I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 372

Hearing that, I remembered those long-ago days of our youth and couldn't help but smile. "Of course, I remember. You treated me to spicy wings. Who could resist the temptation of wings? I forgave you instantly."

Horace countered, "Instantly? You greedily demanded a soda and even fries to go with them."

"Well, wings alone aren't filling enough. You need a soda to make it a real meal."

We looked at each other and smiled, and the awkward tension between us seemed to melt away, replaced by the easy familiarity of the past.

Horace gently flicked my forehead. "No matter how our relationship changes," he said softly, "we'll always be best friends, childhood sweethearts. We never have to pretend, never have to feel distant or awkward."

My heart softened. I knew he was trying to ease my anxiety. I smiled, took a bite of the apple, and nodded at him.

"Okay, you got it. So, how are you preparing for the competition? Do you need to practice your singing? I can practice with you if you want."

Horace answered honestly, "The singing is fine. It's my leg that needs more work."

"Then rest for a bit, and I'll help you practice later."

After finishing the apple, I mulled over whether to ask Horace to the Lopez family's banquet. But seeing how focused he was on the competition and his physical therapy, and considering I hadn't yet navigated the tricky dynamics of the Lopez family myself, I decided against it.

I gazed at Horace's handsome face. "Horace, after your competition is over, I want to introduce you to my real family."

Whether we made it in the long run or not, he deserved to know who my real family was.

Horace, who was taking a sip of water, nearly choked. His calm, handsome face immediately turned to me, a smile instantly blooming on his lips. His eyes were visibly shining.

"Okay, yes. Just... just let me know in advance. I'll need to... prepare."

I stayed with Horace for the afternoon as he practiced, but he was still self-conscious about me seeing his injured leg. He kept saying it was too ugly and sent me on little errands, first to wash some fruit, then to get him water.

Later, Mrs. Spencer called Horace to say she'd received a call from a media investment firm. They saw his commercial potential and wanted to meet with him about signing a deal.

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