?


    Damon raised an eyebrow at Erin, his tone indifferent. "Have you ever considered whether he wants to be with you?"


    Erin froze for a moment, her face paling as disappointment filled her eyes.


    "So, in your eyes, both N and Buddy are more important than I am, right?" she asked.


    Damon remained silent, but his expression grew increasingly impatient. "Erin, you have better options."


    After a long pause, Erin stared at Damon and asked, "Are you in love with N?"


    Damon frowned, perplexed by her trivial notion. He had no interest in N-falling for her was out of the question.


    However, he didn''t bother to exin. Instead, he said, "Think what you want."


    Thest flicker of hope in Erin''s heart faded away as she forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. She never expected that, just like five years a "Damon, I agree to break off the


    engagement, but I promise you will regret it!" she threatened before turning and running out of Damon''s office in tears.


    Damon''s expression didn''t change at all as he picked up the documents and continued working.


    In the afternoon, Lydia knocked on the door and asked N what she wanted for dinner.


    Beside N, Mason tugged at her sleeve and said eagerly, "Mommy, you promised to make me fried drumsticks! I want fried chicken!"


    Seeing his excited expression, N couldn''t help but smile. “Okay, what else do you want?"


    "I also want your barbecue ribs, beef and mash, crispy chicken..." Mason rattled off more than ten of N''s signature dishes.


    The truth was, she rarely had the time to make them because she was usually busy.


    "We can''t make too many dishes or we won''t finish them," N said. "Let''s pick a few for today, and I''ll cook the rest for you next time." "Okay!" Mason cheered.


    N turned to Lydia. "Lydia, could you please help me gather the ingredients? I''ll cook tonight."


    "Of course, Ms. Kinsey," Lydia answered readily.


    After N told Lydia what she needed, Lydia headed downstairs to prepare.


    N yed with Mason for a while before making her way down.


    The ingredients she needed were ready in the kitchen. Lydia had even thoughtfully washed the meat and vegetables, allowing N to start cooking right away.


    to


    Mason trailed behind N, eager to help. After looking around and realizing there wasn''t much for him to


    do, he settled onto a small stool by the door to watch her cook.


    Seeing this warm scene, Lydia felt a wave of contentment wash over her.


    ?


    The vi had always been so quiet, but it had be much livelier ever since N and Mason arrived. If N and Mason could stay here,


    they would surely bring a lot ofughter and joy.


    In less than two hours, N prepared three dishes and a soup.


    To prevent Mason from getting too full on fried drumsticks and neglecting the main meal, she only fried


    him one.


    As N served the dishes, Mason finished his fried chicken, licking his fingers and savoring the taste.


    Upon seeing his favorite barbecue ribs, his eyes lit up, and he quickly jumped up to N''s side. "Mommy, let me taste if the ribs are done!"


    N nced down at him and


    noticed that his attention was


    entirely focused on the barbecue ribs in her hands. She couldn''t help but chuckle and picked up a piece.


    "Be careful. It''s hot," she reminded him.


    Mason carefully took the rib from her, blowing on it before bringing it to his mouth.


    Suddenly, a low voice came from the kitchen door. "What are you two doing?"


    The unexpected voice startled Mason, causing the rib to slip from his hand and fall onto the floor.