**TITLE: Beseeched 300**
“Hey, what are you apologizing for?” Kate waved her hand dismissively, a playful smile dancing on her lips. Her eyes sparkled with understanding, reflecting a warmth that made Dawn feel at ease. “I’m not clueless, you know. Of course, I could tell you did it on purpose.”
Kate raised a brow, her expression shifting to one of mock seriousness. “But honestly, compared to how much I like you as a person, that’s really nothing.”
In Kate’s world, a friend who had a few tricks up their sleeve was just part of the charm. As long as their heart was in the right place, everything else was just background noise.
Dawn let out a soft breath, the tension melting away as she spoke sincerely, “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to be so polite with me,” Kate replied, her voice light, as if to brush away any formality between them.
They were seated in the garden, a serene oasis filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of rustling leaves. A large platter of crispy fried chicken lay between them, the golden crust glistening in the afternoon sun. As they dug into the comforting meal, laughter and conversation flowed easily.
As noon approached, however, Kate knew it was time to head home. A flicker of sadness crossed Dawn’s face as she tried to persuade her friend to stay for lunch.
“Girl, I already ate way too many calories today,” Kate replied, her expression one of exaggerated dismay, as if the thought of indulging further was a crime.
With a dramatic flair, Kate made a pitiful face, her eyes wide. “I need to find my trainer and work it off. I’ll come see you another day, okay?”
Dawn couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s theatrics and nodded in agreement. “Okay.”
Just as Kate’s car pulled away, Jonathan’s sleek vehicle glided into the garden, the sound of tires crunching on gravel breaking the tranquil atmosphere.
He glanced toward the garden gazebo, a hint of curiosity in his voice. “We have a guest?”
The bodyguard standing nearby nodded respectfully. “The same lady from two days ago.”
Jonathan acknowledged this with a slight nod, his expression unreadable as he continued into the living room.
Inside, Dawn was propped against the couch, her cheek resting against her hand while the other held a book that had long since lost her interest. She hadn’t turned a page in what felt like ages; whatever story lay within those pages was overshadowed by her thoughts.
Jonathan paused, his gaze softening unexpectedly as he took in the sight of her relaxed demeanor. It had been a while since she looked so at ease.
“Mr. Jonathan—”
The cook emerged from the kitchen, her instinct kicking in as soon as she spotted him.
Dawn, startled by the sudden interruption, shot upright like a rabbit caught in the headlights, her eyes wide and tense.
Jonathan instinctively curled his hand into a loose fist and pressed it to his nose, stifling the smile that threatened to break through. Once he lowered his hand, however, his expression returned to its usual coolness.
Realizing she had disrupted something, the cook stepped back, her head bowed in apology.
“Wash up. Time to cat,” Jonathan commanded, his tone firm yet devoid of harshness.
Dawn remained seated, her posture straight and unyielding. “I already ate,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jonathan regarded her thoughtfully for a moment before nodding. “If you like Ms. Malone, you can invite her over next time.”
His words caught Dawn off guard. He actually meant it, and she felt a flicker of surprise. Kate might be wild and outspoken, but her background was solid; she had been sheltered her whole life.
Children like Kate were easy to read. Even if someone attempted to manipulate her, the truth would shine through her eyes.
Dawn was taken aback that Jonathan would suggest such a thing.
Before she could respond, Jonathan had already walked into the dining room, leaving her to ponder his words. She stared after him, lost in thought, a faint light flickering in her eyes.
After spending time in this house, Dawn had come to understand Jonathan’s personality. His temper was known to be short, but she had also discovered that he softened easily if approached with care. As long as one didn’t confront him head-on, many things were open for discussion.
After Jonathan finished his meal, Dawn decided to take a chance.

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