Love's Change of Heart

Just then, there was a commotion outside the house. With no idea what was going on,

Leanna turned her attention over to the fences crawled with green vines with a thoughtful

look, which prompted Naomi to ask, "Want to go take a look?"

However, Leanna looked away from the fences and shook her head. As she didn't want to

go, she said with a smile, "There wouldn't be anything interesting to see since it's just the

developers' arrival that caused the commotion."

Naomi was even more so, as she hadn't the slightest interest. She had always preferred

peace and quiet and would never be present in such a lively atmosphere.

Soon after, the commotion gradually faded further away from the two in the courtyard.

Then, Wendy from next door entered their courtyard with a smile. "Oh, Leanna, Naomi,

why are the two of you just sitting still here when it's so lively out there?"

If Leanna's memory served her right, Wendy was beside herself with worry when she

heard that the area was going to be developed into a resort hotel. So, why does she look

so happy now?

Oblivious to Leanna's thoughts, Wendy sat with the two and said with glee, "That

developer who came looked so young and handsome. He is ways better looking than the

celebrities you see on TV. If I were 20 years younger, I would've…! Oh dear, it's so

embarrassing just thinking about it!"

Although Leanna was speechless at the sight of Wendy giddy as a schoolgirl, she asked,

"Ms. Shaffer, have you forgotten the fact that that man's here to develop the land you've

been staying for ten years into a resort hotel?"

Wendy slapped her thigh. "Oh yes, how did that even slip my mind? Ah, but forget it. This

street is really old, after all. Few years ago, the government had already said they would

be planning to develop this land. However, they've delayed submitting the proposal time

after time. If not this handsome developer, then there would be another developer that

will come instead. At the very least, I can still fall asleep if it was this developer."

Leanna pursed her lips, holding herself back from remarking. She wanted to tell Wendy

that she would wake up in anger even if she fell asleep upon hearing what that man would

say.

"Naomi, where would you be moving to? Vivian and Susan will be staying with their sons.

Unfortunately for me, since my son married a calculating wife, I dislike the idea of living

under the same roof as her. What say you and I be neighbors again?"

"Sure."

Wendy was relieved after hearing Naomi's reply. After a short moment of pondering,

Wendy then asked, "Oh, now that I think about it, I've never seen your son before even

though you've been here all these years. What does he do for a living?"

After Wendy's question, Naomi stopped sorting the clutter briefly. Just as she was about to

answer her, Wendy continued, "Don't you dare deny it. I saw just how handsome that little

boy was in the photo."

"He stays with his father," Naomi said indifferently.

Realizing she had stepped on a landmine, Wendy cleared her throat before she continued,

"Hey, it's just a divorce. No big deal. However, even though that boy lives with his father,

he should at least visit you here. I mean, it's already been twenty years since you came

here."

"He doesn't know I'm here."

Wendy shook her head and sighed. "Then, you're really…"

Leanna remained silent the entire time, but she could more or less understand just how

Naomi was feeling.”

A moment's silence later, Wendy slapped her thigh again. "Oh right! Leanna!"

What is it now? Leanna thought, slightly taken aback.

"The neighbors came together and decided to hold a dinner party for the developers, but

you should know most of us are already in our fifties. We'll just be treated as a joke if we're

the ones accompanying them. That's why we've all decided that you should attend the

dinner as the representative of our neighborhood."

Leanna's eyes widened in disbelief. "He agreed?"

"Why wouldn't he? This is a perfect opportunity for them to build a good relationship with

the neighborhood, after all." Then, Naomi lightly patted Leanna's thigh before she

continued, "Don't worry, Leanna. We're not trying to trick you into anything. We're just

trying to uphold our dignity here. Harry and his leader would be there as well, so you'll be

in good hands. After you're done with dinner, you can even ask him to send you home."

Leanna wasn't worried about whether she would be losing out, so to speak. Rather, she

was worried whether it was in Wendy's intention to set her up with Harry Mills. After

seconds passed, she said, "I—"

However, before Leanna could finish her sentence, Wendy stood up and patted Leanna on

her shoulder, as though she was entrusting her with a heavy responsibility. "Leanna, I'll

leave the rest to you."

After Wendy took her leave, Leanna immediately looked at Naomi in bewilderment, which

prompted the latter to say, "If you don't want to go, then don't go."

Contrary to Naomi's assumptions, Leanna was willing to attend the dinner party, as she

wanted to ask Aidan about what was going on. She was bewildered, as she thought just

how the meeting would be… a touch complicated.

In the evening, Leanna was all dressed and was about to leave the house when she

remembered Aidan had a dissatisfied expression upon seeing the clothes she was wearing

the night before. She then went back upstairs to her room, changed into the most vintage-

looking dress she had, and put on retro makeup. After that, she went through the pile of

old items Naomi had given her and found a hairband and earrings that were clearly dated

in fashion. With the two accessories finishing her outfit, she left the room satisfied.

When Leanna left the house, she found Wendy standing by the entrance to her house.

Wendy came up to Leanna and sang praises. "Leanna, you look so beautiful! Back in the

old days, you would have been a celebrity, a household name!"

Leanna smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Shaffer."

"Dear, it should be me who should be thanking you. I'm ashamed to have you represent us

even though you've only moved here not too long ago, but you're the prettiest in this

neighborhood."

"You shouldn't say those words, Ms. Shaffer. You and Ms. Fletcher have taken good care of

me throughout my time here."

Listening to Leanna, Wendy nodded in relief. "Since you have said this much, Leanna, I'll

also be straightforward with you as well. Harry is—"

Before Wendy could carry on, Leanna immediately interrupted her. "I'll be late if I leave

any later, so I have to go now. Bye-bye, Ms. Shaffer!"