?? ?? 53%_

    +15

    “Not a problem,” Lionel said, clearly enjoying the ttery. Wesley even helped him clear off the table and poured him a fresh cup of coffee at just the right moment.

    Watching Wesley move through the whole routine so smoothly, Lionel grew even more pleased.

    Soon the game began.

    Wesley took the white pieces and made the first move. Lionel followed right after. They took turns, thoroughly enjoying the game.

    “Quit ying ande eat,” Celeste called out as she set thest dish on the table, looking at the itwo /istill absorbed in their game.

    “Later. Don’t bother me,” Lionel replied without looking up,pletely wrapped up in the chessboard.

    Celeste was both annoyed and amused. “Look at your dad. He gets someone who can y chess and won’t let them go. I’ve told him so many times not to keep badgering people into ying chess with him, but he never listens.”

    “Then it’s all Wesley’s fault. Who asked him to y chess with Dad?” Sana, still angry, med Wesley for all this.

    Wesley, who had sharp hearing, couldn’t help but feel helpless when he heard that. He thought, ‘It seems everything I do is wrong these days. But luckily…

    Wesley ced hisst white piece down and shook his head with a bitter smile. “I lose. Mr. Gardner, your skills are excellent. I’m no match for you.”

    “Heh, you’re too kind. It’s just luck. Usually I don’t y this well.” Lionel couldn’t hide his joy looking at his strong position on the board. But he knew deep down he couldn’t really beat Wesley.

    He’d won this time only because Wesley had let him. But Wesley’d done it subtly, with good sense, making it hard for him to feel

    upset.

    ‘What a young man who knows how to read people. No wonder he became the director of a counseling clinic at such a young age,‘ Lionel thought.

    “Then I’lle over often to y chess with you.” Wesley knew exactly how to keep the conversation going in his favor.

    “That’d be great. I’ve been struggling to find a proper opponent.” Lionel was thrilled to hear that.

    Wesley said, “No problem. You’ll have one from now on, Mr. Gardner. Let’s add each other on WhatsApp. If you need anything, just message me on WhatsApp, and I’lle as quickly as I can.”

    “Sure thing,” Lionel said.

    And just like that, Wesley sessfully exchanged contact details with his potential future father–inw.

    “Are you two done? Are we even having dinner?” Sana was fuming.

    Wesley had gotten her dad’s contact info just by ying a game of chess, and it made her want to scream.

    “Keep your voice down. Be nice.” Lionel red at her, thinking she was being really unreasonable today.

    Lionel thought, ‘Even if Wesley likes her now, she can’t just take advantage of his feelings like this. If she keeps acting out, she’ll wear his feelings down sooner orter.‘

    12:55 Tue, 2 Sept A

    “I’m not being nice. If anyone doesn’t like it, they can leave. I’m not forcing anyone.” Sana was too angry to hold back.

    53%

    Sana thought, ‘It isn’t like I begged Wesley to chase me, after all. I told him countless times he didn’t have to take responsibility, but he just kept following me around. What else am I supposed to do?‘

    Lionel was furious at her attitude and was about to snap at her again.

    Wesley quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Mr. Gardner, I’m a bit hungry. Maybe we should eat first.”

    Lionel’s attention shifted instantly. He hurried to usher Wesley over. “Absolutely. Come sit. Let me tell you, my wife’s cooking is amazing. You’ve got to eat plenty.”

    Wesley yed along. “Really? Then I’d bettere visit more often. I hope you and Mrs. Gardner won’t get tired of me.”

    Lionel, charmed, didn’t hesitate to reply, “Not at all. Come anytime. I’ll even cook you some of my special dishes myself.”

    +15

    “Then thank you in advance, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner,” Wesley said politely, and soon enough, Lionel was happily pouring him a ss of juice.

    Watching the two get along so well, Sana felt like she was going to explode.

    She thought, ‘Good grief, what on earth is going on here?‘