had recently settled


    Everything in Jameson’s ce was new. It was evident that he in.


    He had embraced a simple and minimalist monochromatic style for home decor. Alyssa could tell from


    one look that the furniture and houseware he had chosen were from understated luxury brands.


    When she stepped into the house, she immediately shuddered from the coldness. It wasn’t the heater’s


    problem. The spacious halls, Coupled with the boring color palette, sent a chill down her body.


    “Lyse, are you feeling cold?” Jameson retrieved a pair of white home slippers from the shoe rack, knelt


    on


    one knee, and ced them at Alyssa’s feet.


    “Put these on. I’ll turn up the heat.”


    She blinked and slid her feet into the warm,fortable slippers.


    She was surprised to find that the slippers were brand new and the right fit for her. They appeared to


    have


    been prepared especially for her.


    *


    “Jameson, you’re home,’ ire greeted them with a warm smile. She was the housekeeper


    responsible


    for taking care of both Jameson and Lily.


    “Lyse, this is Madam ire.” Jameson introduced Alyssa to thedy


    Then, he turned to ire, saying. “Madam ire, she’s-


    “I know! This must be the Ms. Alyssa who’s always on your mind!”


    ire enthusiastically weed Alyssa. “How are you, Ms. Alyssa? You look so lovely! Even more


    stunning than Miss Kontina!”


    Alyssa smiled, blushing shyly. “Thanks for thepliment, Madam ire.”


    “Come on in! It must be freezing outside! Jameson, Madam Lily is waiting for you both,” urged Madam


    ire, leading them into the living room.


    She couldn’t help but steal nces at the two along the way. She grew more fond of them with every


    look. They seemed like a match made in heaven.


    Meanwhile, Alyssa felt a bit nervous because she couldn’t recall Lily Schmidt’s appearance. When shel


    had visited the Schmidts during her childhood, Victor had been the one who had weed her.


    Lily had rarely made an appearance, but when she had, Alyssa had thought of her as a gentle and kind


    woman.


    “Mom!” Jameson called out to the woman in the wheelchair with a tan velvet nket on herp. She


    slowly turned around.


    Alyssa felt a pang of sympathy when she saw Lily, who was the same age as Mandy but looked much


    older with her gray hair.


    “My son! You’re back!” Lily broke into a radiant smile. Though she may have aged, her beauty from her


    youth was still evident, especially when she smiled.


    He hurried over to give her a hug. Then, he announced, “Mom, Alyssa is here to see you.”


    “Oh, is it Lyse? Lyse?” Lily gasped in a childlike and animated manner.


    She seemed to have taken a liking to Alyssa and said, “Hurry up, Madam ire!”


    “Madam Lily, I’m here!’ Madam ire quickly replied


    “Get some juice and candy for Lyse!”


    “Got it!” Madam ire answered. She swiftly grabbed a handful of colorful candy from the exquisite


    snack box on the coffee table and eagerly handed them to Alyssa.


    She said, “Ms. Alyssa, please have some candies”


    Alyssa epted the candy in surprise. She hadn’t expected such a unique wee from Lily.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    “Jimmy, you should bring your friends home more often! Don’t worry about disturbing me. I don’t want


    you


    to be alone,” said Lily as she nced worriedly at Jameson,


    Stunned, Alyssa slowly turned to Jameson. He said to Lily, “Mom, don’t worry. With Lyse by my side. I’ll


    never be lonely.”


    A hint of


    of sadness-briefly crossed his eyes as he gently caressed Lily on the back. “Even if everyone


    ignores me, Lyse will stay by me.”


    “Good. That’s good. Lyse, you have to visit Jimmy often and y with him!” Lily said, looking at Alyssa


    as


    if she were the same young girl from 15 years ago.


    Alyssa responded courteously, “Thank you, Mrs. Schmidt,”