Chapter 404

April and Nicholas joined the table, trying to make the atmosphere feel normal. “Sit down and have breakfast,” Riyana said after a moment, still not looking at him. It was simple, casual. But for Jabco, it felt like she had just allowed him to stay. He pressed his lips together and nodded slightly before sitting down. Across the table, April and Nicholas exchanged a quick look and a faint smile. They both understood. This was Riyana’s way. She would never say “I forgive you” easily. But she would stop pushing. And that was the beginning. The next few days passed in a strange silence. Not cold, not warm. Just quiet. Riyana did not start conversations with him. She did not ask about his work. She did not bring up the past again. But she did not reject him either. When he brought her water, she drank it. When he asked if she needed anything, she answered calmly. When he followed her around the house, she did not tell him to leave. For Jabco, that was enough to endure everything else. Stay