On the drive back, Holden chatted with Melon on the phone.

Holden noticed Melon’s voice getting sleepy, and even he yawned. But just when he was about to bid goodnight and end the call, a sharp “Mommy!” came from Melon’s side.

Holden hesitated. He was about to say goodnight, but now he held back. He listened intently, curious about the unexpected interruption.

A few silent beats passed before a drowsy female voice said, “Apologies, Melon borrowed my phone to ring you. Is it too late? Did we wake you?”

Hearing her voice, something inside Holden fluttered momentarily.

He brushed it off and replied, “It’s alright. I’m fond of Melon. If it makes him happy, that’s what counts.”

gentleness in Holden’s voice

we didn’t disturb you. Melon just really misses his father.” Ariana’s voice had a touch of

secretly longing

to talk. Don’t sweat the

Ariana sounded apologetic.

keep a better

picked up on Ariana’s struggle to keep

reflection. He couldn’t shake

it about Ariana’s voice that drew him

his phone and scrolled through Ariana’s online

they’d only recently connected, their chat history told another

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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