{"id":16970,"date":"2026-11-10T04:29:20","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T04:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/?p=16970"},"modified":"2026-11-10T04:29:20","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T04:29:20","slug":"the-wedding-gift-my-ex-husband-never-expected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/?p=16970","title":{"rendered":"The Wedding Gift My Ex-Husband Never Expected&#8230;."},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1kw3rcc x104jwf5 x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">large<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">framed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">velvet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">saying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">word.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seconds,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reception<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seemed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappear.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">music<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">playing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">background,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearby<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attention<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that?&#8221;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calmly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">resting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pockets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Go<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ahead,&#8221;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Take<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you&#8217;ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interesting.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">framed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">driveway,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">landscaped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">garden,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">large<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">porch.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">house<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">during<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marriage,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">used<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">show<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photographs<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">houses<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">neighborhood,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explaining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">better<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lives<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">once<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afford<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bigger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">barely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">managed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mortgage<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">payments<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">previous<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">especially<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">born.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">does<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">do<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">page<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">listing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">second<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">showed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">third<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">name<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">completely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">supposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mean?&#8221;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pulled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chair<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">closer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">means<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">purchased<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">three<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Yes.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">involved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commercial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">development<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">job,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">discussed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">details<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">always<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">modest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Apparently,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">built<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">successful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">investment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">partners<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">met<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">purchases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reason<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reached<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">removed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;This<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interesting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">snatched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paper<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">His<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">across<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">page.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">joking.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;No,&#8221;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">replied.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">document<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">watched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">change<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">read<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">notice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commercial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">past<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">year<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">its<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">occupied.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">purchased<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">building<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lease<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">renewed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">furious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owner?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eyebrows<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rise.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idea<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">workplace<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">connected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">explaining<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">building<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">acquired<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">commercial<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">transaction.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">previous<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owner<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sell,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">winning<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decision<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">future<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tenancy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reviewing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">existing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contracts<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">development<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">personal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">vendetta.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">At<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">least,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">being<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paid<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I&#8217;d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interesting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bottle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">champagne.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearby<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">papers<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pushed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrass<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretty<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">job<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yourself.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">help<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">humiliate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intimidated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">men.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Max,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">maybe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">inside.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ready<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">let<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shook<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;No.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">idea?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exactly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I&#8217;m<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;So<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kind<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">game?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">calm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">game.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanted<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">speaking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">if<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">she&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laugh<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mouth,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unexpected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">placed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">velvet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">folder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">top<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;There&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thing.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suspiciously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">now?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Open<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lifting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cover.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Inside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">front<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">colorful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">playground.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recognized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">taken<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">event.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Beneath<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">printed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certificate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confirming<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">local<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">charity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fund<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">improvements<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">playground<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">provide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">additional<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">equipment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after-school<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">program<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attended<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">several<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">local<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">families.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">contribution<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">names<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spoke<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">organization<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weeks<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ago.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meaningful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">throat<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">much<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">loved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">playground.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">countless<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afternoons<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">younger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">recently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enjoying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">swings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">money<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">names?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Yes,&#8221;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expression<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unchanged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">public<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">children&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">program.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">permission<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">benefit<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Maybe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leave<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">another<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ignored<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Jenna,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seriously?<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">here<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">look<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bad?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">face<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grow<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">warm,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrassment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;No,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">alone.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">paused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">good<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">friend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gently<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">touched<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">atmosphere<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">around<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">table<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Some<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">guests<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">conversations,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">others<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whispered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">among<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">could<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">furious,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">although<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tried<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">avoided<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">relieved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hadn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">start<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argument.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">come<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">father&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">special<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">day<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">without<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feeling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parents<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">couldn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">same<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">After<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">older<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">came<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">running<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Mom!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hug<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Hello,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sweetheart.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">having<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fun?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Yes!<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chocolate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fountain!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">suppose<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">having<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">best<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">over<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoulder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boyfriend?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">telling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">everyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tonight.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">younger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emma,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appeared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">sister,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">holding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">plate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">piece<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">She<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">marry<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Mommy?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nearly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">choked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">softly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">very<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">big<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">question.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Why?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">your<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">mom<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">should<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">such<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">but<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">meant<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">than<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">probably<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">made<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decisions<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appearance,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">deserved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decide<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">allowing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">grandparents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stepped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">outside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">onto<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">terrace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">air<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cool,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lights<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reception<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hall<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reflected<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">windows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ask<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">course.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">really<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">all<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opinion<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">final<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">word<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">on<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quite<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">answer.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">leaned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">against<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">railing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;All<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">unpleasant.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enough<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understand<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">want<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feeling<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">defend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">yourself.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">down<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">business<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">timing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">funny.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">certainly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">important<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">part.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;What<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">directly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Watching<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smile<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">say.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">added,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Jenna,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">need<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worth<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dating.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tighten<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agree<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pretend<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">boyfriend?