Chapter 58
“Looks the Myssa really likes you,” said Stacey.
“Stacey, please don’t take it personally. Alyssa has always been shy around strangers and timid by nature. She probably got frightened earlier and that’s probably why she–Serena tried to explain
“No worries, kids will be kids, Stacey waved it off w
with a smile and said. She tucked the colorful chocolates back into her pocket, then turned and walked
back to the office.
Right after work, Serena took Alyssa straight home.
Alyssa was already completely at home in Serena’s place. The moment she stepped inside, she dated about excitedly
Serena set down her bag, slipped into her slippers, and headed to the fridge. Opening the door, she got ready to prepare dinner.
Just as Serena was about to head into the kitchen, the doorbell suddenly rang
Serena opened the door to find Keith standing outside, looking completely worn out. He stood at the doorway holding a bag of fresh fruit. “Ms. Gray. really can’t thank you enough for this.”
“Hi, Mr. Brannon,” she greeted him. Serena led Alyssa out of the room and said gently. “Alyssa, your dad’s here to pick you up.”
Alyssa’s face lit up when she saw Keith, and she immediately ran into his arms.
“Alyssa, were you a good girl today?” Keith asked gently.
Alyssa clung to Keith’s neck, waving her hands excitedly as she n
nestled in his arms
Keith handed the fruit to Serena. “Picked these up on the way–thought you might like to try them.”
“Mr. Brannon, thanks,” Serena said as she accepted the fruit. She gently took Alyssa’s hand and bent down to say goodbye. “Bye, Alyssa. Come visit me again soon, okay? You’re always welcome here.”
Keith gently patted Alyssa’s head and said, “Alyssa, say goodbye to Serena”
At the words, Alyssa’s stace instantly fall. She shook her head back and forth, clearly refusing to leave.
Seeing Alyssa like this, Serena really couldn’t bear to leave her either. “Mr. Brannon, have you had dinner yet? If you don’t mind, would you like to join
Keith checked his watch. It was about dinner time. Noticing how Alyssa was reluctant to leave Serena, he agreed. “Thanks.”
Serena said, “Welcome”
Serena placed the fruit in the basket before heading into the kitchen
Keith carried Alyssa as he followed Serena inside. Like a tiny shadow, Alyssa clung to Serena, not leaving an inch of space between them. Even as Serena cooked, Alyssa clung tightly to her leg, refusing to let go
Keith watched in mild surprise as Alyssa kept clinging to Serena. He knew Alyssa trusted Serena, but he hadn’t expected her to be this attached.
“Alyssa, how about I take you to play? Serena needs to cook now.” Keith bent down and, with gentle persuasion, tried to coax Alyssa away from Serena’s
Alyssa clung even tighter to Serena’s leg, her face scrunching up in protest
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12:41 Wed, 16 Jul Gr1·
Chapter 58
ve a resigned smile and said, “Mr. Brannen, just let her stay. I really don’t mind.”
Serena gave-
Keith had no choice but to give up. He rolled up his s
ssleeves and stepped beside Serena. “Here, let me help you with that.”
“It’s all right, Mr. Brannon. I can handle it myself,” Serena said.
“It’s okay. Two pairs of hands make light work,” Keith said with a light chuckle. Then, he took a handful of greens from Serena’s hands, his fingertips lightly brushing against the back of her hand.
Serena jerked her hand back as if shocked by an electric current, her heart skipping a beat. She turned her head away self–consciously, busying herself with the ingredients in her hands, not daring to meet Keith’s paze,
Keith could still feel the lingering softness of Serena’s hand against his fingertips. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and he quickly cleared his throat in an attempt to mask his reaction.
Maintaining a composed demeanor, Keith began rinsing the greens under the running tap, the water splashing against the sink.
