Larissa was caught off guard by her question and instinctively denied it. "Well, I haven't eaten for a day, so it's not unusual to be starving, right?" "That makes sense." Wendy nodded and accepted her explanation. However, the situation persisted into the next day. Larissa once again found herself being pulled out of the bed by Wendy. They had to complete the admission procedures at the language academy, so they had to get up early. Larissa had set the alarm but was so deep in her sleep that she didn't hear it.Wendy couldn't help but complain, "Are you a pig? You were asleep the whole day yesterday. How could you still sleep at night?" Worried that Larissa might be experiencing jet lag, Wendy had planned to stay up all night chatting with her. To her surprise, when she returned from taking a shower, she found Larissa fast asleep in her room. With a sleepy yawn, Larissa admitted, "I might actually be one."Wendy prepared breakfast. There was toast, fried eggs, bacon, and a

Larissa failed to escape because Wendy held her still and quickly pulled her into a chair opposite Barbara. A small, round table separated them, adorned only by a candelabra bearing a lit candle and a thick stack of tarot cards. "This is my best friend, Larissa." Wendy made the introductions."Nice to meet you, Larissa," said Barbara faintly. Every time she spoke, a chill would go through Larissa. "Hi," said Larissa while forcing a smile. Barbara picked up the tarot cards. In the dim candlelight, Larissa saw that Barbara's hands were completely tattooed in weird pictures or, to be more accurate, symbols."What would you like to ask?" asked Barbara. Wendy answered in Larissa's stead, "She came here from Caldor recently, wanting to forget the past and start a new life. Can you help predict if her new life will go smoothly?" "Okay." Barbara nodded and spread the tarot cards across the table, gesturing for Larissa to pick out five cards. Larissa didn't believe in the divine at a

Larissa was stunned, but she also felt guilty. She and Wendy had been best friends for a long time, but Larissa had never seriously paid much attention to Wendy's love life. No doubt, she had no idea that Wendy had planned such a future for herself. "Back then, I gave up my high-paying job and went overseas to study without turning back because I wanted to escape the pressure of my parents rushing me to marry every year." Wendy gave a self-deprecating laugh and said, "They can argue about anything, but studies are the only thing they can agree on." Wendy was a Covenford local and studied at a local university, but she never went home on weekends. During summer break every year, she would be the last person to leave the dormitory and the first person to return.Larissa had asked her out of curiosity before and found out that Wendy's parents had divorced when she was in high school. Each of them had formed a new family and had new children of their own. Larissa guessed that Wendy's de

Five years later, in Bartham, Caldor. A black Mercedes was speeding along the highway from the airport to the city center, and in its spacious backseat sat a woman accompanied by a young boy who was approximately four or five years old.The woman sported a pixie cut and was dressed in a Chanel suit. Her impeccable makeup and attire exuded an aura of elegance and professionalism. There was a laptop on her lap. Even while traveling at high speed, she seemed engrossed in her unfinished work. The young boy next to her was dressed in a preppy style. He wore a white shirt, a red bow tie, plaid shorts with suspenders, and a pair of shiny black shoes. The little boy was every inch a young gentleman. With his nose pressed against the car window, his eyes were wide open as he stared without blinking at the passing scenery."Mommy, is this your hometown?" the boy curiously inquired. His voice was as clear as the jingle of silver bells. Larissa tore her eyes away from the complex repor

Larissa spent a long time coaxing Aster before he finally calmed down. After he had eaten and taken a shower, Aster put himself to bed. He was mature for his age because Larissa and Wendy often traveled for work. He had to learn to manage himself since preschool. Massaging her throbbing temples, Larissa collapsed on the sofa and made another video call to Wendy again. Seeing as Larissa was alone, Wendy asked, "Is Aster asleep?""Yes." Larissa sighed. "He refused to leave without me.""Give him some time. He'll come to terms with reality in a couple of days." Wendy had spent more time taking care of Aster; thus, she understood his personality better than Larissa. "I hope so," Larissa pursed her lips. "When do you start work?" Wendy continued. "Tomorrow." Larissa had just sent an email to Winston Hotel's senior management, informing them of a meeting in the conference room at 9 am sharp. "So soon?" Wendy was somewhat surprised. Looking disapproving, she chided Larissa