Chapter 753
That evening, Citrine shared a batch of travel photos in the family group chat, "The Bond Bunch."
She'd barely hit send when Hilda Saunders replied, not five seconds later.
"You're so beautiful, Citrine. My precious girl!"
Right on her heels came Monica Saunders and Wade Saunders, their messages following each other in quick succession.
"My little sister is gorgeous. Sigh, so jealous.”
"Absolutely stunning, Citrine. Next time you go on a trip, can you bring your big brother along?"
Then Herschel Saunders chimed in: "Oh, give it a rest. Citrine went for a work retreat-why on earth would she drag you, Mr. No-Skills, along? People would find out you're her brother and think less of her!"
Wade: "..."
Inez Saunders: "When are you coming home, Citrine? Grandma misses you."
Sitting in her hotel room, Citrine's heart swelled with warmth as she read through the messages.
She smiled and typed back, "I'll be home in Crestwood tomorrow morning."
After hitting send, she switched off her phone, leaned back on the bed, and let her eyes drift shut, intending just to rest a moment. But, inconveniently, her mind wandered to that kiss with Sebastian the night before.
Why am I thinking about that now?
Her eyes flew open. She sat up, heart thudding.
The next morning, Citrine and her colleagues piled into the car for the return trip to the city.
The car pulled up in front of the company building. As Citrine got out and reached for her suitcase, she spotted Sebastian walking toward her, her luggage already in hand.
When he drew near, she offered him a polite smile. "Thank you."
to take her suitcase,
Citrine frowned slightly, puzzled.
for you," Sebastian
the company garage, and since it was
the garage. Sebastian set her suitcase in the
taken aback. "Do you want a ride?"
it's not too much trouble," Sebastian replied, and without waiting for an answer, pulled open
widened in
doing this on
in the car,
sideways
"Sunbliss Apartments."
same
made her way back to
entire Saunders clan had squeezed
and Inez
pot of soup
Hilda and Nathalie were
with chopping and
Monica, Wade, and Gorman
Saunders milled around,
vel
occasionally tossing in completely
unhelpful suggestions.
the soup was too bland, Herschel flicked him on
milder flavors. If you don't, go eat somewhere else and stop
that hurt!" Wade protested, rubbing his
deserved it." Herschel snorted and went back
him, Wade turned hopefully
wait outside. You're in
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