The Bound Between Us

Chapter 498

Hank casually signaled the waiter with a subtle gesture, hoping to slip in and pay for Mary's meal. Just then, Mary said to the cashier, "I guess I'll skip the burger then." The cashier nodded, "Sure thing."

Mary paid, took her receipt, and sat down to wait, her heart light with joy.

Hank's gaze never left Mary. The waiter approached, asking, "Sir, what can I get for you?"

The waiter was puzzled; he had been beckoned over but wasn't given an order.

Mary's attention was caught by the waiter's voice, and she glanced instinctively toward Hank.

Hank wore a face mask, but Mary recognized him in an instant.

That was her dad. Even behind a mask, she'd know him anywhere.

Mary was in disbelief. Since she and her mom moved to the new place, her dad hadn't come to visit.

Her grandma had told her about the divorce, warning her not to mention her father in front of her mom. Mary was obedient; she never asked.

Now, months later, seeing her dad again stirred a mix of happiness and disbelief in her.

daughter locked eyes, Hank fearful of being recognized and equally afraid

moment, "Kid, your

to get her food. She didn't greet Hank, pretended

she couldn't help but look back,

one look from Mary made Hank's heart ache, his chest tight

so much, and now, though she was close enough to touch, he would not hear her call him

in Mary's eyes as she descended the stairs,

to collect herself before carrying her burger and fries

Susan, Mary was still

cocoa. Have a sip, and here's your burger. I'll just have the

smiled, "I'll stick to the cocoa, sweetheart. The rest is all yours. Just don't mention it to Grandma, okay? She'd be upset if

"Got it, it's our

on her fries, she didn't

side of the diner, Hank had already left his spot by

pang of regret for

long before Jason showed up to

had been discreetly investigating the Anita Clark case for

check if you