"You must be the lawyer Richard keeps mentioning. You do look like a promising, handsome, young man," Susan greeted him warmly.
It was the usual thing people would say, but Susan made it sound sincere. Her compliments felt genuine, despite being a common form of flattery in Enswood.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtNo one in Enswood had cclose to the success James had. He was only twenty-three, but he becthe top lawyer recommended by everyone. However, no one knew his secret identity.
"Thank you, Madam. I'm far from the legend you describe," James responded, downplaying his accomplishments. His tone was gentle, but it felt aloof.
"Not at all. Everyone could see your achievements..." As dinner commenced, the mood turned somber, with everyone quietly focusing on their meal.
After dinner, as James and Esther were about to leave, Mobius sought a moment with Esther. "Can I have a word with you, Esther?" he called out.
Esther, uneasy about the request and mindful of the late hour, replied in a shaky voice, "I don't think it's a good idea. It's getting late. You can just callif you want to talk." "It'll just be a quick chat. It won't take up too much of your time." Susan, busy with other guests, and James, offering a cold stare, did not intervene.
"It's fine, Este. Let him talk. This will be your final goodbye," James said.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Um... okay then." They moved to the secluded back garden for privacy. Mobius, aware of Esther's discomfort with dirt, prepared a clean spot for her to sit by wiping the stairs with a napkin.
"Take a seat. I know you don't like dirt. After our argument the last time, I made it a point to bring a stack of napkins along," he said, trying to ease the tension.
Esther, with a heavy heart, asked, "What do you want to tell me?" el"I'm sorry for what happened." Mobius turned to her, looking regretful. "I didn't realize that crossing the line with her would upset you so much. I didn't do anything with her. I know you won't believewhen I'm explaining this to you, but-" "Enough," Esther interrupted, her eyes welling up with tears. "I know you're not that kind of person." Confused, Mobius asked, "Then why did you break up with me?" He couldn't understand why she'd end things if she believed in his innocence.
Esther explained, "I know you're not that kind of person, but you crossed a line. I won't be able to forgive you for everything just because I love you. So Mobius, we're not compatible." Their relationship had been filled with issues. Mobius often disregarded Esther's feelings, mocking her happiness and neglecting her when she needed support.
A particularly hurtful memory for Esther was when she excitedly offered Mobius ice cream, only for him to accidentally knock it from her hands, distracted by a racing poster. As she watched the ice cream melt, the sadness she felt was about more than just spilled dessert.