Santino walked in just then,and the metallic scent in the air immediately hit him.His brow tightened,and though his eyes were usually cold and unreadable,something flickered in them that she couldn’t make out.
Aurelia forced a smile,a trace of surprise in her expression as she asked,“Why are you here?”
Santino turned his face away,refusing to look at her,and his voice was cold.“I came to see if you’re dead yet.”
Her voice turned hoarse as her trembling fingers curled tightly,but she still tried to smile.“Then you’ll be disappointed.”
Hearing this,Santino paused slightly,and the coldness in his eyes grew deeper.“Good that you’re not dead.Only the living can you slowly make up for it.”
She was about to answer when the sudden ring of the phone cut her off.Santino picked it up,and a sweet,cheerful voice came through the receiver.
“Santino,I picked out a new dress.When we visit your mom this weekend,I’ll wear it…”
At those words,Santino’s face softened right away,and his voice turned warm,carrying a gentleness she hadn’t heard in a long time.
“Okay,I’ll come pick you up now,and afterward we’ll go have a late-night snack together.”