Elaine hung up the phone, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. When Ashton returned, he found her smiling to herself.

"What’s got you in such a good mood?" he asked, glancing at the TV, which was off, and then at her phone, which was lying idle on the table.

Elaine reached for the durian he had brought her. Lately, she’d been craving it like an addict, though she couldn’t explain why—it was as if she couldn’t get enough of it.

"I’ll wash ...