All Too Late

Christopher couldn’t stop frowning.

Why did Astrid come back right now? I heard she worked as a war correspondent for a few years.

Christopher typed out a reply: I’ll do my best to be a good friend to her.

Osvald: It’s up to you. I just want you to keep an eye on her. That’s it.

Christopher let out a cold snort.

Is he saying that I’m overthinking?

Christopher went to watch the live stream and happened to see Kathleen bringing Astrid to their rooms.

“This is your room. Nancy and I are living on this floor, so if you need any help, just let us know.” Kathleen was both gentle and thoughtful.

Astrid chuckled. “All right. This is my first time on a variety show, so I’m completely baffled. Please let me know if I do anything wrong!”

“This is my first time, too.” A smile nudged Kathleen’s lips. “We can learn together.”

“Sure,” Astrid replied cheerfully. “I worked as a war correspondent overseas previously. A year ago, a grenade splinter cut across my forehead, and I nearly lost my life. I was traumatized and ended up coming home.”

Kathleen nodded in acknowledgment.

She actually didn’t want to ask personal questions, for she knew how to respect someone else’s privacy.

Now that Astrid chose to reveal everything herself, Kathleen had to play along. “You did great.”

“If I don’t do it, someone else will,” Astrid responded. “It might be dangerous, but I think it’s a meaningful job. Compared to normal jobs, I think mine is far more significant.”

“Every job has its own significance,” Kathleen told her.

Astrid met her gaze thoughtfully. “You’re right.”

“Let’s head down to join everyone downstairs.” Kathleen smiled.

Astrid nodded and reached out to take Kathleen’s hand. “Oh, your hand is soft, unlike mine. I didn’t get to take care of my hands previously, so they are pretty rough.”

Kathleen’s lips curved. “You can start now. Your hands will be like mine soon.”

Whatever you say.” Astrid’s

of them headed down

hearing Astrid’s words. Was it

too! She seemed to be mocking Kathleen! But she’s way better

lamenting how hard her

think Astrid’s being honest. She revealed her identity outright so that Kathleen wouldn’t

remarks. She wasn’t

job has its own hardship. We all work our asses

it when she commented how soft Kathleen’s hand was. She even said her

began arguing

the comments as his expression turned

went on

afternoon, the production team told them that some special guests would be coming for dinner that night and they

didn’t mention how special the guests

at

asked deliberately, “Kathleen, who do you

her head.

thought you’d know who they

voice was calm as she replied, “Why would I know

her a sidelong

Kathleen prepare dinner alone

for

I can prepare dinner,” Astrid offered gaily. “My looks might suggest otherwise, but

a good wife and mother? Is that something that is worth bragging about? That sounds

if you handle everything alone. You and Kathleen should work together,” Steve

Kathleen’s a great cook. I shall take the opportunity to learn

for dinner,”

a pause, Astrid replied,

teach you sometime later,” Kathleen assured her with a grin. “I promise I’ll

Astrid pursed her lips.

What an inconspicuous retort.

a look at Astrid and sneered

that, Kathleen turned around and went

Astrid went after her.

kitchen. I just realized that there is a dishwasher here. That eases