Chapter 124

Marguerite found the doctor-prescribed scar cream in Jenny's bedside table. She was walking back toward the sofa, tube in hand, when the door swung open.

"Maggie, I'm back," Aaron said, clutching his backpack straps as he eyed the man on the sofa.

"Fairy Marguerite! Good to see you again!" Yellow chirped, grinning excitedly.

Marguerite smiled, surprised Aaron had brought Yellow along. "I take it neither of you has evening classes."

Yellow pouted. "Don't talk about school at a happy time like this!"

Aaron saw the cream in Marguerite's hand. "What are you doing with that?"

Marguerite pointed at George. "He has a couple of small scars on his hand. We bought two tubes, right? I was going to give him one to try."

Aaron's lips thinned. He took the cream from her. "You bought this for me. If he needs some, he can buy it himself." He turned and finally got a good look at the man's face. He looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place him. It was clear, though, that this guy was much older than Marguerite.

At that moment, George stood up and walked toward them, his voice refined and gentle. "Hello, I..."

"Hello," Aaron cut him off, then nudged Yellow with his elbow.

"Hello, Uncle George!" Yellow added cheerfully.

George was momentarily speechless. His smile remained, though his eyes

darkened slightly. "Do I really look that old?"

Aaron nodded. He didn't like this new boyfriend of Marguerite's either.

Yellow, however, honestly shook his head, but seeing his boss nod, he quickly switched to a nod as well.

Marguerite frowned. "Don't be ridiculous. He's not even thirty. Show some respect.”

George's gaze rested on the girl's bright, exquisite face. The

comparison was stark. When she stood next to seventeen-year-old Aaron and Yellow, she was clearly one of them. He was the odd one

out.

His fingers tightened slightly as he adjusted his glasses. "It's fine. It's just a title."

"No, it's not," Marguerite insisted.

She and George were peers. This made it sound like he was a generation older. She couldn't have that. Her rival was already more successful than her in every way, she wouldn't let him win on seniority, too. S

She looked pointedly at Aaron. "Try again. With some respect this time.”

Aaron looked up reluctantly at George and muttered, "Mr. George."

Marguerite then turned to Yellow. "You, too."

Yellow, who was already helping himself to fruit, looked up in confusion. "Say what?"

Marguerite jerked her chin toward George. "Show some respect."

George's her, all

gaze was fixed on

S earlier displeasure gomet

All he could hear was her voice, defending him.

by high arm?

Yellow complied easily, then took a few bites of watermelon and offered some to Aaron.

Aaron, in no mood for food, glared at him. "Is eating all you think about?"