Maja looked at lan, a frown creasing her forehead. "Have you called him? What did he say?"

"He didn't say much. I'm starting to think he's hiding a woman in his house."

Maja's expression flickered for a moment. It had been over four years since Zoey passed away, and while she wasn't against Fitch moving on, it still stung a little. Zoey had given everything, including her life, to bring Nolan into this world. Could another woman love Nolan as much as Zoey did?

Especially since Nolan was on the autism spectrum, always quiet at gatherings, hardly speaking a word, yet always managing to draw everyone's sympathy. She took out her phone and called Fitch. He picked up.

"Fitch, you wanna come over for dinner at Greenfield Gardens tonight? I've invited Felix and the gang."

"Not tonight."

"lan said you've been home all week. What's keeping you?"

"Just reading with Nolan."

Maja narrowed her eyes slightly. "I've been missing Nolan too. How about I bring Rosemary over to see him later?"

"No need."

Nolan was a quiet kid, and Rosemary Sanders was the complete opposite, always lively and chatty. Her presence could always coax a few more words out of Nolan. Before, Fitch would've welcomed Rosemary Sanders with open arms, but now he declined outright.

Something was definitely off.

Maja ended the call just as Carol walked in with Karen.

Karen greeted everyone politely, her voice sweet. She nodded at Rosemary Sanders and Craig before dashing into the kitchen.

"Daddy."

Felix, hearing her voice, immediately took off his oven mitts and scooped her up.

"Did you get everything? Was Mommy happy today?"

"Happy. Mommy said you have good taste, that you always pick the perfect gifts."

Felix glanced outside, catching Carol's eye before quickly looking away.

"How exactly did she compliment me?"

"She said you have an eye for gifts, that you always choose something that's just right." Felix's smile broadened, unable to contain his joy, and he planted a kiss on her cheek. "Good girl. Keep helping Daddy out by replaceing out what she likes."

"Okay."

Karen was always the obedient one, never a fuss, quite unlike Carol's more assertive nature.

Felix set her down. "Off you go, Daddy's cooking."

Karen lingered, then added, "Mommy bought you a tie."

A wave of pleasure washed over Felix, though he tried to suppress it. "What color?"

"Brown, she said it was crafted by a master artisan."

His smile was irrepressible now.

"Got it."

When Karen left the kitchen, she saw the adults gathered on the sofa, chatting.

She sat next to Carol, while Craig occasionally glanced over from where he sat next to lan.

After a while, Felix, along with the chef, served dinner.

Maja hadn't seen Carol in a month, and the two caught up on the latest celebrity gossip, all stars from the Star Movie group. Maja's company had become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, churning out award-winning actors almost yearly, a feat unmatched by any other company.

After the meal, Carol and Felix left together.

In the car, Carol asked Karen, "Why didn't you talk more with Craig? He kept looking at you."

"I don't like him. He cries too much. I prefer mature men like Daddy."

Carol chuckled at that, and Felix couldn't help but smile too.

He glanced at Carol, then ventured, "Carol, how about a movie tonight?"

Carol, holding Karen, felt too tired. "No, thanks. I'm beat."

Disappointment flickered in Felix's eyes, but then Karen mentioned, "Mommy, Daddy can give you a massage. He even took lessons."

Carol was surprised. Felix was always so busy; when would he have had the time?

But that night, lying on the bed, she realized he had indeed learned.

Felix's hands, however, seemed to have a mind of their own, and Carol eventually gave in.

The next morning, Carol and Maja decided to grab coffee together, only to run into Mia at the café.

Both their expressions soured upon seeing her. Mia, as flamboyant as ever, sneered upon noticing them. Maja frowned. "What are you doing back?"

Mia held her head high, smugly. "Why can't I come back? If that wench Zoey could stick around, why can't I?"

The memory irritated her. She had heard about the fire while abroad, that Zoey was gone but had left behind a "brat."

Mia despised Zoey more than anyone, furious that she had "stolen" her brother's affection.

Hearing of Zoey's demise had been a cause for celebration, yet upon her return, she found not only was Zoey still a topic of conversation but that her brother remained deeply devoted to her.

It seemed to Mia that Zoey, even in absence, had managed to secure her brother's heart completely.

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