The atmosphere inside the car was light for the rest of their journey. Justin still could not believe that the formidable-looking Conrad was where Serene got her personality from. His warm eyes would shine like hers when he smiled. He had an infectious laughter. Like Serene, he put everyone at ease.

The wild beating of Justin’s heart has calmed down because of Conrad’s deadpan jokes. He had not laughed so much in such a long time.

After a while, their car ascended a hill with two almost identical houses at its peak. Both were facing the ocean. As Conrad’s car approached the house, Justin saw a petite, middle-aged woman waiting...