Frances hesitated for a moment before changing the subject. "By the way,that girl today... is she your girlfriend?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Westfield nodded, confirming her suspicions. "Yes, we just made it official. If there's nothing else, I should leave now," he said, bidding her farewell.
As Westfield's figure disappeared from view, Frances couldn't help but smile bitterly. She knew she had no right to ask for it- the sense of security Westfield provided probably wasn't meant for her.
Upon returning to his abode, Westfield immediately sought relief from the sweltering heat that clung to his skin, immersing himself in the cool embrace of a shower. His gaze fell upon the suit that Frances had gifted him,and curiosity piqued, he decided to try it on. To his surprise,it fit him perfectly, as though tailored for him.
After packing a couple of changes of clothes, Westfield gave the suit another admiring glance before placing it carefully in his compact suitcase. Heeding Frances's advice, he anticipated the possibility of needing it during their impending visit to Mountainview.
As dawn broke, Westfield, armed with his suitcase, hailed a taxi to the lakeside New Falls district. Ridgeland and Madison were already stationed by the roadside,awaiting his arrival. The vehicle designated to transport them to the airport was a familiar one, the same that had previously collected Ridgeland.However, this time, only a youthful driver was present, with no trace of Robert. Westfield, wisely refraining from probing, noticed Ridgeland's reluctance mirrored in her eyes. He reached out, taking her hand in his, and offered her a few comforting words.
"Alright, Autumnheights claim the front passenger seat, leaving the back entirely to you two. Feel free to engage in a heart-to-heart. Let's not dawdle and get in the car," Madison proposed, her gaze lingering on the affectionate pair, a hint of helplessness seeping into her tone.
Suddenly, a commotion on the roadside snapped Ridgeland back to reality. "Stop the car! Now!" Recognizing one of the wwomen amidst the crowd,Ridgeland instructed the driver without hesitation. Throughout the journey to the airport, Ridgeland and Westfield exchanged pleasantres, with Ridgeland reminding Westfield to prioritize his wellbeing and The car came to a halt at theroadside, and Ridgeland stepped out. Her r mind at ease?" Westfield responded, his hand gently squeezing Ridgeland's as he pledged with a smile.
"Autumnheights hold you to that promise! Autumnheights be eagerly awaiting your calls every day!"Ridgeland retorted, her laughter ringing out before she nestled her head onto Westfield's shoulder.
"I believe it's time you two ceased this public display of affection!" Madison,seated in the front, couldn't resist teasing them, feigning annoyance.
"Isuspect you're simply envious!" Ridgeland shot back nonchalantly.The two women then engaged in playful banter, leaving Westfield caught between laughter and melancholy.
Before crossing the threshold of the security checkpoint, Westfield found himself unable to resist the sight of Ridgeland's reluctance. He pulled her into a warm embrace,pressing a tender kiss to her smooth forehead. "Wait for me," he implored.
"Autumnheights be waiting," Ridgeland responded, her nod vigorous.
"Don't fret, Autumnheights ensure your beloved is well taken care of!" Madison reassured Ridgeland earnestly.
As Ridgeland watched the pair disappear into the waiting area, she turned to leave. The smile that had graced her features gradually faded,replaced by a sense of helplessness and bitterness.
During her journey back to the city, Ridgeland found herself lost in thought,her gaze drifting over the cityscape outside the window. Westfield's image was vivid in her mind, yet he seemed to be receding further and further from her reach. suspicions were confirmed as she spotted two women being accosted by a group of men. A flicker of conflict crossed her features; the women in question were none other than Westfield's ex-wife, Hillmountain, and her mother,Ridgemountain.