Next One Is a Babe

After a moment’s contemplation, Fabian added, “Actually, John wasn’t such a person in the past. He had always been chaste. I once met him while entertaining a client, and while all the other big shots were captivated at the sight of women, he was the only one who had disdain in his eyes when he gazed at the bevy of young ladies around him.” Hence, he couldn’t quite figure out why John had suddenly morphed into such a debauched person now. I personally find it rather odd, but I can’t say it aloud. If I voice it out, it’ll seem as though I’m whitewashing him.

Quickly finishing the cup of coffee, he then got to his feet. “I still have something to do, so I won’t intrude any longer. Sophia, do come to Blackwell Residence for a visit when you’re free.”

Sophia murmured an acquiescence that sounded very much perfunctory. “Okay, will do.” She then walked him to his car. When he’d left, she turned around and went back into the shop.

Robin was standing at the counter, looking somewhat despondent. Sophia, however, didn’t think much of it. “Come, come, let’s have some fruits. Let’s see what he brought us.” Robin was noticeably down in the dumps, so she went over and opened the box. It was actually a gift box of sorts with an assortment of fruits, all looking plump and juicy. Many of them were foreign to her, so she didn’t know what they were. Ah, everything is exotic when I’ve never seen much of the world! Taking a few fruits, she washed them before shifting her gaze to Robin. “What’s wrong? Why are you feeling downcast?”

Forcing a smile, Robin countered, “I’m not feeling downcast. I’m merely a tad shocked at Mr. Blackwell’s words.”

Sophia startled. “Shocked? Oh, you mean what he said regarding John?”

At this, Robin lowered her eyes. “It just came as a surprise to me. I can’t quite explain it, but well, I didn’t expect it. That’s the sum of it.”

Sophia chuckled. “Perhaps you haven’t experienced much of the world yet, but such a thing is actually quite common. There are often two sides to people. The John you normally see is bright and dazzling, but it doesn’t mean that he has no flaws.” Robin merely nodded without commenting further.

It wasn’t particularly busy today, so when Sophia noticed that Robin was truly out of sorts, she asked her to get off work first although it wasn’t yet time. There probably won’t be many customers later, so I can manage by myself for a while. Robin didn’t decline either, claiming that her nose felt stuffy since she might have caught a cold when she napped at the table this afternoon. Upon hearing this, Sophia patted her on the shoulder. “Go home. Drink some ginger tea at home. Don’t wait until it’s a full-blown cold before you’re forced to take medicine. You’ll feel even worse then.” Robin only packed and left after staring at her for a long while.

Subsequently, Sophia sat by the window while leaning back against the chair, appearing a tad dejected. As she gazed out the window, her mind went blank. After some time, she caught sight of an old acquaintance—Madam Matilda. However, she wasn’t alone. Rather, she was accompanied by her favorite person. Isabelle wore a long dress, looking very much ladylike. They do seem like mother and daughter when standing side by side. They must have gone shopping, and by plan or coincidence, they’re passing by my shop. From the look of things, it’s Isabelle who wants to patronize my shop.