Patrick nodded and proposed, “How about we grab a bite to eat? I’ll drive you back afterward.”


    Millie declined, shaking her head. “I’m not hungry. I should head back.”


    Avoiding proximity was essential; she could sense Patrick’s growing concem for her.


    Yet, the moment Millie dered herck of appetite, her stomach emitted an unexpected growl,


    abruptly plunging the atmosphere into an awkward tension.


    During her earlier time at the hospital, gazing at her frail grandmother, Millie’s heart had been flooded


    withpassion, rendering her appetite nonexistent.


    Teresa’s attempts to provide a meal had been met with a mere two bites before Millie relinquished the


    food.


    After emerging from the hospital environment, her stomach inexplicably chose this inopportune


    moment to growl with a rumble.


    Patrick grinned, extending the invitation once more.


    “Come on, a meal won’t take long. We finally crossed paths today. Who knows when. we’ll have the


    chance to meet again?”


    In the past, he’d regarded most girls as bothersome and artificial. He now recognized that his previous


    disdain stemmed from the fact that he hadn’t encountered someone he truly admired.


    Earlier in the day, a woman approached him, iming to be a friend of Millie’s. She asserted that


    Millie’s existence within the Thomas family was one of torment and oppression. Her status was akin to


    that of a lowly maid rather than Marcus’ wife.


    A trifecta of challenges gued her existence: an unsupportive mother-inw, an indifferent husband,


    and the demanding care her ailing grandmother required.


    Though skepticism clouded his interpretation of the girl’s narrative, an inexplicable unease lingered


    within him. A nagging sense of doubt prevailed, and he found himself pondering her underlying


    intentions.


    Patrick’s response was nonchnt.


    “That’s not my concern. Millie and I are unrted. You’ve approached the wrong person.”


    The woman then confessed, “Let it go. If you wish to locate her, she’s at this hospital. Her grandmother


    is critically ill and confined here. Millie dedicates much of her time to her care.”


    After the woman departed, he found himself oddly restless. After work, he reviewed the note she’d


    provided, noting the address, and ultimately chose to investigate.


    “Very well, let’s head to dinner.”


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    Should Millie refuse again, she might be construed as pretentious.


    The two ventured to a nearby restaurant and ced their orders.


    Patrick detected that Millie was not as talkative as during their initial orchard encounter.


    “Have I caused you any inconvenience?”