Chapter 736

Marie and I seemed to share a special bond. From the first time we met, I felt a sense of familiarity between us. Each subsequent meeting deepened our connection. She gifted me a membership card for her salon and even her own clothes. I knew she cared for me, and there was something about her that made me feel safe, warm, and grounded. In my heart, I began to place her in a role similar to that of Grandma, feeling as if she were family. But I was also aware of our differences. She was a wealthy socialite, while I came from a humble village. We could only ever be good friends, never family. Yet here she was, surprising me by suggesting I treat her like family and consider Barker Heights my home. It turned out we shared similar feelings. "Come home for dinner." Grandma often said that to me. When I was attending school in Joddesdon and Saza, Grandma would call to ask when I'd be home for dinner. Older generations were often reserved and didn't express their emotions directly. When