“Yeah! After coming home, there’s no one to even talk to.”

It was December, and with Ivy’s packed work schedule, Ethan being left without morning or evening conversations had become the norm. He sulked silently, but hearing Ivy say this made his heart ache for her, despite himself.

Mocking his own weakness, Ethan’s expression remained neutral as he said, “If you’re not comfortable here, just go back to the Lancaster family. There are more people ...