EuropeNovel“Yes, I'd just finished a shift and was heading back to campus that day.” Alessia didn’t elaborate, leaving it at
that; for Ethan, it had been no trouble at all. Back then, all he’d thought was-if his own little sister had been in
that situation, she'd have been terrified.
The thought brought a flicker of disappointment to Ethan's eyes.
An awkward silence started to settle over the table, so Karen stepped in to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“Lessie’s just chome-it'll take her a while to get used to things. Dinner’s ready, so let's eat. It's not often we
all sit down together. Afterward, I'll help get your room set up, Lessie.”
Karen stood up, putting on a bright smile, but the others still sat with their lips pressed tight. Sensing her
husband wanted to say something, Karen quietly let the forced cheer slip from her face.
Brendan reached over, patting Karen's hand before turning to Alessia.
“So, Lessie, is it? I'm sorry. For seventeen years, | haven't been your father in any real way. Now, with everything
falling apart, we've dragged you back just to share our mess. | can’t give you the life you deserve. If you don’t
want to stay with us, I'd understand. I... | don’t have much to offer, but this is what I've managed to save up.
Please, take it. After all, the Tate family...” His voice trailed off, the difference between her old life and this one
hanging in the air.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“No, thank you.” Alessia gently slid the bank card back across the table.
Brendan looked startled, his hands wringing together awkwardly. “It’s not much, but it's enough to rent a place.
I'll send you money every month, too-"
“That's not what | mean. | think it’s nice here. If you don’t mind having me, I'd like to stay.”
“You won't get used to it,” Liam-the third brother-cut in, sure of himself.
Alessia just arched an eyebrow, not rushing to defend her choice.
She looked at them, her expression almost innocent. “So... are you trying to kickout?”
“No-of course not! That's not what Dad meant at all!” Brendan reached over to rap Liam lightly on the head.
Except for the youngest, who stared at his lap, everyone
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shot Liam a reproachful look.
Liam opened his mouth, but couldn't find the words. In the end, he pressed his lips tight and looked away.
After Alessia’s comment, no one dared suggest she find somewhere else to stay. Karen and Brendan headed to
the kitchen to whip up more food, since dinner had only been made for three. The living room was left to the
kids.
“I've got another gig later, so I'm heading out. Mom, Dad, don’t bother makinga plate-my boss covers our
meals.” Liam slung his guitar over his shoulder and made for the door.
“All right,” Karen called from the kitchen.
“Be careful. Don’t get into trouble,” Ethan, the eldest, reminded him.
“Yeah, | know.” Liam glanced over at
Alessia. Sensing 13Jes Afessial inet
He grange: waiting to see
at he'd say next. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Liam cleared his throat. “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded, earlier.”
‘| know.” Alessia smiled, a dimple
appearing in her cheek her eysm
crinkling at fhe cot Liam turned
Sd bt the ears, clearly embarrassed
by his earlier outburst. The content is
on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“Good... that’s good.” He coughed awkwardly, rubbed his nose, and stood there for a moment before shuffling
out the door.
“He doesn’t mean any harm. He's just terrible with words,” Ethan explained.
Alessia tried to hold back a laugh and nodded.
The Morton family really was
something—five kids, five
personalities. The eldes) steddy'as a
rqekothbeeond gentle, the third
prickly and proud, the youngest
taciturn, and one... well, spoiled
rotten. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
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