The smoke spiraled up, casting a hazy veil over his attractive visage.

Maggie cleaned up the kitchen and came out with a plate of fruit.

Looking at his tall figure, her fingers curled up slightly.

Was he smoking because he was upset?

Was he missing Jaelyn?

“Sanford, your injury is still healing. You shouldn't be smoking."

Maggie approached, took the cigarette from his grasp and snuffed it out in the ashtray.

Sanford turned his gaze towards her, taking in her composed demeanor, and issued an apology.

"I'm sorry. It's been days since I last smoked, and I couldn't resist the urge."

Maggie guided him to the couch, forked a piece of watermelon, and offered it to him.

"Here have some fruit."

Sanford accepted the watermelon silently, chewing thoughtfully.

The room was steeped in silence. Noticing his preoccupation, Maggie hesitated before voicing her concern.

“Is something bothering you?"

Sanford stopped chewing and then swallowed.

After thinking for a moment, he replied, “You might have heard that

Jaelyn has returned."

Maggie stiffened at this, looking at his handsome face, and nodded subtly.

Sanford elaborated, “She told me about the struggles that compelled her to leave. She was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer five years ago. Given three months to live by the doctors, she didn't want me to be sad and left with the money my mother offered."

Maggie was taken aback to learn of Jaelyn's reasons for Leaving.

So, Jaelyn chose to have Sanford despise her over letting him be sad for her?

She must be deeply in love with Sanford.