NovelFinishChapter 270 She really shouldn't have brought up the piano.
Thankfully, Forrest didn't pursue the subject. If he had, she was afraid she might have lost her composure right then and there.
After taking a few deep breaths to steady herself, she finally lay down and tried to sleep.
But her rest was anything but peaceful that night. In the early hours, her alarm roused her, and she immediately went to wake Julian.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe'd already consulted with a doctor about his sleepwalking. If a child's episodes tend to happen at the stevery night, it's best to gently wake them before that hour, keep them up for a bit, and then let them go back to sleep. Over time, this routine could help.
Fighting off her own exhaustion, she played quietly with Julian for a while. Only after three in the morning did they both crawl back into bed.
The next morning, Forrest was nowhere to be seen at breakfast. Since moving in, this was the first tMila hadn't found him at the table. Curious, she asked Howard, the house steward.
"Mr. Sinclair had something urgent cup at work," Howard replied.
Since it was just a work matter, Mila didn't think much of it. After breakfast, she took Julian to the stuto continue her daily design work and to teach him how to draw.
That afternoon, as Howard brought in tea, he hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Ms. Sutherland, may I ask a favor? It's about Mr. Sinclair." Mila agreed immediately, without a second thought. "Of course. Please, go ahead." She owed Forrest so much, yet never knew how to repay his kindness. If there was anything within her power to do, she would gladly help.
After a brief pause, Howard nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Ms. Sutherland. It's nothing major, really. But you may have noticed-Mr. Sinclair is always buried in work. It's been this way for years. He rarely takes a moment to unwind. My words don't seem to have much effect, but you...perhaps you could occasionally coax him away from his work. Even a bit of fresh air would do him good." Mila had noticed, of course. In the first few days, she'd often run into Forrest around the house, but now she only ever saw him in the mornings. He worked late into the night, every night.
A true workaholic.
But he always seemed so at ease, never showing any signs of exhaustion in front of her. She'd assumed he simply enjoyed his work. Back in college, when Forrest threw himself into software projects, he'd work day and night, barely stopping for anything.
Still, she knew that keeping up this pace for years couldn't be healthy.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNow that Howard had brought it up, Mila agreed without hesitation.
No sooner had she made up her mind than she acted on it. Without waiting for evening, she called Forrest right away. He picked up almost instantly.
"What is it?" His voice was warm, low, and calm.
"I wanted to ask if you're free the day after tomorrow," Mila said. "There's an art auction I'm planning to attend, and if you have time, maybe you could cwith me. Afterwards, we could take Julian out to the countryside for a bit of fresh air."
Her aunt had already arranged the funds she needed for the auction, so om every Mila had every intention of going. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy a change of scenery. There was a brief pause on the other end. Forrest seemed uncertain. "It depends. I still haven't confirmed the next meeting twith the Federal Security Bureau, but I'll do my best." "Of course, whatever works for you," she replied.
Then, unexpectedly, Forrest chuckled. "This is the first tyou've invitedout since we reunited. I'll make sure to find the time." Mila, a little flustered, hurried to end the call.
Even after hanging up, she felt a bit dazed. Maybe it was her imagination, but Forrest seemed much more direct now than he'd been seven years ago-less reserved, maybe even a little...assertive?
But people change with time. The Forrest she'd known in college was brilliant, gentle, and always somewhat reserved. Seven years in the world of business and ambition could change anyone's character. Still, one thing hadn't changed: that enduring gentleness of his.
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