Part 18

The melodic sound of Emma's singing had become a routine for Adaline every morning. Adaline descended, dressed in her work attire - a dark blue long-sleeved shirt paired with neatly pressed black trousers. As usual, her long hair was tied in a simple bun that wouldn't disturb her while working.

Her mother was busy at the stove, and Emma was organizing items in the kitchen cabinet. The groceries that Altezza brought the previous evening, which she had separated into two parcels, turned out not to be for him but a gift for her mother.

Flashback

Altezza declined Adaline's mother's dinner invitation, explaining that he had just eaten before coming. Glancing at his watch, he decided to leave when the short hand struck eight. Despite their reluctance, both Violet and Emma allowed him to depart after hearing Altezza's reasons.

"It's not good if people find out a man visited a woman's house this late, ma'am. It's not that I'm not comfortable or don't enjoy