Chapter 21
Knowing her daughter was coming home, Madeline prepared a lavish. spread of dishes. However, when the door opened and they saw Saoirse’s less–than-happy face, both parents were surprised and quickly.
approached her.
“Saoirse, what’s wrong? Is work not going well, or are you unhappy with. your new place?”
Saoirse had been troubled all the way home by Julian’s move. Not wanting. to worry her parents further, she forced a smile. “It’s nothing. I got stepped on by someone when I got off the elevator.”
Her parents, knowing their daughter well, could tell that her smile was not genuine. But, respecting her need for space, they didn’t press further. They urged her to wash up and eat.
Despite the sumptuous meal, Saoirse remained distracted, even chewing.
on a bare rib bone.
Noticing her distress, Bjoern gave Madeline a knowing look. Madeline then gently suggested, “Saoirse, it’s normal to feel out of place when you’re new in town. Why don’t you share your worries with us? We might be able to offer some advice or help.”
The sight of her parents‘ concerned expressions lifted Saoirse’s mood a great deal.
Saoirse took a sip of juice, hesitated for a moment, and finally said, “I ran into Julian, my ex–boyfriend, at the apartment entrance just now.”
Bjoern frowned upon hearing that. He slammed his hand on the table. “Is that guy a stalker? Even after breaking up, he’s still pestering you! Bring me to him after dinner–I’ll make sure to teach him a lesson.”
Saoirse and her mother jumped at the sudden outburst. Saoirse quickly placed her hand on her father’s arm.
“He wasn’t exactly stalking me. It’s just that seeing him there upset me. I
Chapte
don’t even know why he moved so close. Dad, please calm down.”
Madeline, who had been observing her daughter’s reaction closely, suddenly asked a crucial question. “Why did you and he break up?”
Saoirse fell silent at the question, her mind racing to piece together her thoughts before she finally articulated her reasons vaguely. “He has a female friend he’s known since childhood, and they’re very close. I felt their relationship went beyond what I considered normal friendship. Because of that, I decided to end things before I wasted any more time.”
Her parents‘ eyes widened at her explanation. Bjoern pounded the table a few more times.
“A female friend? Friendship? There’s no such thing as “just friends” between men and women! He’s clearly being unfaithful. Breaking up was the right choice! I support you!”
Madeline nodded in agreement. “Your father is right. As soon as there’s any involvement with another woman, even if he’s outstanding, you should end it decisively. It’s better to move on now to avoid bigger problems later. on. It would only make things harder for you.”
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“I know,” Saoirse said. “After breaking up, I came abroad to really end the relationship. But now that he’s come all the way here, I’m a bit worried about his intentions.”
Seeing his daughter’s distressed expression, Bjoern felt a pang of sympathy and urged her to call Julian directly. Madeline agreed,
suggesting that it was better to clear things up rather than worry alone.
Encouraged by her parents, Saoirse picked up her phone and dialed an unsaved number. Within three seconds, the call was answered.
Julian’s surprised voice came through.
“Saoirse?”
Talking to her ex in front of her parents made Saoirse’s palms sweat with nervousness. Yet, under their supportive gazes, she mustered the courage to ask, “I don’t mean to pry, but I wanted to ask why you suddenly came to Poralis. I thought you liked Georgina.”
