Maisie's heart skipped a beat. She felt a unique connection with Daniel that went beyond friendship. It was a feeling akin to memories from a past life, familiar and comforting.

"Since you see me as a friend, helping each other is the natural way of things," Daniel reassured her softly. "You don't need to hesitate. But if it truly bothers you, you can treat me to a meal again. That might make you feel better."

The day Maisie invited Daniel to dinner marked the start of winter. She had prepared a hearty hot pot, filling the table with fish, shrimp, beef, lamb, fresh veggies, and mushrooms.

Daniel brought a bottle of wine, and they enjoyed a warm conversation while indulging in the hot pot's comforting heat.

As he asked about her wedding preparations, Maisie hesitated for a moment, smiled, and didn't give a direct response.

"What's the matter?" Daniel asked. "Is there something you and your fiance don't agree on?"

Maisie spoke softly. "I always feel like he's keeping something from me."

"What is it?"

Maisie didn't provide details. She attempted to add water to the hot pot but accidentally scalded her fair hand on the edge of the pot, causing a blister to form.

Concerned, Daniel swiftly led her to the kitchen, where he ran her burned hand under cold water. He found some ice cubes, wrapped them in a cloth, and applied them to her injured hand.

"How does it feel? Is it painful?" He was anxious and sweating.

Maisie's heart raced. She realized that the sense of being cared for and protected came from Daniel-not her fiance-someone she had known for only a few months.

At times, she wondered if their connection was more profound than their short acquaintance suggested. She found solace and security when she was with him, yet there was also an unexplained pain deep within her heart.

Could such complex emotions arise in just a few months?

"Maisie!" Daniel grew increasingly worried when she didn't respond. "Is it very painful?"

"Oh, no..."

Daniel was about to call a doctor he knew but stopped as Maisie gently spoke, "I'm genuinely okay. Don't bother your friend. The ice is soothing. At most, I'll use some burn ointment... although I'm not sure if I have any at home."

"I'll go buy some."

Before Maisie could say more, Daniel put on his coat and hurried downstairs.

The pharmacy was outside their residential area. Upon his return with the ointment, he noticed a car parked at the entrance. A man and a woman stepped out of the car, embracing each other naturally. The woman even kissed the man on the cheek.

Daniel's gaze turned icy.

Under normal circumstances, this scene wouldn't be unusual, but the man was Graham!

Daniel clenched his fists and watched the couple intently. They were engrossed in conversation, paying no attention to Daniel, who stood in a concealed spot.

"When are you going to be honest with your family?" the woman asked.

Graham furrowed his brows and glanced around. He tried to remove the woman's hands from his body, but she clung even tighter.

"What's the matter? Are you worried she'll see us?" The woman smirked. "It's the weekend today, and you said she's a homebody, never leaving the house on her days off, right? I guess that's what your parents consider a good girl, huh? To be honest, I find it boring as hell!"

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