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.

fearful of being recognized

cashier's reminder broke the moment, "Kid,

pretended not to recognize him, and walked towards the stairs with her

top of the stairs, she couldn't help but

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

so much, and now, though she was close enough to touch, he would

Mary's eyes as she descended

the stairwell to collect herself before carrying her burger and fries to find

was still the cheerful

Have a sip, and here's your burger.

yours. Just don't mention it to Grandma, okay?

twinkled, "Got it, it's our

happily munched on her fries, she didn't mention seeing her

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

of regret for

wasn't long before Jason showed

been discreetly investigating the Anita Clark case for months

check if you were still here. It's getting late, isn't Mary in school