved her to the bed, careful not to wake her. Yet, she stirred awake.
Opening her eyes, she frowned momentarily but relaxed upon seeing Daniel. She smiled and nestled in his embrace
like a soft kitten.
"Why did you sleep at the table?" he nagged gently. "And you're wearing so little. You might catch a cold, you know
that?"
Maisie smiled lazily. "Mm-hmm..."
"Would you skip breakfast if I didn't bring it to you?"
"Mm-hmm^"
Pretending to be mad, he said, "How will I ever be at ease if you're like that?!"
"Okay, I'm sorry. Alright?" Maisie coquettishly responded. "I'd like to sleep more, Daniel..."
"Sleep," he said helplessly but gently, "I'll get them to warm your breakfast. I'll bring it up to you when you wake
up."