"..."
Ian Preston's words left Thea Lynch at a loss for what to say.
But it was also the truth.
The elders, witnessing this scene, let their imaginations wander, but what they imagined wasn't entirely just fantasy.
The fact that Ian Preston gave her the bracelet is true; her liking him previously is true; his feelings toward her have also been mutual, which is true.
The hot water hasn't boiled yet.
Thea Lynch hung her head, staring dazedly at the rising temperature numbers.
Ian Preston hadn't left yet, and was selecting tea leaves from the cabinet. The old gentlemen were particular; the tea brewed earlier wasn't satisfactory and needed to be replaced.
Time passed silently. Thea Lynch thought for a moment, then spoke, "Third Brother, this..."
The man took out some tea leaves, gently interrupting her, "If you're thinking of returning the bracelet, then there's no need to bring it up."
"..."
