Chapter 32

  After Lillian parted with Maisie fifteen years ago, Maisie had been living a carefree life, traveling the world without ever calling her.

  This was the first time Maisie had reached out to Lillian.

  Lillian stared at the phone for a moment, lost in thought. After a while, she finally snapped back to reality and answered.

  Maisie's voice came through clearly, sounding just like a young girl of eighteen.

  She said, "Are you free tonight? I'm leaving soon. Let's have dinner together."

  Lillian gripped the phone tightly. "I'm not available."

  There was a brief silence on the other end before Maisie's voice came back, tinged with disappointment. "After all these years, you're still so cold to me."

  Lillian lowered her gaze. Fifteen years ago, it was the same words that made Maisie disappear from her life.