Out of the blue, Moran hollered at her retreating figure.
Ellinor halted in her tracks, spinning around to face him.
Veronica was taken aback, glancing first at her crush, Moran, then at Ellinor, with a wary look plastered across her face.
Seeing that Ellinor didnât reply, Moran carefully asked again, âMay I?â
After a few seconds of consideration, Ellinor nodded, âSure. Letâs go to the yard for our chat; itâs stuffy inside. Itâd be good to get some fresh air.â
Moran also nodded eamestly, âAlright.â
Then Ellinor tumed around, descending the stairs with the two of them.
As they reached the entrance, Moran turned to Veronica.
âVeronica, you can leave us here. Donât follow; I want to talk to Ellinor privately.â
Even though Veronica was unwilling, she didnât dare defy Moran, obediently nodding, âOkay.â
She made a face at them, watching as they left the house together, then quickly scampered to the window to spy on them.
Veronica had heard whispers about Moranâs crush on Ellinor at school. At first, she was furious, but she later thought that since Ellinor already had her brother, she wouldnât snatch Moran away, so she stopped bothering about it.
But now it seemed that Moran still hadnât let go of Ellinor.
If it were any other guy, she would definitely have told her brother. But since it was Moran, she worried that her brother might give him a hard time, so she let it slide. The Blanchet familyâs yard was spacious and filled with an assortment of plants. In the moonlight, it looked beautiful.
Ellinor tilted her head upwards to gaze at the risen moon. Her eyes seemed somewhat distant, like she was lost in thought.
âItâs Pearl!â Moran also looked up, whispering softly.
Ellinor snapped out of her reverie, turning to him, âI forgot you were still here. Do you have something to say?â
Moran furrowed his brows, hesitating before he said, âI have a question.â
Ellinor nodded kindly, âMmm. What is it? Go on.â
Moran looked at her with a hint of unwillingness in his eyes, âTheo⦠Veronicaâs brother⦠has he been good to you?â
Ellinorâs expression shifted slightly, âWhy do you ask?â
Moran explained, âVeronica mentioned that her brother has been away on a trip for several days and hasnât returned. Youâve been in the hospital recently, but he, as your husband, has been absent. I think a husband who truly cherishes his wife should be by her side at times like these.â
Ellinor fell silent for a moment before smiling faintly, âThank you for your concern, but heâs been decent to me.â
Moran looked rather worried. He continued, âEllinor, even though the Blanchet family can offer you a luxurious lifestyle, if you donât feel love and happiness here, no matter how great the things you have are, itâs not worth staying. You might regret it.â
Ellinor raised an eyebrow, âSo, you think Iâm staying here because of the Blanchet familyâs background?â
Realizing his mistake, Moran hurriedly corrected himself, âNo⦠I just think you and Veronicaâs brother arenât a good match. Heâs nearly ten years older than you, you donât have common topics, your values are different, and he doesnât care enough about you! Why would you stay with him?â
Ellinor chuckled lightly, âThatâs something only those involved in the relationship can understand. Iâm clear about what Iâm doing, but I still appreciate your wellâmeaning advice.â