Abel gently hugged her before pushing open the glass door and walking towards the parking lot across the street.
âMs. Louise,â Sam watched as Abelâs figure disappeared, âIt seems like Mr. Abel has had a change of heart. He used to have such a cold, emotionless face, but now he smiles and looks incredibly handsome when he does.â
âYou have way too much time on your hands!â Emmeline playfully tapped her head, âWhy donât you focus on your work?â
âBut there are no customers around,â Sam pouted, âIâve been brewing coffee these past few days, and Iâve been drinking it all by myself.â
In that case, make us both a cup,â Emmeline said, âLetâs drink it together.â
âAlright!â Sam pulled out a chair for them and went to make coffee.
After brewing the coffee and adding milk and sugar, the two sat at the table with their respective cups.
Sam started complaining.
âI heard from Mr. Benjamin that the engagement party was quite lively, but I didnât get to attend.â
âYouâre so nosy!â Emmeline playfully poked her on the forehead, âDo you have to stick your neck out and eat up all the gossip about your Missy?â
âBut didnât I miss out on all the fun?â Sam pouted, âSuch a big event, and I didnât get to witness it! I bet Mr. Abel caused quite a stir when he showed up to steal the bride.â
âWhy donât we recreate it for you to see?â Emmeline tilted her head and scolded her.
âNo need for that,â Sam stuck out her tongue.
As the two were enjoying their coffee, Benjamin and Janie suddenly arrived.
âWhat a coincidence,â Emmeline said, âI just got here not too long ago.â
Benjamin gestured to Sam with his mouth, âThat little rascal sent me a message saying you were here, so I came over right away.â
Emmelineâs eyes turned to Sam.
â
When did this girl send a message to Benjamin?
âMr. Benjamin,â Sam was displeased, âI know you care about Ms. Louise, and I was just trying to help you out. But you, you betrayed me so quickly!â
âMs. Louise didnât blame you either, did she?â Benjamin said. âWhy donât you go and make some more coffee?â
âHmph!â Sam pouted in protest. âI wonât argue with you this time, just for Janieâs sake!â
âAha!â Janie exclaimed in surprise.
âSo, my face is that important to you guys?â
âOf course!â Emmeline laughed. âYou have a bigger face than even Mr. Benjamin here.â
Janie sat down across from Emmeline, blinking her big eyes. âEmma, I heard that your true love is Mr.
Abel, not Mr. Adrien, right?â
âAdrien was a mistake,â Emmeline sighed. âWe all fell for it.â
âThat woman Alana is so cunning and devious,â Janie said. âIf I ever see her, Iâll help you vent your anger.â
âI donât even bother with her anymore,â Emmeline said. âShe did something unforgivable, and sheâll get what she deserves.â
âAt least youâre reunited with Mr. Abel,â Janie said. âBoth Mr. Benjamin and I are happy for you.â
While the two women chatted, Benjamin went off to smoke a cigarette by himself.
Emmeline whispered to Janie, âAny progress with Benjamin?â
âItâs still the same,â Janie pouted. âI just canât seem to get through to him.â
Emmeline comforted her. âJust take it slow. With persistence and sincerity, even a stone can be broken.â
âUgh,â Janie sighed. âItâs just a matter of whether I can heat up that stone of his someday.â
After finishing his cigarette, Benjamin walked over and sat down.
Sam had finished making the coffee, and Janie went to the counter to add milk and sugar.
Benjamin drank his coffee black, without any additives.
He asked Emmeline, âSo youâll be living at The Precipice with the kids?â
âNot exactly,â Emmeline replied, âsince the lab is over here.â
âWell, thatâs good,â Benjamin whispered, âwe wonât have to run into Ms. Louise every time we see you.â
Emmeline fell silent for a moment, then spoke up again, âBen, Janie is such a great girl. Would you please take a closer look at her?â
âI know,â Benjamin smiled at her, âI wonât bother you. Why are you in such a hurry to push me onto someone else?â