Chapter 256: Gwen’s Text Message

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*****

Paris.

Raven slipped into the crowd, changing her appearance several times before finally shaking off the person tailing her.

Looking at the camera in her hand, she couldn't help but curl her lips into a smirk.

The mission was complete, and soon she'd receive a handsome payment. It would be the perfect time to take a well-earned break.

She hailed a cab and returned to her hotel.

After opening the door to her room, Raven casually set the camera aside and walked into the bathroom. After a hot shower, she stepped out with a towel wrapped around her wet hair. She picked up her other phone—the one she used for personal contacts—and, seeing several new messages, smiled softly.

Barefoot, she walked across the room, pulled a cold beer from the minibar, then sank into the plush sofa. With a beer in one hand and her phone in the other, she began scrolling through the messages.

Most of them were from Gwen.

After their unexpected meeting in Miami, Raven had secretly exchanged contact info with Gwen. Since then, they had stayed in touch.

Gwen would occasionally send her messages about little frustrations or events in her day, and Raven, in turn, would sometimes ask about Gwen and her father.

In the past few days, Gwen had sent quite a few messages, most of them revolving around Mike.

Aunt Raven, that lady came again. I think she likes my dad.

Raven smiled as she read it.

With a man like Mike, what woman wouldn't like him?

Aunt Raven, she comes every day now. She's getting closer and closer to my dad.

Raven raised an eyebrow at that one.

Aunt Raven, I'm sure she likes my dad. She's really nice. I kind of like her too.

Hmm?

Raven's expression tightened slightly. Had this little brat... been won over?

Ding!

Just then, another message arrived.

It contained a photo and a few simple words:

What should I do?

Raven sat bolt upright as she looked at the picture.

In the image, Mike was holding the hand of a curvy woman—who looked like a ripe peach—guiding her wrist as she held a spatula, helping her stir-fry food.

Mike looked serious, but the corner of his lips hinted at a smile. The woman beside him had eyes only for him.

Raven took a deep breath, yanked off the towel from her head, and immediately sent Gwen a reply:

I'm coming back right now! Keep me updated at all times!

…

"Heehee!"

Gwen couldn't help but giggle out loud.

"What are you laughing at?"

Mike had just walked back in after seeing May Parker out and found Gwen chuckling to herself. He couldn't resist asking.

Gwen waved her phone. "Aunt Raven says she's coming."

"Raven's coming?" Mike was stunned for a moment. "Why so suddenly?"

After a pause, he glanced at Gwen holding her phone, and a knowing look flashed in his eyes. "What did you tell her?"

"Nothing much!"

Gwen frantically shook her head.

Mike raised an eyebrow, then lunged forward and tickled her mercilessly.

Gwen laughed so hard she was gasping for breath and had to surrender, raising both hands. "I told her that Aunt May came here."

"May?"

Mike's brow arched again.

Gwen looked serious. "Dad, do you like Aunt May?"

"We're just friends."

Gwen chewed on her thumb thoughtfully. "First strangers, then friends... then girlfriends... and finally, she becomes my mom!"

Bonk!

Mike tapped her on the head with a chuckle. "You little rascal. What are you imagining?"

Gwen stuck out her tongue. "Aunt May comes every day. She definitely likes you."

Mike rubbed his chin and said with mock thoughtfulness, "Well, I am pretty amazing. It's only natural people like me."

Gwen nodded without hesitation.

"So, you don't like May?"

"It's not that I don't like her!" Gwen muttered. "It's just… it'd be weird! Peter calls her Aunt May, but she's more like his mom. If she marries you, wouldn't that mean Peter has to call you Uncle? Or even Dad? And I'd have to call him brother?!"

Gwen's face scrunched up. "No way! That's way too weird!"

"Ha!"

Mike laughed and lightly tapped her forehead. "You're thinking too far ahead, kid."

He and May were just friends. As for the future...

Raven was already on her way back. What future was there?

"Alright!" Mike picked up Gwen's backpack. "Let's head home."

Gwen hopped down from her chair. After helping Mike lock up the store, the two of them walked home together under the soft glow of the setting sun.

…

The seasons were changing—from spring to winter—and the days were gradually warming up.

Mike took in the beautiful weather and smiled.

Gwen was off to school, Clark to work, and he—the old dad—was about to open the shop when…

"Mike."

May Parker stepped into the shop.

Mike paused. She'd been arriving earlier each day.

"Well," she began, cheeks tinted pink, "I dropped Peter off at school and thought I'd stop by—see if you needed any help."

Mike cleared his throat. "I just got here and haven't started prepping yet. Please, have a seat."

He poured her a glass of water and set it before her.

May propped her chin on her hand and watched him with a warm smile. Even standing behind him, Mike could feel the heat in her gaze—stronger than yesterday. At this rate, Gwen might be right: something really could happen between them.

Mike picked up chalk and wrote on the blackboard:

Today's Special: Beef Noodles

"I'll hang that!" May said eagerly, sweeping her hair aside as she took the board. "Beef noodles—could I learn to make them? They were so good last time."

Mike nodded. "It's very simple."

Humming, she placed the board outside, then returned to his side. "What's next?"

"Simmer the broth, then knead the dough."

Before he finished, May grasped his hand and led him into the kitchen.

As Mike measured and prepared the broth ingredients, he explained each step—but May merely admired his strong, handsome profile, smiling but barely listening.

He covered the pot and turned to her. "May? Are you paying attention?"

"Ah!" she exclaimed, blinking. "Oh—yes. Is the broth ready?"

"It's simmering. Next, the dough."

"Kneading dough!" May clapped her hands. "That looks fun—I'll try!"

Since there weren't many customers, Mike had only a small batch of dough. May imitated his motions but misjudged the water and flour, and the dough ball grew awkwardly large. Flour coated her hands, and in frustration she shook them vigorously—sending flour flying everywhere.

Whack!

A clump of dough slapped Mike across the cheek, making his eye twitch.

May froze, then giggled and reached out to pinch him.

Whack!

Suddenly, a figure burst in, grabbed May's arm, and exclaimed, "What are you up to?"

(End of Chapter)