NovelEnglishReese grabbed Sylvia's wrist-not too hard, but firm enough that Sylvia noticed.
Sylvia looked up and met Reese's hopeful gaze. In that moment, she understood exactly what Reese was asking
without needing any more words.
"Yes," Sylvia nodded, hiding the sarcasm and resignation in her eyes.
Honestly, Reese was worrying for nothing. Everyone knew how well Rupert treated Sylvia. But, of course, Reese
loved Rupert desperately. That was the problem.
Hearing Sylvia's answer, Reese dug into her purse and pulled out a small jewelry box, handing it to Sylvia with a
grateful smile. "Sylvia, thank you."
Sylvia took the box awkwardly, not sure what to do with it.
Just then, from the dining room, Rupert and Lester cover to see what was taking so long in the kitchen.
"What's going on?" Rupert frowned at Sylvia.
Reese quickly stood up and grabbed Rupert's arm. "It's not Sylvia's fault. | was standing too long, almost dropped
my purse, and my medicine fell out. She was just helping me."
Sylvia froze. So, Rupert was looking at her like she might've been mean to Reese. Typical.
She clutched the little box and forced a faint, ironic smile, not saying a word.
Reese leaned in toward Rupert. "The kitchen's pretty cramped-why don't we go sit down? Let's not get in Sylvia's
way."
"Alright," Rupert answered, giving Sylvia one last glance before helping Reese out of the kitchen.
When they were gone, Lester lingered behind and cup to Sylvia. "You doing okay?"
Sylvia stuffed the box into his hands and tried to sound breezy. "Reese is really sweet, but | can't accept this.
Could you give it back to her for me?"
Lester opened the box-it was a pair of pearl earrings. Not expensive, but a nice gesture between friends.
He knew Sylvia wasn't the type to ignore social niceties. If she was turning down a gift this firmly, something
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtmust've happened.
"Is it about Reese-"
"It's nothing," Sylvia cut him off, picking up a bowl of soup. "Let's eat."
Reese hadn't said anything wrong. The history between her and Rupert ran deep -no outsider could compete
with that.
Dinner was tense and quiet.
As soon as they finished, Sylvia stood up to clear the table, her voice cool. "I've got something to do this
afternoon, so | won't keep you guys."
A clear sign she wanted them to leave.
Reese looked like she wanted to say
something but Lester was quicker.
Alright,
Mr Rupert
Reese, you and M
should head downstairs."
belongs to s
Reese pressed her lips together, forcing a smile as she and Rupert went to the door.
Sylvia didn't see them out-she just kept tidying up.
She felt a heavy gaze on her back,
but she didn't turn around. She
simply gripped the chopsticks
tighter until the sound of the closing door finally broke the tension. s
She dropped the dishes in the sink and cout to find Lester still there.
"What's up?" she asked.
"You don't look so well," Lester said gently, studying her face.
Sylvia tried to smile. "I'll be fine. Just need a nap.”
Lester could tell she didn't want to talk, so he just nodded. “Alright, I'll get going then."
Sylvia walked him to the door.
As he was changing his shoes, Lester accidentally knocked her purse off the hall table. Papers spilled
everywhere.
He bent down to help, glancing at the
pages. He let out a wry hes
"Here | fost gold dohsi er h first.
Dirt expect you were looking at
grad programs?" s The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Sylvia blushed, snatching the brochures back-applications to schools overseas.
"| just want to get better at my job."
She figured that would send the
message. Maybe Lester would finally
give up. But noes eianeoit)
FRI cE st over the stack
of brochures. "Sylvia, | respect your
choices. But I'm not so irresistible
that you'd lose sight of your goals
over me." The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Meaning, there was no reason she
couldn't date him and Zr
studies, top, Dan’ JAK around,”
Shivia muttered, hugging the papers
close. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Lester stepped closer, his tone serious. "Even if it's just for convenience, at least think offirst."
Sylvia's breath caught. For a split second, she could feel her heart skip a beat.
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