All Too Late

Christopher couldn’t stop frowning.

Why did Astrid come back right now? I heard she worked as a war correspondent for a few years.

Christopher typed out a reply: I’ll do my best to be a good friend to her.

Osvald: It’s up to you. I just want you to keep an eye on her. That’s it.

Christopher let out a cold snort.

Is he saying that I’m overthinking?

Christopher went to watch the live stream and happened to see Kathleen bringing Astrid to their rooms.

“This is your room. Nancy and I are living on this floor, so if you need any help, just let us know.” Kathleen was both gentle and thoughtful.

Astrid chuckled. “All right. This is my first time on a variety show, so I’m completely baffled. Please let me know if I do anything wrong!”

“This is my first time, too.” A smile nudged Kathleen’s lips. “We can learn together.”

“Sure,” Astrid replied cheerfully. “I worked as a war correspondent overseas previously. A year ago, a grenade splinter cut across my forehead, and I nearly lost my life. I was traumatized and ended up coming home.”

Kathleen nodded in acknowledgment.

She actually didn’t want to ask personal questions, for she knew how to respect someone else’s privacy.

Now that Astrid chose to reveal everything herself, Kathleen had to play along. “You did great.”

“If I don’t do it, someone else will,” Astrid responded. “It might be dangerous, but I think it’s a meaningful job. Compared to normal jobs, I think mine is far more significant.”

“Every job has its own significance,” Kathleen told her.

Astrid met her gaze thoughtfully. “You’re right.”

“Let’s head down to join everyone downstairs.” Kathleen smiled.

Astrid nodded and reached out to take Kathleen’s hand. “Oh, your hand is soft, unlike mine. I didn’t get to take care of my hands previously, so they are pretty rough.”

Kathleen’s lips curved. “You can start now. Your hands will be like mine soon.”

right. Whatever you say.” Astrid’s lips

them headed

after hearing Astrid’s

to be mocking Kathleen! But she’s way better with her words than

She was just lamenting how hard her life used to be. I can’t believe you interpreted her words

honest. She revealed her identity outright so that Kathleen wouldn’t misunderstand

with Astrid’s remarks. She wasn’t lying. Her job was

her job was tough, but there was no need for her to insult other jobs! Kathleen’s right. Every job has its own hardship.

she commented how soft Kathleen’s hand was. She even said her

began

comments as his

went

special guests would be coming for dinner

didn’t mention how

felt nervous at that piece of

“Kathleen, who do you think the customers

head.

who they are,”

voice was calm as she replied, “Why

her a sidelong

Kathleen prepare dinner alone tonight?” Nancy

hesitated for a

suggest otherwise, but I’m a great cook. I have the potential to be a good wife

be a good wife and mother? Is that something that is worth bragging

be tiring if you handle everything alone. You and Kathleen should work together,”

I heard that Kathleen’s a great cook. I shall take the opportunity to learn from her!” Astrid agreed readily. “Kathleen, please

dinner,” Kathleen suggested nonchalantly. “What do you

a pause, Astrid replied,

sometime later,” Kathleen assured her with a grin. “I promise I’ll teach you everything you

Astrid pursed her lips.

What an inconspicuous retort.

a look at Astrid

that, Kathleen turned around and went to

Astrid went after her.

just realized that there is a dishwasher here. That