Katelyn’s head tilted slightly as her eyes landed on the gift.

Without a word, her curiosity drew her closer, and a flicker of surprise lit her face as she caught sight of what was inside.

A cup rested inside the gift box held out by Zoey. It wasn’t just any cup; it had an antique, worn-out charm. The design spoke of a bygone era, a vintage look from years past, featuring a delicate doll pattern. Katelyn’s mind was full of questions. Why would Zoey choose to give her a cup out of the blue?

Zoey stole a quick, uneasy glance at Katelyn’s bewildered expression before speaking earnestly. “Katelyn, this is the best I could afford. I truly hope you’ll appreciate it.”

Katelyn met Zoey’s gaze and responded gently, “You shouldn’t feel pressured to give me anything. It’s more important that you take care of yourself.”

Without missing a beat, Zoey asked, “So, will you keep this gift?”

Katelyn hesitated for a moment. The cup wasn’t something she would have chosen for herself. However, the eager look in Zoey’s eyes made her give a small nod. “It’s lovely. Thank you so much.”

Zoey’s face lit up with a cheerful smile as she kept her eyes on Katelyn. “I’m so glad you like it. Are you thirsty? Let me get you some water.”

As Zoey spoke, she quickly snatched the cup and hurried toward the water dispenser, leaving no chance for Katelyn to refuse. In no time, Zoey came back holding the cup.

Meanwhile, Katelyn was completing the last touch of her makeup, carefully applying a soft pink shade to her full lips.

“Katelyn, have a sip of water.”

“You’ll be talking to a lot of people at the party tonight,” Zoey said, her tone laced with genuine concern.

: ?

With a small gesture toward her freshly painted lips, Katelyn replied, “I just finished applying my lipstick. I’ll drink it after I return.”

Zoey’s cheerful expression faltered slightly, though she quickly pressed on. “Katelyn, please. Just one sip. Or… do you not like the gift I gave you?”

With her eyes fixed on the floor, Zoey spoke in a shaky, uncertain tone. “I know you have so much more than I could ever afford. But I hope you can value the thought I put into picking this gift for you.”

Katelyn’s brow furrowed, sensing something off about Zoey today. There was an unusual urgency in the way Zoey seemed determined for her to drink from the cup. The tone of Zoey’s last words even carried a hint of manipulation, something Katelyn found particularly unpleasant.

“I’ll drink it after I get back,” she said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Zoey’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, turning red as she struggled to maintain her composure. Taking a shaky breath, she said gently, “Katelyn, if you don’t like this gift, I can throw it away. It’s my fault for not being able to give you something more deserving.”

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Message from Noah: New chapters now, and… new novels. Sorry that you had to wait so long, dear ones. I hope you like the new novels. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (′ ? `) ?

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