Bride Behind The Mask

Chapter 540

In the break room.

Miley was grinding coffee beans with a practiced hand, and in less than five minutes, she had whipped up two cups of hand-ground coffee, handing one gently to Robert. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Robert took the cup, and the usual jovial expression on his face settled into a calm repose, his deep eyes gazing out the window into the distance.

Ever since Yuna had been acknowledged by the Fitzgerald family, Robert had been in a subdued mood. But he was good at hiding his emotions, never willing to show his vulnerable side, even to his closest friend, Frederick.

After all, everyone has their own set of troubles to bear. Frederick had his own issues to deal with, and Robert didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. However, even though he never spoke of it, Miley, his confidante, could easily glimpse into his heart.

Aware of Robert’s anguish over the revelation that Yuna was his sister, she tried to lighten the mood with a joke, “Don’t you ever get that feeling?”

“What feeling?” Robert asked, his voice soft.

Miley turned and leaned against the counter, casting a glance at Frederick and Marguerite in the glass- walled room nearby, silent in their own world. She chuckled, “The feeling of being a sidekick! I’ve noticed we hardly ever get any time to ourselves. I’m either playing wingman for Marguerite and Mr. Winston or on my way to do it. Or I’m tracking down leads on Marguerite’s precious heirloom.

And you-after all that sleuthing about your sister, the outcome was such a letdown. But, you know, I actually enjoy running around for Marguerite. She feels like family to me.”

Robert also turned, offering a brief smile at Marguerite before looking back at Miley, puzzled, “Why are you two so close?” Even with Frederick, he couldn’t imagine going to such lengths for each other.

They both had their own lives to lead, and even when lending a hand, they would always put themselves first.

For instance, this trip back home, he had barely been involved in Frederick and Marguerite’s affairs. Instead, he was preoccupied with the search for his sister.

But for Miley, Marguerite seemed to be her whole world.

Miley beside him tilted her head, pondering the question as if it were a matter of great importance. Her large eyes sparkled with sincerity.

“Because we’re childhood friends, silly! We grew up together, running around in our birthday suits! Plus, I lived right next door to her-no more than a stone’s throw away!

Did you know her family had a popcorn machine? We used to sneak in and make popcorn all the time. It was awesome!”

Robert was taken aback, asking without thinking, “You grew up next to her?”

Miley nodded, “Yep!”

He knew they were best friends, but had no idea they were neighbors! If their families had been that close, then surely any news from the Lockwood family could have reached them.

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Suddenly, Robert set down his coffee cup and placed his hands on Miley’s shoulders, leaning in with urgency, “Miley, when the Lockwoods brought my sister back, did you know about it?”

She blinked in realization, “You mean, when was Yuna brought into their home?”

Robert scoffed, “Pfft! I’ll never accept her as my sister!”

Despite the DNA test being clear-cut, Robert refused to accept defeat. He had to get to the bottom of this!

“If I had known, don’t you think I’d have told you? But the thing is, I had no clue about it. I was just a kid back then!”

Robert, calm and collected, pressed on, “What about your parents? Do they remember anything?”

“My parents… I’ve never heard them mention anything like that.”

The next second, Robert’s tone turned decisively more commanding, “Miley, I need to meet your parents!”