âFrom the Simmons family?â The bodyguard scrutinized him from head to toe.
His initial surprise gave way to a begrudging admiration for Hilliardâs undeniable charisma, despite the drenched state he was in.
Immediately, the guard hurried off to deliver the information.
The members of the Turner family were having breakfast in the dining room.
Upon learning of Hilliardâs arrival, Mario and Presley exchanged glances, rose from their seats, and made their way out.
Jennifer dismissed the notion, deeming it a prank and not worth her attention.
For over a year, she had gone after Hilliard relentlessly, only to be met with his unyielding indifference.
The constant effort to please him had drained her spirit.
She kept on eating, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of her parents escorting a tall figure into the room.
When she lifted her eyes to see who it was, she was left utterly dumbfounded.
Theyâd been acquainted for ages.
Every time Jennifer laid eyes on Hilliard, he was so distant and exuded an air of coldness and arrogance.
She had never seen him rain-soaked.
His hair clung to his face, as though heâd just stepped out of a shower.
Stunned, she gaped at him.
âWhat made youâ¦â
Hilliard smiled.
But the smile was very faint.
It was like warm sunshine in winter and cool breeze in summer.
Jenniferâs heart raced as tears welled in her eyes uncontrollably.
Did he⦠Did he just smile at her?
For so long, sheâd yearned for this.
But now, the desire to be with him had waned within her.
She dropped her head to hide her sadness.
The smile on Hilliardâs face faded away, replaced by a cold countenance.
Sensing a shift in the air, Presley intervened, smiling, âJennifer, Mr.
Simmons is away on business in Forden.
Had a little mishap, lost his phone and all his money.
He endured the rain throughout the night.
Heâs hoping to stay at our place for a couple of days.
â
âOkay,â Jennifer responded with a cold tone.
She never wouldâve thought that Hilliard would bear such hardship.
But he wasnât here for her.
Perhaps he deserved it.