Husband plans to kill me Chapter 382

I chatted with Kathy for a long time, and my mood gradually lightened up.

Her return really put me at ease.

Kathy always knew how to give me strength and support when I needed it most, especially when things got complicated.

We kept talking until Royce called to ask if I wanted to grab lunch. That was when I realized how much time had flown by.

"Kathy, come have lunch with us. Royce will be there too," I said with a smile.

Kathy's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You two still haven't made it official yet?"

I rubbed my nose, suddenly remembering I hadn't told Kathy the news. I felt a bit sheepish. "Actually..."

I recounted the day I made things official with Royce.

Kathy's eyes widened. "Caroline! You didn't tell your best friend about something this big? That's not cool."

"I was waiting for you to come back so I could tell you in person. So, lunch?" I asked again.

Kathy nodded and added, "Sure, I need to see if Royce has been taking good care of you."

We ended up meeting at a restaurant near the office.

Royce was already there waiting for us.

When he saw Kathy, he greeted her with a smile. "Long time no see. How was your business trip to Oceancrest City?"

Kathy waved her hand dismissively. "It was fine, just a bit long. I didn't expect to come back and find out so much had happened with Caroline."

Royce nodded, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Yeah, it's been a lot lately. But with you here, Caroline can relax a bit more."

We chatted while eating, the atmosphere light and pleasant.

Kathy didn't miss a chance to tease us about our relationship, giving us knowing looks.

After a while, she turned to Royce and said, "So now I'm entrusting Caroline to you..."

Hearing Kathy say that made my nose tingle with emotion.

Kathy and I had been friends for years, and she knew all about my past, including my unresolved feelings for Royce.

I never expected to get back together with Royce after all these years, and neither did Kathy.

Sensing my emotions, Kathy sniffled too. "There were things I wanted to say, but I didn't think it was necessary to be so serious..."

"Seeing you two together now makes me really happy." Kathy sighed. "From now on, you have to take good care of Caroline. Don't let her get hurt again."

Royce nodded solemnly. "I promise, I will."

Royce wasn't one to make promises lightly, but the seriousness in his voice was clear to both Kathy and me.

Kathy sighed again and raised her glass. "Here's to witnessing your reunion. Don't let anything come between you again. The chances of ending up with your first love are slim to none."

Hearing Kathy's words, Royce and I exchanged a glance.

We felt the same way, which was why we wanted to cherish this relationship even more.

After lunch, Kathy and I found a café to continue our conversation since she had no plans for the afternoon.

We talked for hours until it got late, and she decided to check on her studio.

"I brought back a ton of materials and design drafts. I need to sort them out before I can relax."

I clicked my tongue. "You're so busy, yet you still made time to chat with me... I took up your whole day!"

Feeling a bit guilty, I added, "And now you have to work late."

Kathy shook her head. "It's fine. I wanted to spend time with you."

She took my hand and said seriously, "Caroline, I think you've been under too much pressure lately. You need to rest."

"As for Briar, don't stress too much. Kids can be complicated, but they're not beyond help. Spend more time with her and see if you can figure out what's really going on." She always believed that no child was beyond saving.

I nodded and walked her to her car. "Thank you, Kathy. Having you back makes me feel so much better."

Kathy smiled and patted my arm. "Don't mention it. We're friends. Call me anytime."

Not long after Kathy left, Royce came to pick me up and take me home.

Leo was temporarily out of the picture, so I had Briar staying with me. But something felt off these past few days.

I was sure she wouldn't install any more listening devices this time.

Briar had come over so suddenly that she barely had any luggage, let alone any gadgets.

But Briar couldn't sleep in the newly renovated kids' room. Instead, we set up a separate room for her.

I was eager to check on the kids, so I didn't talk much with Royce.

When I got home, I found Briar and Brett still watching TV.

It was already past ten, and Kelly was in the nursery with the other three kids.

Brett looked sleepy, dozing off on the couch, while Briar stared at the screen, her expression distant.

For a moment, I felt like Briar wasn't an ordinary child...

But I quickly shook off the thought.

I walked over and said softly, "Briar, Brett, it's late. Time for bed."

Briar looked up, her eyes a bit vacant, but she quickly regained her composure. "Okay, Ms. Sharp."

I watched her, feeling a mix of emotions.

Briar's recent changes made me uneasy, but I didn't know how to ask her about it.

Maybe, as Kathy suggested, I needed to spend more time with her to find the root of the problem.

That night, I didn't sleep well. The next morning, I got up early to take Brett to school myself.

Briar was already up, sitting at the table quietly eating breakfast. She only smiled when talking to Brett.

Briar didn't seem like an ordinary child.

Maybe it was just my preconceived notions...

"Briar, I'm taking Brett to school today. Do you want to come?" I asked tentatively.

Briar shook her head, her tone indifferent. "No, Ms. Sharp. I'll stay home and spend time with Grandma and the babies."

She called Kelly "Grandma," but I didn't bother correcting her.

I hesitated but figured with Zola and Kelly around, things should be fine.