“So, that’s what this is all about,” Philip remarked, a touch of understanding in his voice. “Don’t you think having such an outstanding grandson-in-law would be wonderful?” Laura said, her smile shy and anticipatory. The mere thought of Joseph Wilson becoming her son-in-law was enough to make her giddy. “Do you think I haven’t thought about that?” Philip replied with a sigh. “But it all depends on what our girl is capable of. A young man like Professor Wilson—do you think he doesn’t have women lining up for him?” “That’s exactly why we have to help her! Father, you and he are both in the medical field—invite him over more often. That room of yours, it’s time to put it to good use,” Laura coaxed earnestly. “As if I needed you to tell me that. I’ve already thought of it,” Philip scoffed. “You think I don’t see through your little schemes? That girl of yours—when she looks at Professor Wilson, her eyes practically sparkle.” “This is the first time I’ve ever seen her look at a man l

“Joseph, do you think I’m unattractive? Am I not womanly enough?” Alice asked softly. She sat up, smoothing her tousled hair and avoiding his gaze, her cheeks still tinged with a rosy hue. “Silly girl, of course not,” Joseph said gently. He reached out and cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her soft skin. But before he could say more, Alice suddenly stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she pulled him down with her. This time, they fell onto the bed together once more. Alice’s boldness shattered the last of Joseph’s composure. His hands, as if moving of their own accord, slipped under her clothes, finding the soft, warm curves of her body. The sensation sent his heart racing, every nerve in his body ablaze. This girl had completely unraveled him.……“Mason Alvarez, you’re here! Why bring all these things?” Alice asked warmly, eyeing the assortment of bags Mason carried in with her.“Oh, just a couple of bottles of wine

“Professor Wilson, don’t mind if I dig in,” Mason said after finishing her wine, her excitement palpable.“When have you ever minded?” Joseph replied, shaking his head.“Hehe, let me try some of your cooking,” Mason said happily, diving into the dishes. As expected, she was full of praise, giving Joseph’s culinary skills the highest compliments. Though she had tasted his cooking in the school cafeteria earlier, the freshly prepared dishes were on an entirely different level.The meal was a joyous one for Mason and Alice, both of whom ate to their hearts’ content. Joseph, on the other hand, simply accompanied them, eating sparingly.By the time the meal was winding down, the wine bottle was nearly empty. Joseph tried to persuade the two women to stop drinking, and while Alice listened, Mason was entirely unrestrained.Of the bottle, Alice drank about a quarter, while Joseph and Mason split the rest. But their states were vastly different: Alice, after just a few sips, slumped over the

As he stepped outside and prepared to drive off, his phone buzzed. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it was Heidi. Without hesitation, he answered.“Hello? Joseph, are you awake yet?” Heidi’s voice came through, lazy and tinged with a yawn, as if she had just woken up.“I’m heading to work now,” Joseph replied.“Mmm, same here. I’m on my way—I have an early class,” Heidi said, yawning again. “Hey, do you have some time around ten? Let’s meet at our usual spot. I have something I want to talk to you about.”“Sure. I’ll be free after my morning class,” Joseph answered.“Great, see you then,” Heidi said before hanging up.It wasn’t until after the call ended that Joseph realized he hadn’t asked what she wanted to talk about. But since it was too late to ask, he figured he’d find out when they met. With that thought, he drove off.Meanwhile, Mason Alvarez was still sound asleep. The previous night’s drinking had taken its toll, and at some point during the night, she had woken up feeling

"I’m heading to Grandma’s this afternoon," Heidi replied, her brow furrowing faintly. "I feel like once Grandpa wakes up, a lot of things will start to change. I don’t know what kind of changes those will be, and that uncertainty makes me uneasy. And when I feel unsettled, I just really want to see you. That’s all."Joseph chuckled softly. "How are you so sure I’ll even be able to wake your grandfather up?""There was a time when I didn’t know you well," Heidi said, her voice steady, her eyes unwavering. "But things are different now. I’ve realized that almost everything you say seems to come true. I believe in you. I believe that this Saturday, Grandpa will wake up. He’s been in this strange sleep for three years now."Joseph smiled faintly. "If you believe in me, that’s enough. But even if your grandfather waking up does bring changes, I can promise you one thing: none of those changes will harm you.""You’re right," he continued, his tone firm. "Your sister might be the primary hei