Chapter 189
Zinnia still wasn’t used to lying. Whenever she did, her gaze would instinctively drop, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.
Maisie, not one to overthink things, gently cupped Zinnia’s face in her hands and gazed at her with concern. She said, “Is there still sand in your rest Does it hurt? Let me take a look.”
Zinnia’s face was deceptively innocent. Even when she lied, one’d find oneself believing her without question.
Zinnia shook her head and said, “It’s okay now. It doesn’t hurt anymore. Maisie, where are we going?” She turned to watch the scenery flashing by outside the window.
Maisie replied, “Let’s go shopping. It’s finally our monthly holiday, and it’s been ages since we had a proper shopping spree. The season’s changing, so we should update our wardrobes. Mom said we can buy as much as we want. She’ll foot the bill!”
The two of them headed to the downtown mall, the same one they’d been to before Jackson. Maisie knew the place like the back of her hand.
Instead of rushing to buy clothes, they decided to just wander around and have some fun in the mall first.
Maisie linked arms with Zinnia and led her into the cafe. They found a table and sat down. A server quickly brought over two tablets.
Maisie said enthusiastically, “Zinnia, the orange juice here is amazing, and the snacks are great too. Quick, see what you like!”
The menu offered a dizzying array of juice options. Maisie was the first to order. She picked out several desserts and a strawberry juice, carefully avoiding anything with cream.
Zinnia browsed through the enticing pictures on the tablet and finally settled on a drink that looked delicious.
The desserts arrived first. “Zinnia, this one’s cream–free, so you can have it,” Maisie said.
Zinnia picked up her spoon and scooped up a bite, anticipation in her eyes.
“Here are your drinks,” the server said as the drinks arrived.
Maisie popped in her straw, took a sip, and her eyes crinkled with pleasure.
Zinnia was just about to take a sip when Maisie suddenly sat bolt upright. Maisie said, “Wait, Zinnia!”
Zinnia had just put the straw to her lips when she paused, blinking in confusion.
“Excuse me,” Maisie called out to the server who was about to leave. The server turned around.
Maisie said, “I think you brought the wrong juice. My sister didn’t order this one; the name on the menu was different.”
Before the server could respond, Zinnia recognized those clear, gentle eyes and exclaimed in delight, “Lydia!”
Maisie looked at the server, puzzled. As she studied the server more closely, she realized those eyes did look strangely familiar.
Lydia pulled her mask down slightly, revealing half her face, and her warm eyes grew even softer as they turned to Zinnia.
“She can’t have cream, and that drink she ordered had some in it, so I swapped it for another one,” Lydia explained with a gentle smile.
Maisie blinked in surprise when she realized who it was. “Lydia! What are you doing here?” she asked, clearly taken aback.
“I’m working part–time here,” Lydia replied, her expression gentle.
Chapter 189
“Lydia, wanna join us?” Zinnia asked warmly, gesturing to the sweet treats on the fable.
“Hey Lydia, got a minute? Come eat with us. We’re heading to the mall this afternoon. Let’s all go together,” Maisis called out warmly
Everyone in the class knew about Lydia’s family situation, but no one ever judged her for it.
“Yeah! Let’s go together, Lydia!” Zinnia chimed in cheerfully
Lydia said with a gentle smile, “Thanks, but I still have to finish my shift. You two go ahead and eat. Maybe next time.”
“Alright then,” Zinnia murmured, unable to hide her disappointment.
Noticing Zinnia’s disappointment, Lydia gently patted her on the head and smiled softly. She said, “I promise, next time I’ll go shopping with you
“Very well,” Zinnia said.
