Chapter 973
Chapter 973:
Donna immediately sensed the fatigue in Yelena’s voice. “Yelena, are you okay? Have you been overworking yourself again p>
Yelena’s hand paused mid-movement, her fingertip tapping softly against the metal edge of her phone case. She had told Donna she was on a business trip. However, the recent challenges with the Fragrance Haven collaboration and Aitana’s accident had thrown her off, leaving her with little time or energy to address these issues.
Trying to maintain a light tone, Yelena forced a smile. “I’m fine p>
Donna’s faint smile could almost be seen through the phone. “Did you get a chance to see Austin? How did that go p>
Yelena’s eyes flickered, revealing her inner turmoil. She knew her family was too perceptive to be fooled. Since Donna seemed to suspect something, Yelena decided to be honest. “Yes, I did p>
Expecting as much, Donna added, “And your future in-laws? How are they p>
“They’re good,” Yelena replied.
“Give them my regards. Oh, tell you what—” Donna’s voice crackled with warmth. “Your dad’s learned a new recipe and has been trying to make those little pig-shaped cookies. He used sesame seeds for the eyes, but they simply couldn’t stay on. Now, we’ve got all these blind little piggies! It’s quite the sight p>
Pig-shaped cookies? Yelena paused.
“That sounds fun,” Yelena murmured, pushing open the window. The air was crisp, almost biting. Spring seemed absent in Kheley as the chill mirrored the heaviness in her heart.
“Yes, are you coming home soon? Your dad would love to show off his new baking skills,” Donna said.
Yelena frowned. She longed to be home, to spend more time with her family.
But…
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“I might have to stay here a bit longer,” Yelena said softly.
Donna, sensing the hesitation in Yelena’s voice, chose not to press the issue. “That’s alright. Whenever you come home, your dad will make them for you. He might do better next time, actually p>
Yelena smiled. “Okay p>
She could easily visualize the scene—even without being there—a plate of piggy cookies without eyes. The thought made her chuckle.
“Why are you laughing?” Donna inquired, her voice light.
Yelena kept her tone upbeat. “Just picturing Dad’s chaotic cookie attempts. What got him into baking all of a sudden p>
Donna replied, “He just started out of the blue, saying you’d probably like them p>
Yelena did have a fondness for cookies, especially those Archie used to make. He’d craft them into delightful shapes like little pigs, which were her favorite. They were far superior to any store-bought varieties. But how did her dad know about her preference? She hadn’t mentioned it to the Harris family.
“Yes, I do like them p>
“We’ll make sure to have some ready for you when you get back,” Donna said.
“Okay p>
Maggie approached with a bowl of chicken soup. Overhearing the conversation, she paused, her heart heavy with empathy.
Yelena couldn’t go home and spend time with her own family all because of them.
Maggie felt compelled to make Yelena feel cherished, even when she was far from home.
When Yelena hung up, Maggie came in with the bowl. “Here, have some soup. You’ve been working too hard. Those dark circles under your eyes tell the story p>