<b>Chapter </b><b>509 </b>
Aria thought <b>to </b>herself<b>, </b>‘They’re the same age. Why does he act like such a kid?‘
She withdrew her gaze and continued reading.
When Lincoln got home, he saw his second sister–inw and Silvia busy experimenting with a new dessert. Their designated taste tester<b>, </b>Nathan<b>, </b>was sitting there looking like he’d lost all hope.
When she saw him, Silvia’s eyes lit up. “Uncle Lincoln is back! Come try the new mango–vored one we made!”
The two of them spent every spare moment in the kitchen. Lincoln had gained a few pounds recently and was used to it by <i>now</i>.
Maybe because he was in a good mood, he felt this batch tasted better than usual. He praised it, “Much better than before.”
“Really?” Silvia asked excitedly.
Lincoln replied, “Absolutely.”
On the balcony, Joseph was enjoying the sun. Upon hearing his youngest son’s voice, he got up and headed toward the living room. “Back from the library again? That ce I rmended…”
“Dad.” Lincoln interrupted, his heart pounding. He took a deep breath and finally let out what he’d been holding in..
He said, “Stop always trying to set me up. It’s not like I’ll die without a wife. You’re getting up there in age. Just enjoy your golden years instead of worrying about this and that.”
In the past, whenever his father nagged him about marriage, Lincoln would avoid the conversation, either by escaping to his room or going out. This was the first time he’d ever refused him directly.
Joseph leaned on his cane, his wrinkled eyes widening. “Is this the way you speak to your elders?”
“What’s wrong with how I’m speaking? I’m talking just fine!” Lincoln was getting worked up. “Dad, you’re old now. Let go when it’s time to let go. Logan and Caleb can handle the Saxon family. You should be rxing, not always meddling.”
He continued, “If you’re feeling lonely, Zoe can set you up with some olderdies your age. Or go dance at a public square or something.”
Joseph’s eyes grew wider. “You…”
“I know I’m right, so no need to repeat it,” Lincoln cut him off before he could speak. “I’m going back to my room to paint.”
And with that, he dashed off.
Everyone present was stunned. They were surprised that Lincoln had such a sharp tongue.
Behind closed doors, Lincoln let out a loud “Yes!” He’d discovered the thrill of talking back. He was grateful to Madelyn.
Downstairs, Joseph fumed. “This brat is getting more and more outrageous!”
Zoe put on a show of trying to calm him down.
Just then<b>, </b>the deliveryman arrived. “Package for Nathan.”
<b>Nathan </b>went <b>to </b><b>get </b>it.
<b>He </b>said, <b>“</b>It’s the admission letter from Mandino University.”
#
Lily also received her admission <b>letter </b>from Mandino University. Smiling, she kissed it. <b>As </b>ss was ending<b>, </b><b>E </b>patted her head<b>. </b><b>“</b><b>You’re </b><b>a </b>college
student now, Lily.”
Pearl chimed in, “Lily is awesome!<b>” </b>
<b>E gave </b>Pearl a head pat too. “You’re smart and learn fast. You’ll be <b>a </b>college student <i>too </i>one day.”
Pearl said, “Thank you.”
Lily was the top scorer in the entrance exams and received a generous schrship from the university. Holding E’s arm, she said, “Miss Gilen<b>, </b>dinner’s on me tonight. Please stay and join us.”
E didn’t refuse. “Alright.”
Lily said, “I’ll call my sister and brother–inw. Let’s pick a restaurant<b>.</b>”
Then E took the two girls to the restaurant.
Owen got off work and went to pick up Aria at the library.
After receiving his letter, Nathan and the family went out for dinner. In the car were Caleb, Lincoln, Silvia, and Nathan.
Passing by the library, Caleb spotted Aria and pulled the car over. “Aria?”
Aria turned to Owen. “Wait for me a second<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Owen nodded. “Okay.”
She walked over to them.
Silvia quickly rolled down the front window and smiled. “Aria!”
Even though he knew she probably wouldn’t respond, Nathan also called out, “Aria!”
When Lincoln heard Caleb call out “Aria,” he looked up. As he saw Aria walking closer, his pupils shrank. “Madelyn?”
<b>2/2 </b>
<b>AD </b>
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