The person who was on the phone call.

"He's such a little brat."

Despite his words, there was a warmth in his smile that hadn't been there before.

Meanwhile, at the café...

I was cleaning the floor when my phone suddenly vibrated.

Your order has been delivered.

A small smile appeared on my face as I read the notification.

"Chase," Alvin called out, noticing my expression. "Why are you smiling at your phone?"

"It's nothing special," I replied with a small smile before slipping my phone back into the pocket of my apron.

"Alright," Alvin said, making his way back to the cash counter.

"Alvin..."

I called out, stopping him.

"Can I leave a little early today?"

He turned to look at me.

"Why?"

"Well..."

I hesitated for a moment.

"I need to go grocery shopping today, so I thought I'd ask."

I looked at him hopefully.

"Can I?"

Alvin studied me for a brief moment before nodding.

"Alright."

Although he agreed, there was still a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

Just then, Eric walked over.

"What happened?" he asked, glancing between the two of us.

"Why did you both suddenly go quiet?"

"Nothing," Alvin and I answered at the same time.

Alvin let out a soft laugh.

"Chase wants to leave a little early today.

He has to go grocery shopping."

"I see."

Eric nodded without asking any further questions.

Not wanting the conversation to continue, I quickly changed the subject.

"Since there aren't any customers right now..."

I looked at both of them with a gentle smile.

"Why don't we have lunch together?"

Alvin grinned immediately.

"Sounds like a good idea."

Eric smiled as well.

"Then let's eat before the customers start coming in again."

The three of us headed toward the staff table, enjoying a rare moment of peace before the café grew busy once more.

In the evening across 6:30 pm

"Alright, I'll get going now," I said, picking up my bag.

"Okay. Be careful on your way," Alvin replied as he returned to the cash counter.

"Oh, and Chase..."

"Yes?" I stopped at the café entrance and turned around.

Alvin walked over to me.

"Do you have enough money with you?"

"Yes, I do."

"Just in case."

Before I could stop him, he slipped a few bills into the pocket of my shirt.

"You might need it."

"There was really no need for this, Alvin."

I smiled gratefully.

"But... thank you so much."

Alvin simply smiled and gently patted my shoulder.

"Take care of yourself."

"I will."

I smiled back.

"Alright, I'm leaving now. I'll be at the café on time tomorrow."

As I stepped outside, Eric called after me,

"And don't forget to come to college tomorrow!"

"I won't!" I replied, waving without turning back.

With that, I left the café.

As I walked down the street, a warm smile spread across my face.

"Alvin and Eric take such good care of me..."

"Sometimes, it feels like they care about me even more than a family would."

"If my parents were still here..."

I lowered my eyes for a moment.

"I wonder if they would have loved me as much as these two do."

A faint smile remained on my lips.

"No matter what happens, I'll always do my best to keep them happy."

I slowly looked up at the evening sky.

"Mom... Dad..."

After walking for a while, I came across a nearby supermarket.

I went inside, bought some basic groceries, and then continued on my way home.

On my way home, my thoughts drifted back to Mr. Lorenzo.

For some reason, I couldn't stop thinking about his eyes.

The same eyes that had met mine that morning.

They looked as if they wanted to say something...

As if they were hiding something...

As if they carried a fear too painful to put into words.

There was loneliness in those eyes.

There was silence...

A silence that spoke louder than words ever could.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even realize when I reached home.

I placed the grocery bags in the kitchen before making my way upstairs to

Mr. Lorenzo's room.

I knocked on the door.

There was no response.

After waiting for a few seconds, I knocked again.

This time, a deep voice came from inside.

"Come in."

I slowly opened the door and stepped into the room.

Mr. Lorenzo was resting on the bed.

My eyes instinctively fell on the bedside table, where the empty takeaway containers were neatly placed.

A small smile appeared on my face.

"I'm glad you finished your meal."

As I walked over to the bedside table to clear it, I spoke again.

"You received a phone call earlier."

Lorenzo remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"The person on the phone said he'll be coming to see you today."

I quietly gathered the empty containers from the table, waiting to see if he would say anything.

"Alright," I replied softly, taking a deep breath as I picked up the empty takeaway containers from the bedside table.

"If you don't want to talk, that's okay."

I gave him a small smile before turning toward the door.

"I'll go prepare dinner for the two of us."

Without waiting for a response, I quietly left the room.

Downstairs, I headed straight to the kitchen and began preparing dinner.

Once everything was ready, I placed the dishes neatly on the dining table.

Just then...

Ding Dong.

The doorbell rang.

I walked over and opened the front door.

Standing outside was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a cold, intimidating presence.

"And you are...?" I asked politely.

"Chase?"

The man spoke in a calm, emotionless voice.

"Y-Yes... that's me," I replied, instinctively taking a small step back.

"Is Lorenzo here?"

His sharp gaze remained fixed on me.

I looked at him seriously before asking once again,

"May I know who you are, sir?"

The man answered without hesitation.

"I'm the person you spoke to on the phone this morning."

"Oh..."

I finally remembered.

"Please come in."

I stepped aside to let him enter.

"Mr. Lorenzo is upstairs. I'll take you to his room."

I led him upstairs and stopped outside Lorenzo's bedroom.

Knock... Knock...

I gently knocked on the door.

"Mr. Lorenzo," I called.

"Someone is here to see you."

"Alright."

Lorenzo's deep, composed voice came from inside.

"Let him in."

Author:-

I hope you guys enjoyed Part 3 of this novel! Please stay tuned for Part 4.

And don't forget to share your feedback with me. Your thoughts and suggestions mean a lot and will help me improve. Thank you for reading! 💙

Happy Reading 💙

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