With a stern countenance, Hilliard remarked, “You’re dressed rather scantily, dear.


    It doesn’t present well.


    ”


    Jennifer gazed at him in disbelief, her expression akin to being struck by lightning, feeling deeply wounded.


    “I actually think it looks quite nice.


    You don’t like it?”


    Lucinda, who stood nearby, swiftly picked up on Jennifer’s emotional turmoil and interjected, “Hilliard, that’s not appropriate.


    What exactly do you mean? Choose your words carefully, or you might unintentionally offend Jennifer and risk losing her.


    ”


    Nathan enveloped Lucinda in a bath towel, covering her from neck to toe, and then offered Hilliard some guidance on expressing himself, saying, “Darling, you look stunning, and this swimsuit makes it difficult for me to contain my admiration.


    However, it’s something I cherish as exclusively ours.


    If other men catch a glimpse, it stirs feelings of jealousy within me.


    ”


    Hilliard listened in silence, instantly grasping the sentiment, and cast Jennifer a remorseful look filled with apology.


    “Honey, I misspoke.


    That wasn’t my intention,” Hilliard admitted, his tone softened with sincerity.


    Jennifer contained her anger, though her displeasure lingered, unconvinced by his exnation.


    “You didn’t err; you simply stated your truth.


    To me, ‘doesn’t present well’ carries a singr interpretation.


    ”


    Hilliard’s gaze fell.


    “I truly didn’t intend it that way.


    It’s not what you’re imagining.


    ”


    “Then what was your intention?”


    The exchange between the two prompted Nathan’s and Lucinda’s lips to twitch uncontrobly, trying to suppress their amusement at the unfolding dialogue.


    Lucinda chuckled.


    “You two are dancing around meanings like a tango! Why not just cut to the chase, Hilliard? Say what’s on your mind.


    ”


    Hilliard, not adept at articting his thoughts, found himself tangled in the conversation, swallowing his frustration as words failed him.


    Nathan offered aforting pat on Hilliard’s shoulder before stepping in to assist.


    “Hilliard is typically a man of few words.


    When he said ‘doesn’t present well’, he likely meant it’s inappropriate for other men to see.


    ”


    Hilliard nodded in agreement, relieved that Nathan had rified.


    “Exactly, that’s what I meant.


    ”


    Jennifer nced at Nathan, impressed by his emotional intelligence, and couldn’t help but feel a pang of concern for her fiancé, who sometimes struggled in simr situations.N?velDrama.Org content.


    “If that was your intention, why couldn’t you articte it yourself? Why did Nathan have to step in and rify for you?” Her tone tinged with sadness, Jennifer confessed, “This is my first time swimming with you, and I picked out a swimsuit that I felt really good in, hoping you’d like it too.


    ”


    Hilliard was momentarily taken aback, realizing the impact of his words.


    “I do like it, but what I was trying to say was…”


    Jennifer felt her inner anger simmering, and she cut him off, “If you like it, why follow up with a ‘but’? Are you nning to offer praise only to follow it with criticism?”


    “No, that’s not what I mean.


    ”


    “Then, what do you mean? You could just tell me straightforwardly whether you like it or not.


    What’s the point of all these ‘buts’?”


    ” .


    ” Hilliard stammered.


    Lucinda and Nathan, who had been silently observing the exchange, found themselves at a loss for words.


    Today, the two seemed entirely consumed by the subject of “meaning”.