When love cost me You

ce door before stepping inside. She had been s

ell-dressed man stood beside his desk, his posture relaxe

t my son, Raymond. He's recently returned from working abroa

hand. "It's nice to m

polite. "Likewise. I didn't realize the pri

sn't, until recently. B

omething about him lingered in Lili

they made their way out of school. Though they often walked hom

lly, glancing at him. "What do y

He's cool. Any lady that ba

slightly, her chest

behind her question. Then, with a teasing smir

or something-anything-that would hint at a different feeling from

re just friends

, masking the sting of disa

ware that, in that moment, he

ace at the school. Though he was mainly there for adm

about work. But soon, she found herself enjoying his company more than sh

he was gathering her things wh

asked, leaning a

ed. "You ha

ave the perfect remedy. Ho

r coffee with him felt... different.

d, smiling. "One c

Their conversation flowed naturally, and for the

ge in routine. But then, she started leaving school withou

in the staffroom, scrolling thro

ing home?

Not yet. I have som

"You've been 'bu

at him but s

Is there something yo

ther to mention Raymond. But she

" she finally said. "I

is jaw. Something was changing, and h

ter, Dennis g

paperwork. As he stepped outside, he spot

king and laughing. The ease b

de Lilian laugh softly, and Dennis

and caught sight of D

nted to say something. But before she

p down, he

way, and he had no on

ver, soon,all the teachers would ha

the teachers as they have to work

chool parking lot. It wasn't unusual-Raymond often stopped by to see

had n

d casually, adjusting the sl

h, just finished grad

king in with my dad. And...

eed to ask who.

a lot of time together," Dennis r

uckled. "Y

not to. She used to walk home with m

ing something beneath his wo

e shaking his head. "Nah, Lilian's

ing him closely. "You

he strap of his bag, but his expr

rt, kind, and she doesn't pretend to

smile. "That's

aking again. "I was thinking of making thin

hest, but he gave a small nod. "Good l

d between the lines. But instead of pressing further,

lder and walked off, leaving Dennis sta

as he watched Raymond disappear around the corner, De

really

nothing he cou