[103]

He was indeed tired. Today's journey was a round trip, where he did not allow a moment to take a pause just to close his eyes to reduce fatigue. He was racing against time as well as his goal. Don't let all the plans that have been arranged in his head, fall apart.

"Mom?" asked Austin in surprise. As he stepped into the house, his mother was still awake. Sitting quietly accompanied by Maria and a cup of tea and some snacks. "You're not asleep yet?"

Kate looked up and smiled slightly. "Couldn't sleep." She patted the couch at her side. "Sit down. Let Maria make you some tea."

Austin took a hesitant step. In the past few months, his communication and the way he treated his mother had been poor. He realized that. He did it all because he wanted to make Calysta comfortable while living with him here. Calysta's status was no longer that of an illicit lover, but that of his chosen wife. Which the mother should have appreciated, right?

But now?

"What's ke