Alissa agreed graciously.


    Ending the call, Ste quickly dialed Be’s number.


    Upon confirming Be’s avability, she messaged Alissa and set out to pick Be up.


    Be, who had recently undergone her second treatment, appeared visibly rejuvenated, herplexion glowing with improved health.


    Upon her arrival, Ste found Kristian at home too.


    Be excused herself to change, leaving Ste and Kristian alone in the Living room.


    The silence between them was palpable, the air thick with awkwardness.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org.


    Recalling the topic of Be’s minor cosmetic procedures, Ste decided to break the ice, turning to Kristian with a question.


    “By the way, I recall you mentioning that Be underwent minor cosmetic procedures after the ident.


    Would you happen to have any photographs of her before the treatment? I’d be quite interested to see theparison.


    ”


    For a moment, Kristian felt flustered.


    Ste’s sudden desire to look at old photographs of Be puzzled him.


    Was she growing suspicious?


    He collected himself and attempted casual indifference, exining, “Years have passed, and your mother’s mental state has been delicate since the ident.


    I worried that the old photos might bring back painful memories, so I disposed of them.


    ”


    He watched Ste closely, gauging her reaction.


    “What made you suddenly interested in those photographs?”


    His eyes searched her face for any hidden motives.


    Ste was taken aback by the admission that the photographs had been destroyed.


    With a hint of sadness, she sighed deeply.


    “I just wanted to see more of your younger days.


    We’ve been separated for so many years, and my childhood memories of you and Mom are so vague.


    I wish I could remember those times more clearly.


    ”


    Kristian studied Ste carefully, seeing no dishonesty in her response.


    His worry faded, reced by a wave of relief.


    Heughed softly,forting her.


    “Let’s leave the past in the past.


    What’s important is our family’s happiness now.


    You’re back to us, and we’re all here for you.


    Focus on today, and let go of old shadows.


    ”


    Though he seemed like a caring father, Ste felt an unsettling sense that something was off.


    Unable to express her doubts, she simply nodded in agreement.


    Be had just changed her clothes and was making her way down the stairs when she noticed the father and daughter chatting.


    With a warm smile, she asked, “What interesting things have you two been discussing?”


    Kristian answered with a smooth dismissiveness, “Just reminiscing about old times-nothing important.


    You should get going, though; don’t make Alissa wait.


    ”


    Be nodded and dropped the subject.


    With a yful grin, Ste added, “I’m sure Alissa won’t mind if we’re a littlete.


    ”


    Despite Ste’sment, Kristian quickly ushered them out the door, his smile fading to a grave look as soon as they left.


    Arriving at Alissa’s ce, Ste and Be enjoyed a wonderful meal, their conversation weaving seamlessly through topics of work, design, and friendly jests.


    As the meal progressed, Alissa felt a deep connection with Be, as if they had known each other for years.