Molly and Jessica exchanged tight, forced smiles, their expressions caught somewhere between forced politeness and frustration since Bella had already burst their bubble.
Jessica tried to hide their discomfort and said,
"Oh, yes. It was lovely to meet you, dear. But... well, we must be going now."
Julia was puzzled at their strange reactions; these women were her friends, and after years of living in this locality, she knew their habits well.
And they were definitely not the kind to slip out of any gathering without talking for at least an hour straight.
"Really? So soon?"
Molly nodded quickly, adjusting her handbag.
"Yes, actually, my husband will be back home soon, and you know how he’s not keen on cold dinners."
Julia offered a polite smile, though disappointment remained i
