My heart felt like it had been tugged


    As Frank said, it was something he was subconsciously, and I didn''t know where it came from.


    Seeing his sadness, I was inexplicably moved. I lifted onto my toes and reached out to pat his head, but halfway there, I came to my senses and stopped in mid-air Looking into his brown eyes, I gently reassured, "Frank, she wouldn''t me you


    His eyes briefly lit up but then returned to their calm state as he continued, "You''re not her, so how would you know what she thinks?"


    "But I have had simr experiences.*


    1 lowered my gaze, bitterness in my voice. "I used to live a good life, and then suddenly lost my parents. 1 had to rely on myself, struggling and working hard to survive."


    I looked at him again and smiled gently. "If I were her, I wouldn''t me you. She... probably wouldn''t either."


    People who have had a hard life understand empathy better.


    His waiting all these years was enough.


    He seemed touched, his usually sharp demeanor softening. "Have you found it difficult all these years?"


    "During childhood, yes."


    I took a deep breath, ncing around at the strangely familiar furnishings in the room, and smiled, "Later on, I got used to it. These years, livingfortably with the Frost family, it''s hardly been difficult." Frank observed me closely, "So, are you happy every day?"


    Iughed silently, walking into the courtyard. "Mr. Smith, for most people, just living well is already using up all their effort. How could they be happy every day?"


    "Is that so?"


    "And you? Are you happy?"


    Frank followed me out, turned back to close the door, and gave me a sidelong nce. "You''re asking a question with an obvious answer."


    He wasn''t happy.


    Probably, since Lily disappeared, he hadn''t been happy again.


    "Oh." I shrugged, choosing not to respond further.


    He led me to Madam Shaw''s courtyard. "Grandma wants you to stay at the Shaw family''s residence, but if you prefer a hotel, I can talk to her."


    No need." I shook my head. "I''ll stay here with Grandma."


    Perhaps because I had never experienced the affection of an elder, I really enjoyed spending time with


    Madam Shaw.


    I didn''t feel awkward. Instead, I felt warm and at ease.


    Returning to Jeswood, Frank was naturally much busier than in Jston.N?velDrama.Org content.


    In the afternoon, after receiving a phone call, he left.


    Madam Shaw saw himpletely leave the courtyard and suddenly looked at me with a meaningful expression. "Charlotte, do you have any thoughts about Frank?"


    I was startled by the question and quickly replied, "No."


    Madam Shaw''s questioning was sharp. "Is it that you haven''t thought about it, or that you''re afraid to think about it?"


    I lowered my head, looking at the smooth wooden floor tiles. For a moment, I didn''t know how to answer.


    I hadn''t thought about this question.


    After the divorce, I only hoped for a stable life, and hadn''t considered matters of love.


    Perhaps... whenever Frank touched me emotionally, I immediately suppressed those feelings.


    Madam Shaw patted my shoulder. "Be honest with me. Don''t hesitate to speak just because I''m Lily''s grandmother. Frank has waited for over twenty years. He''s done enough. In the future, I hope he will consider himself more."


    After a moment of silence, I answered, "I haven''t thought about it, and I''m afraid to think about such matters. Besides, he likes Lily. We''re most suited to be ordinary friends."


    "You''re afraid to think about such matters..."


    Madam Shaw paused for a moment, ignoring mytter words, and asked, "Is it because you''ve been divorced?"


    I looked up in surprise. "You knew?"