Vione tried to calm herself, but Rowena's words kept echoing in her head. She couldn't hold back her emotions and would have cried if Ayla hadn't arrived.
Ayla approached Vione worriedly. "Vione, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
"No," Vione said, shaking her head. She quickly wiped away the tears that were about to fall. "I wasn't crying because you came suddenly, Ayla."
Ayla groaned. "Vione."
A small laugh escaped Vione's lips. "I'm fine. I just feel..." She took a deep breath and lifted her head, then continued. "...very happy, Ayla."
"Well, for someone who is happy, you express it in a way that worries me," Ayla said.
Vione smiled playfully. "I'm fine. I'm just preparing snacks for Usher."
Ayla glanced at the nice spread of snacks and a cup of tea on the table. She sighed with
