Chapter 219: Is Sister Mara, Okay?

Gray didn’t say anything about Mara right away. He only let his gaze linger on her for a second longer before looking away. He decided that it wasn’t the right time to bring it up.The table continued to be filled with conversation.

Lily was in high spirits. She was telling little stories about what she did in school for the past few days. Selina would playfully comment on it. Chloe too. Despite being wary at the start, she was now enjoying herself.

Gray mostly listened to them. He would occasionally join in when Lily’s questions turned toward him or when they would glance his way. For a short while, it really felt like they were just an ordinary group of people enjoying lunch together.

Even Mara, though she was quiet, would nod when Lily tried to ask her. She gave small, forced smiles, though it was clear to Gray she wasn’t fully with them.

Still, no one else seemed to notice except him.

The food came after a few more minutes of waiting.

The dishes were presented beautifully, and Lily was ecstatic to try her food.

"Brother, this one! This one’s so good!" she kept saying out loud as she pushed her plate toward him.

"Lily, just eat. You’re making a mess." Gray lightly scolded her.

Lily pouted. She puffed her cheeks, but then returned her plate to its original position.

"Okay, Brother." She muttered and started eating in peace.

Time passed faster than any of them expected.

Eventually, Chloe dabbed the corners of her lips with a napkin and leaned back slightly. She just finished her food. She checked her watch, and a faint sigh escaped from her lips.

"Oh no, I should get going. There’s still a lot of work waiting for me back at the office."

Lily immediately frowned.

"Already? But Sister Chloe, you just got here!"

Chloe reached over to gently pat Lily’s head. She smiled and nodded.

"I know, Lily. I’m sorry. I wish I could stay longer, too. But Sister Chloe has some work to do." She muttered to her in a sweet voice.

Lily pouted, but still nodded.

"Don’t be sad, Lily," Chloe muttered with a small laugh before she turned her gaze toward Gray.

"Thank you for letting me join you today. It was... nice."

"You’re welcome anytime, Chloe." Gray showed her a calm smile.

Something flickered in Chloe’s eyes at those words. Slowly, a smile appeared on her lips. She picked up her handbag, slinging it gracefully over her shoulder.

"I’ll see you all again soon."

Lily waved enthusiastically, nearly bouncing out of her chair.

"Bye-bye, Sister Chloe! Don’t forget to treat us next time!"

Chloe chuckled. "I won’t forget."

With that, she gave one last glance to everyone, particularly toward Gray, before heading out of the restaurant.

The table became a little quiet after Chloe’s departure. However, it only lasted for a second because with Chloe’s departure, Lily now turned her attention to Selina. The two talked to each other.

On the other hand, Gray’s eyes once again drifted to Mara.

She still hadn’t said much.

He sighed and just let her be.

The four continued eating, finishing their food.

Then, Lily suddenly stood up in her seat.

"Brother," she muttered, tugging on his sleeve. "I need to go to the bathroom."

Gray blinked at her. "Do you want me to go with you, Lily?"

He was about to stand up when Selina stopped her.

"I’ll go with her, Gray." She muttered before turning to Lily. "Come on, Lily."

Lily immediately hopped out of her chair, clinging to Selina’s hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The two made their way to the restroom together, leaving Gray and Mara alone at the table.

Gray leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting once more toward Mara. She sat across from him, her head slightly lowered.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke. The quiet was heavier now without Lily’s voice.

Finally, Gray broke the silence between them.

"You’re so quiet today," he said softly, his voice was steady but filled with curiosity.

Mara’s fork froze mid-bite. Slowly, she lifted her eyes. She tried to show a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

"Are you okay, Mara?"

Mara’s fork hovered over her plate as if she were thinking whether to answer Gray or not. After a moment, she finally set it down. Her fingers brushed against the edge of her napkin, fiddling with it absentmindedly.

She looked up at Gray, her gaze meeting his for just a second before she avoided his gaze.

"I’m fine," she said quietly, almost too quickly. Then, as if realizing how unconvincing her answer sounded, she quickly added, "Really. I’m just... tired."

Gray’s eyes stayed on her. He didn’t say anything right away. He just simply watched her.

