He was talking as if she were some desperate woman pining for his attention.

“I don't need it," she replied.

“You do. I want to haunt your dreams. Honey, I miss you."

The simple message held an unexpected power, pulling at her heartstrings.

Rosalynn hesitated, then replied, "When are you coming back?"

“Missing me?"

The question triggered images of his beaming face, momentarily melting

Rosalynn's resolve.

Not wanting to feed his ego, she played it cool.

“Just asking out of habit."

“I'll keep you informed. Once I finish my work here, I'll come back. Pick me up at the airport?"

Rosalynn responded with a simple, “Okay.”

As Brian stared at his phone, a wave of nostalgia washed over him.

Memories of their shared moments flooded his mind.

He needed to wrap up his work quickly so he could return to his wife.

“Brian, breakfast's ready."

Deanna's voice sounded from behind.

Brian slipped his phone into his pocket, acknowledging her.

Looping her arm through his, Deanna craned her neck to get a better look at him.

“Who were you texting just now? You seem unusually cheerful?"

“Your sister-in-law," Brian confessed, not bothering to hide the truth Her again?

Deanna pursed her lips, throwing a glance at Selina, who was approaching them.