Chapter 454: Miss Sharon, Your Home Has Been Stolen!

Chapter 454: Miss Sharon, Your Home Has Been Stolen!

Audrey wondered if Susie had shared all her thoughts with Mr. Hastur. It seemed likely, as Susie appeared more eager than usual to offer advice tonight.

Could her comment about being a "scheming advisor" have been misunderstood? Did it prompt Susie to help her take a step forward? The more Audrey pondered, the more plausible it seemed. Her small hand, held in Mr. Hastur's palm, felt like it was on fire.

It was comfortably warm, especially in the cool night air. Yet, she didn't withdraw her hand. After a brief silence, she looked up at Hastur beside her and smiled, saying, "Mr. Hastur, holding hands is a lifelong commitment."

...

As the sun rose the next morning, Audrey returned from her travel portal and placed a box of fried fish nuggets in front of Susie as a late-night snack. She crouched down, gently stroking Susie's head. "Susie, thank you for what you said to Mr. Hastur tonight on my behalf."

"???"

Susie, enjoying the fish nuggets, had three large question marks appear above its head. Had it communicated anything with Mr. Hastur tonight?

Woof woof woof?

Could Mr. Hastur have understood something extraordinary from these three barks? But Susie had merely reminded Mr. Hastur that Audrey wanted to speak with him, nothing more.

After all, Emperor Roselle's quotes clearly stated: "Love is a matter between two people; others should not and cannot interfere rashly."

Susie strictly adhered to Emperor Roselle's words and wouldn't do anything thankless.

"Susie, if it weren't for you, I might have ended my adventure with a tinge of disappointment and returned to Backlund," Audrey said softly, her eyes filled with warmth. "Susie, thank you for always staying by my side and helping me solve problems."

"???"

Susie paused for a few seconds, pondering seriously, but still couldn't understand Audrey's change in attitude.

Oh well, at least there were delicious fried fish nuggets to eat.

After chatting with Susie for a bit, Audrey returned to her bed, pulling the covers over her face. Her lips curled into a smile as she couldn't stop thinking about holding hands with Hastur tonight, walking freely through the night streets like a couple, under the envious gazes of passersby.

They ate late-night street food, watched early-rising workers move cargo at the port, and occasionally chatted with nearby diners about recent events at sea.

Then they strolled along the beach path, watching the night gradually give way to dawn.

Sometimes, even though it's just one step apart, not taking that step can lead to two entirely different experiences.

"Holding hands is a lifelong commitment."

"Audrey, this might be the bravest thing you've done in your life."

Audrey whispered to herself, originally intending to catch up on some sleep, but a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

It was Xio, who always liked to rise early and couldn't sit still.

"Good morning, Miss Xio."

Audrey opened the door, a radiant smile naturally gracing her face.

"Good morning, Miss Audrey." Xio paused, puzzled. "Somehow, Miss Audrey's smile seems especially heartwarming today."

"Just today?" Audrey pretended to frown slightly, causing Xio to quickly explain, "Of course not, Miss Audrey is beautiful and charming every day. Your smile can cure all unhappiness."

"Thank you for your compliment, Miss Xio is very lovely too."

Xio, flattered, gave a shy smile and invited Audrey to join her for breakfast.

Fors, that sleepyhead, would need a bit more time to leave her bed.

**Unexpected Developments**

As the group gathered for breakfast, subtle changes in behavior hinted at new dynamics. Hastur sat beside Audrey, naturally peeling shrimp for her. This small gesture caught the attention of Fors and Xio, who exchanged knowing glances.

Audrey maintained her composure, elegantly eating the shrimp Hastur had prepared. However, when Fors playfully asked Xio to feed her, Audrey's cheeks finally flushed, her eyelashes fluttering as she struggled to maintain her calm demeanor.

The teasing continued, with Fors and Xio openly displaying affection. Unable to contain herself any longer, Audrey looked at Hastur and smiled, saying, "Mr. Hastur, it's wonderful having you by my side."

This declaration stunned Fors and Xio. They marveled at Audrey's courage and grace, even in matters of the heart. Their attempt to tease had backfired, leaving them speechless as Audrey naturally cared for Hastur, serving him fish and pouring milk.

As breakfast concluded, Fors and Xio headed to the bow deck, while Klein went to the stern. Audrey quietly approached Hastur, who was gazing out the window.

She pinched his waist gently, saying, "Mr. Hastur, were you secretly pleased earlier?"

Hastur took her hand and embraced her, no longer needing to hide their feelings. Audrey blushed, looking around before relaxing in his arms.

Hastur revealed that Audrey's father had written to him, asking when he intended to propose. Though Audrey suspected Hastur was embellishing the tXio, she couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and joy.

As Fors and Xio considered sneaking a peek at the couple, Susie's watchful presence at the cabin entrance deterred them.

"Miss Audrey has finally ended up with Mr. Hastur," Fors remarked, genuinely happy for her friend. The development aligned perfectly with the stories she wrote in her novels – adventure, blossoming emotions, and a natural progression to love.

However, a realization struck Fors: What about Miss Sharon? It seemed she had unknowingly become a side character, her opportunity stolen right from under her nose!