"Tired, huh?" he repeated softly, leaning back in his chair.

Mara nodded once. She forced a small smile on her face again, though it faded just as quickly.

"Yeah. That’s all. Don’t worry about it."

Gray sighed faintly, but not in frustration. More like he was just accepting her words even if he didn’t believe them.

He picked up his glass of water, taking a slow sip.

"You don’t have to put on a face with me," Gray said finally, his tone quiet and almost casual as if he was saying that she could trust him.

Mara’s lips pressed together.

"I’m not." She glanced at him again, "I promise, Gray. I’m just... tired. That’s all."

Gray studied her. It was obvious how her words didn’t match the tension in her posture. But then again, Mara had always been like this. She was someone who carried things to herself, especially when she had problems.

"Alright," he said after a short pause. He leaned back further, folding one arm across his chest.

"If you say so."

The response seemed to ease Mara, at least a little. She let out a small breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Her gaze dropped back to her plate, and she took another slow bite of her food.

The silence between them wasn’t heavy anymore. Knowing that he wouldn’t get any answer, Gray didn’t pry more.

Minutes passed like that until Mara finally spoke again, her voice was softer this time.

"Sorry. I’m not a very good companion today."

Gray shook his head, his lips twitching faintly into a small smile.

"You don’t need to apologize."

Mara’s eyes flickered toward him. The corner of her lips curved upward in a subtle smile.

Before either of them could say more, laughter slowly reached their ears. As they looked at the side, they saw Selina and Lily finally going back to their table.

Mara straightened slightly in her seat, her expression turning back into something more composed. Gray leaned back in his chair and waited for the two to return.

Lily returned first, her small steps were quick and excited as she tugged Selina along with her. Her eyes lit up the moment she spotted Gray, and as soon as she reached their table, she leaned forward with excitement.

"Brother! The bathroom here looks so nice!" she exclaimed out loud, her voice filled with genuine excitement.

Gray blinked. He was caught off guard, before a faint chuckle slipped past his lips.

"Really? The bathroom?"

"Yes!" Lily nodded firmly. "It has these big mirrors and shiny lights. It looks like a princess place!"

Selina chuckled softly as she slid back into her seat beside Lily. "She wouldn’t stop talking about it. Apparently, it’s the most beautiful bathroom she’s ever seen."

Gray leaned an elbow lightly on the table, turning toward Lily with a playful smile.

"So, what you’re telling me is that the food’s good... but the bathroom is the real highlight today?"

"Yes!" Lily burst into laughter, clapping her little hands. "Exactly, Brother!"

The three of them laughed together, the mood lifting effortlessly with Lily’s bright energy. Even Gray found himself relaxing, his smile staying longer than usual as Lily animatedly began describing the decorations in even more detail.

For a while, the table felt warm again. Gray kept his focus on Lily and Selina, letting their chatter take over. He didn’t look at Mara. Not because he forgot her presence, but because he knew better.

Mara didn’t like it when you pry on her too much.

So, instead, he just talked to Selina and Lily.

"Brother, it even had flowers inside!" Lily insisted.

"Oh? Flowers in the bathroom?" Gray raised a brow, acting as if she was surprised. "Now that is impressive."

Their laughter filled the air again, drawing curious glances from nearby tables.

But then, from across the table, a faint sound of movement interrupted their laugh.

Gray’s smile faded as his eyes shifted to Mara. She was slowly rising from her seat, one hand pressing lightly against the table for balance. Her face was pale, almost too pale, and though she tried to mask it with composure, the anxiousness was clear in her eyes.

"Mara?" Gray’s worried tone surfaced.

Mara offered a small and apologetic smile.

"Sorry. Excuse me... I just need to take this call." Her voice was soft, but the way she said those words looked as if she was in a hurry.

"Go on." Gray’s brows furrowed slightly. They watched as Mara stepped away from the table, her phone already in her hand.

"Brother, is Sister Mara okay?" Lily tilted her head, confused.

"I don’t know too, Lily."

A/N:

I’m currently sick, so I can only write 1 Chapter a day until I get better. Thank you for your understanding!