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Despite that...
Toph took out his phone, the screen pitch black. He scrolled through his recent chat history with Renee, each
message feeling like he was talking to himself.
[Have you eaten?]
[What are you doing at home?]
[Do you want to go out for a walk today?]
No response to any of them.
However, it was not like this in the past. Previously, the reply would be almost immediate no matter who messaged
the other. They could talk about even the most trivial matters, like seeing a small flower by the road, finding a cute
baby laughing, or the weather being really sunny for a long time.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtToph felt a bit downcast as he dug into the food.
Just then, Wendy brought in some guests.
"Zuko, Toph!"
It was easy to know who it was judging by that sweet voice.
Arya entered the living room, her face lit up with a smile. To everyone's surprise, Chris and Lena followed closely
behind, holding hands. Their eyes radiated happiness, tinged with a touch of shyness.
Lina and Zuko exchanged a glance, sharing an understanding smile.
"This is amazing! You three came together!" Toph's previous gloominess vanished as he warmly welcomed them.
"Join us for a meal! I'll ask Aunt Wendy to prepare a few more dishes."
"No need," Arya replied. "I've already eaten, and they've probably had their special pizza of love!
"We happened to run into each other outside the estate, so we came together." Arya looked at the Hamerton
brothers. "I'm here today to give Aunt Cordelia her present in advance! My dad got a good piece of jade, had it
carved into the shape of a peony, symbolizing prosperity, and is gifting it to Aunt Cordelia!
"As for mine, I'll bring it tomorrow during the birthday party!"
"Thank you so much." Zuko smiled and nodded.
"This is nothing! My dad said that the gift might not be anything much, but the sentiment behind it is strong. He
hopes that Uncle Zephyr and Aunt Cordelia won't mind!" "How could they?!" Toph laughed heartily. "Anything Uncle
Josiah gives must be good stuff! Oh, hey Chris, what are you bringing to wish my mom a happy birthday?"
Chris shrugged. "I'll just be here tomorrow to enjoy the food and drinks. Not bringing anything!"
Toph playfully attempted to punch him.
"Alright, alright, I was joking!" Chris chuckled. "I'm the same as Arya. I'll present my gift tomorrow. But tonight,
there's someone who wants to give her gift!"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLena had been keeping her eyes down all this while. She was so quiet that everyone almost overlooked her.
She stepped forward gently, presenting a beautifully packaged box to Lina. There was a scarf inside, made of
natural silk, with a refreshing and beautiful pattern.
"This is..." Lina paused.
"This is the birthday gift I prepared for Mrs. Hamerton," Lena said softly. "Compared to what they've brought, this is
insignificant. Still, it's a token of my sincerity."
Lina held her hand, feeling a wave of warmth.
She had heard from Jade that Lena had sold a property and used most of the money to buy this silk scarf. It might
not compare to priceless jade or gemstones, but it was likely the best gift that Lena could offer.
Lina sometimes found Lena quite peculiar.
Why was she like that? Why did she treat her enthusiastically and extend the same warmth to everyone around
her? Was this truly some kind of special destiny?
Lina could not quite fathom it, but she knew she was becoming increasingly reluctant to lose Lena.
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