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;That&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reception<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shortly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">afterward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">When<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ended,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gather<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls&#8217;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coats<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">belongings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">As<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">parking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">area,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">noticed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">near<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">entrance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Jenna.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">steps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ahead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">giving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shoved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hands<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pockets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">back<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expect<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tonight<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">turn<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Neither<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">did<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hesitated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shouldn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waited.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">rubbed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wanting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">date<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;You&#8217;re<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">shouldn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">might<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">apologize<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">properly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Instead,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprised.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">took<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Max,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">problem.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">You<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">is<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">have<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">right<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">judge.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">didn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">respond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">spent<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">questioned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">appearance,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">confidence,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anyone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">find<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attractive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">again.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">voice<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remained<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">steady.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">don&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believe<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">those<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">things<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anymore.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Good,&#8221;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">finally<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Goodnight,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">walked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">toward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passenger<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">door<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">helped<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">girls<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">settle<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">seats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">On<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fell<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asleep<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">almost<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">still<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">awake,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quietly<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">playing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ribbon<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">one<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">glanced<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">okay?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Actually,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">think<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">am.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">He<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Good.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">out<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">window<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">passing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">streetlights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">For<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">first<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">while,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thinking<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opinion<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wondering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">whether<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">attractive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">comparing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Claire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">enjoying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quiet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ride<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">home<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">treated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kindness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">A<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">few<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">days<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">returned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">our<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">normal<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">routine<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">between<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">We<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">started<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">having<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">lunch<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">together<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">more<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">often.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bring<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">coffee<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">morning.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Other<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">times,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stop<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">by<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">office<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">talk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">There<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">No<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">people<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">getting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">know<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">each<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">About<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">month<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">after<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">invited<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">as<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">fake<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">date.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">prove<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anything<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">anybody.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">up<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">evening,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">handed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">small<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">bouquet<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;What&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">occasion?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">special.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Then<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">why<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">flowers?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">thought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you&#8217;d<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">like<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">him<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">missing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">expensive<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">public<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">displays<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">affection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Not<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">trying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">impress<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">room<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">full<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">strangers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Just<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simple<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kindness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">As<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">eventually<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">heard<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">property<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">situation<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">workplace<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">resolved<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">through<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">negotiated<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrangement<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">owners.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">company<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">intention<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">interfering<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">employees&#8217;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">jobs,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">continued<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">working<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">there<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">under<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">revised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tenancy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">destroying<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">exposed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">little<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">knew<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">man<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">so<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">quick<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ridicule.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Months<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">later,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">found<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">old<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">from<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">standing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beside<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiling,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">with<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">visible<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">background.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">looked<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">at<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">picture<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">long<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nervous<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">been<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">before<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arriving.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughter,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">embarrassment,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">way<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">my<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">stomach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tightened<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">told<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nobody<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">would<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">ever<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">date<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">also<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">remembered<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">The<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">moment<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">realized<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">his<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opinion<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">controlled<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">felt<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">myself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">put<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">photograph<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">into<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">drawer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">went<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">My<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">were<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">waiting<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">for<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">in<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Mom,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">are<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">weekend?&#8221;<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Lily<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">asked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Maybe.<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Why?&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;Because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">promised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">teach<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">us<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">how<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">pancakes.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Emma<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">immediately<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">raised<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">her<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;With<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chocolate<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">chips!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">&#8220;We&#8217;ll<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">see<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">what<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">we<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">can<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">arrange.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">when<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">understood<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">something<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wished<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">learned<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">years<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">best<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">response<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">someone<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">tries<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">make<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">you<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">feel<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worthless<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">isn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">revenge,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">an<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">argument,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proving<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">them<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Sometimes<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">simply<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">building<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">life<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">where<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">their<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">opinion<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">no<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">longer<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">laughed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">because<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">he<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">believed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">nothing<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">left<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">But<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">two<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beautiful<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">daughters,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">career<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">proud<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">friends<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">who<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">genuinely<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">cared<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">about<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">me,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">and<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">possibility<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">a<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">new<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">perhaps<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">greatest<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">gift<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Edward<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">brought<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wedding<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">box,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">documents,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">or<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">even<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">surprise<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">donation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">It<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">was<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">the<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">reminder<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">that<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">had<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">never<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">needed<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">Max&#8217;s<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">approval<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">be<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">worthy<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">of<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x1pd3egz x4gjf66 x1wwbdsi x86bw1a x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1lliihq x14rh7hd\" data-d-component=\"text\"><span class=\"xt0psk2 x1ghz6dp x1717udv x1wty727 x4gjf66 x15eiy0f x1lziwak x15472z4 x1qlqyl8 x15bjb6t x1s688f x14rh7hd xdj266r\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-inline=\"\"><span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">And<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">this<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">time,<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">I<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">wasn&#8217;t<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">going<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">to<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">forget<\/span> <span data-d-streaming-word=\"\">it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inside the box was a large framed photograph, several documents, and a small velvet folder. Max stared at the contents without saying a word. For a few seconds, the noise of the wedding reception seemed to disappear. The music continued playing in the background, and guests were still talking around us, but everyone standing nearby&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/?p=16970\" class=\"more-link\">CONTINUE READING &gt;&gt;&gt;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;The Wedding Gift My Ex-Husband Never Expected&#8230;.&rdquo;<\/span> &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16971,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16970"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16972,"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16970\/revisions\/16972"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/16971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teknonoktasi.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}