The morning after our little party, I was up with the birds. As Ernest rolled out of bed, my eyes were already open. I made my way to the balcony just in time to catch Yates getting into his car to leave. He was holding Fanny's hand in a way that was neither a kiss nor a hug but still, it screamed of intimacy. Clearly, they had spent a night wrapped up in each other's company., Following shortly was Milly, dressed in a light beige blouse paired with crisp white slacks, looking absolutely stunning., Without her lab coat, she really knew how to dress to impress., She was obviously trying to catch Yates' eye, maybe even trying to stir a little jealousy in Fanny.,

"Good morning, senior!

" Milly greeted Yates with a bright smile, seemingly unfazed by the intimate night Fanny and Yates had shared., Yates just nodded,

"Everyone's been waiting for you.

", I couldn't help but smirk at that. Yates was clearly playing the doting husband role, well aware of the gossip Milly had spread the night before., Milly stiffened for a moment before she shot a look at Fanny, implying she was the one spilling secrets., Fanny, ever the sly one, shot back with a grin,

"I told Yates we wouldn't wait up for you.

", Milly's face went from stiff to sour as she opened her mouth to explain, but Yates gave her no chance., He turned to Fanny, their hands intertwined, and said,

"Go back inside. We'll text, and once I'm settled in, you can come over.

", The depth of affection in his gaze was palpable, even from my vantage point on the balcony, let alone for Milly standing right there. After a beat, Milly stormed off to the car in a huff., Fanny then hugged Yates, whispering something in his ear before pecking him on the cheek as they parted., Watching from above, I felt like I was feasting on a full course of romance, and I'm sure Milly, even closer to the action, felt much worse. After Yates drove away, Fanny was left standing there, looking completely vulnerable., I thought she might need a hug, a bit of friendly comfort, but before I could move, she suddenly looked up and pointed right at me., I chuckled and gestured for her to come up., Without hesitation, Fanny made her way up, and I left the balcony to inform Ernest, still in his robe,

"Fanny's coming.

", He hummed a response and went to get dressed as I opened the door for the approaching storm that was Fanny.,

"You nailed it, bestie,

" I gave her a thumbs up.,

"Are you here for backup or just eavesdropping?

" Leave it to Fanny to know me well., I adjusted my robe,

"Just changing the scenery, spicing things up.

", Fanny glanced at my neck,

"Seems like someone's needs are peaking.

", I stepped closer, reaching to peek, Der blouse,

"Have you finalet, inside cashed years, in your twenty-someth, of purity?

" , Fanny swatted my hand away and straightened her collar,

"What, was I supposed to save it as an investment?

", Laughing, led her inside, but she, pouting towards the, