Kysonâs once-familiar features had undergone a significant transformation, save for his striking blue eyes.
His skin was now rough and he had a beard.
This made him look like a man in his middle age.
The past year had clearly left its mark on him.
However, as he gazed at Lucinda, warmth and affection filled his eyes.
âLucinda, itâs been such a long time.
â
Lucinda stood frozen and fixed her gaze on him.
Almost a year had passed since they last saw each other, and his unexpected presence took her by surprise.
His transformation was evident.
He exuded a newfound maturity and restraint.
Surveying Kyson for a moment, Lucinda smiled and said, âYes, itâs indeed been a long time, Mr.
Shaw.
â
Kyson was a bit surprised because of the formality of her address.
But a glance at the man accompanying her clarified the reason behind it.
Kyson opened his arms with anticipation.
âItâs been such a long time since we last saw each other.
Can I⦠Maybe get a hug?â
Lucinda didnât give a response.
She glanced at Nathan.
Nathan bent his head and said nothing.
Lucinda contemplated the situation.
Was it really such a big deal to hug Kyson in Nathanâs presence? Would he mind?
With this thought, she tentatively approached him with open arms.
However, a sudden jostle from behind disrupted the moment.
Lucinda turned her head and saw that Nathan walked past her and approached Kyson with a gloomy and angry expression.
He looked like he was about to beat someone up.
The unexpected sight of Nathan seemed to suggest a less-than-warm welcome.
Could a beating be the special welcome gift on Kysonâs first day back?
âNathanâ¦â
Lucinda began, but before she could complete her words, Nathan, albeit reluctantly, opened his arms and embraced Kyson.
Justifying the hug, he stated, âSheâs a married woman.
She canât hug you.
Iâll do it on her behalf.
â
Then he patted Kyson on the back twice.
Kyson was stunned.