?Chapter 382:


    Over the past two years, she had seen Cheryl’s kindness firsthand. In her eyes, Cheryl was patient, gentle, and even cooked meals that reminded her of their mother.


    If Hugh was happy, Ethel was at peace with it.


    After receiving Ethel’s blessing, Hugh turned to Freya, his expression uncertain. “Mina, what about you?”


    Freya’s tone shifted, bing formal and distant. “I have a question for Ms. Newman.”


    Cheryl’s face remained serene, her expression never wavering. “Go ahead.”


    “Did you know my mom?” Freya’s clear, piercing gaze met Cheryl’s without hesitation.


    Hugh froze, caught off guard, while Ethel blinked in confusion. Cheryl, unfazed, shook her head softly. “I didn’t know her, but I’ve heard of her.”


    Freya’s eyes flickered with something unreadable, but it was quickly masked.


    Ethel leaned in and whispered, “What’s wrong?”


    “Nothing,” Freya answered calmly, her usualposure returning. The room’s atmosphere shifted, the air growing thick and oppressive, as though the very walls were closing in.


    “So… about the marriage n?” Hugh asked again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.


    He was anxious, his nervousness evident. Freya’s expression made it clear she was not pleased.


    “I disagree,” she said, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Hugh. “But if you’re determined to go through with it, I won’t stand in your way.” She then nced at Cheryl.


    Cheryl’s smile faltered, the light in her eyes dimming ever so slightly, but she masked it with a smile, reassuring Hugh, “It’s okay, whether we get married or not, it’s the same. Let’s not make things difficult for the children.”


    Hugh felt his heart sink.


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    After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice soft but searching. “Can I ask why?”


    Freya’s reply was blunt, a departure from her usual decorum. “No reason. I simply dislike her. That’s all.”


    Ethel, hearing her sister’s words, felt a sudden jolt of rm inside her. Freya had never been one to target someone so openly. Even when she disliked someone,


    She usually remained distant and indifferent. This abrupt shift signaled that Cheryl had crossed some invisible line that Freya had drawn—a line no one dared breach.


    “Mina…” Hugh’s voice faltered slightly, a frown tugging at his features. His displeasure was faint but unmistakable.


    This was unexpected. He knew Freya wouldn’t act out without cause. She wasn’t one to be unreasonable. But now, with her candid words, she had ced him in a difficult position.


    After all, Cheryl was his current partner.


    Freya, sensing the subtle change in his demeanor, didn’t linger. “I have something to take care of, so I’ll leave first. Enjoy your conversation,” she said, her tone measured. Ethel, quick to follow her sister’s lead, excused herself as well. “I have something to deal with, too!”


    Left alone in the private room were only Hugh and Cheryl, the silence between them thick and heavy.


    Cheryl felt a quiet stab of disappointment, but she swiftly masked it, forcing a smile and carrying on with feigned ease. “Thedies have left. Shall we go?”


    Hugh’s expression was aplex blend of emotions. He hesitated, his gaze lingering on Cheryl. “Cheryl…”


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