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.

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

the moment, "Kid, your order's ready

Hank, pretended not

of the stairs, she couldn't help but look

Mary made Hank's heart ache, his chest tight with

now, though she was close enough to touch, he would not hear her call

welled up in Mary's eyes as she descended the stairs,

carrying

front of Susan, Mary was still

sip, and here's

don't mention it to Grandma, okay? She'd be upset if she knew." Grandma Rose had a rule against

twinkled, "Got it,

Mary happily munched on her fries, she

diner, Hank had already left his spot by the

a pang of

it wasn't long before Jason showed up to see Susan. Susan, anxious, asked,

the Anita Clark case for months

passing through and wanted to check if you were still here. It's getting late, isn't Mary in