With trembling hands, she carried the mat they used to sit on and returned to fetch Tristan’s chair from Mary. She handed it to him with care. All the while, Dior kept fidgeting nervously, and Isla noticed it immediately. In fact, Isla’s true intention was for Tristan to realize how much Dior cared about him...she didn’t want his attention straying toward her daughter, Mary. She had long observed his behavior, and if her suspicion turned out to be true, then things would spiral quickly, and they might end up having to leave town altogether.
That day, their study session went as usual. But this time, Tristan was particularly impressed by Isla’s flawless recitation. Dior, too, did well with hers, which pleased him greatly. He stole a glance at Mary and smiled, knowing she must have helped t
