BuzzNovelSeeing that he was in low spirits, Karen kept up a steady flow of chatter, her hands never stopping as she
worked.
“Ivan doesn’t have friends his age, and he barely even talks to us. Most days, he’s as silent as a young monk in a
cloister. You're probably the only one who can get a reaction out of him, and honestly, I'm glad to see that.”
York wrinkled his nose, too embarrassed to reply.
“But
you really shouldn't run off on your own. Next time, please tell someone at home, or at least let Lessie know. The
second she heard you'd snuck out rushed straight here from school.”
York hesitated, trying to hide his smirk, making a show of complaining.
“She's just worried I'll get her in trouble. Half the time, she can’t wait to get rid of me.”
Karen let out a gentle laugh. “Lessie hasn’t been back long, but mothers know their daughters-she cares about
you, York, even if she doesn’t show it outright.”
“Really?” There was a flicker of hope in York's eyes.
“Of course it’s true.” Karen looked him right in the eye. “So don’t run off alone when you're upset. Lessie would
be worried sick. And if you ever don’t know where to go, you can always cto me. I'll make you something
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtgood to eat.”
“Th-thank you.” York's cheeks flushed as he ducked his head, scrubbing the dishes a little more vigorously to
hide his embarrassment.
“And York, you're bright and outgoing. I think it'd be wonderful if you and Ivan could becfriends.”
“I... 1 accidentally tore his book. | swear, | didn’t mean to. | was just messing around. | told him I'd replace it, but
he kickedout before | could explain...”
York, flustered, spoke faster. He couldn’t understand why Ivan was so angry-it was just a book.
But Karen nodded, understanding.
“Ivan’s only real passion is drawing, so he treasures anything related to it. It's like if
| broke your favorite toy by accident-wouldn’t you be upset too?”
York pouted, his hands going still. “So what should | do now?”
12-17
Chapter 144
“The cake’s ready!” Karen plated a slice of warm, delicate sponge cake and handed York a napkin to dry his
hands, her movements gentle and caring.
York froze, letting Karen wipe his hands and place the small plate in his palms.
“Take it and share with Ivan. And remember to apologize, properly this time.”
She ruffled his hair, her voice soft and warm as sunlight on a winter afternoon-soothing and sincere.
York pressed his lips together, starting to understand why Alessia hadn't wanted to go to Merovia with him after
all.
He nodded, balancing the plate, and knocked on Ivan’s door. Rex sat by wagging, eyes fixed on the closed door.
ide, tail
At last, the door creaked open. Ivan,
expecting Karen from the gentle y
knock, looked surpitééddo See York
aBdReNNARtinctively, he tried to
close the door, but York quickly
wedged the plate into the gap. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
“It's fresh out of the oven—want to
share?” York Poke he mn, giving
ne gqofy gif Rig ton cue, Rex
barked once. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
They stared at each other for a moment, and finally Ivan relented, opening the door wider.
York let out a sigh of relief, offering a
sheepish smile. Soeese aswild as
er adrouecd apologizing,
tch less grinning like a puppy. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
Honestly, if Alessia were here, she'd probably be surprised too.
Meanwhile, outside, Alessia’s first instinct was to call Stella.
13.17
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