Seraphina had been hanging around this house for a whole three days.
During that time, Leandro didn't show up even once.
Seraphina had no clue about how busy he was, nor did she really give a hoot, as all her attention was on the house opposite.
For three consecutive days, like clockwork, a window in the house across the street would light up at 3 a.m., then go out quietly half an hour later.
It was like some sort of ritual, happening in the dead of night, when everything was quiet.
Seraphina was sure, the house was hiding some juicy secrets.
But getting into that house was not going to be a walk in the park. Since Balch dropped her off last time, he hadn't gotten in touch with her.
Seraphina knew she couldn't rush things.
For several days on end, she just chilled out in Leandro's house, only taking care of pick-ups and drop-offs for Valerio and sorting out her own stuff, while also getting the lay of the land about Balch's daily routine next door, so she could dodge him perfectly when coming and going.
One afternoon, Seraphina woke up from her nap and got a surprise call inviting her to lunch.
Ever since she got back to Sunburst City, she hardly knew anyone. The only people she had exchanged numbers with were at Edith and Peterson's engagement party. The guy who invited her for lunch, Nestor, was one of her dance partners that day.
Seraphina figured expanding her social circle would do her some good, so she gladly accepted the invite.
After handing off the task of picking up Valerio from school to the driver, Seraphina got herself dolled up and ready to go.
Just as she was about to head down the stairs, she heard the sound of a door opening and closing downstairs. Seraphina was about to go down and see what was up when she suddenly heard a young woman's voice.
"Mr. Reynolds, is this your house?" the woman's voice was very soft, "It's so beautiful."
"Ms. Harrison, please have a seat." Leandro's cold voice followed.
Seraphina stopped in her tracks at the top of the stairs, two things flashing through her mind.
First, Leandro was back;
Second, he brought a woman home with him.
Maybe it was her reporter's instinct, but for a moment, Seraphina actually felt a bit of excitement. She then just leaned against the stairway, quietly eavesdropping.
"I'm really sorry." Pennie Harrison said, "I hitched a ride on your plane back home, and now I'm intruding on your house. My aunt said she'll pick me up soon, so I won't bother you for long."
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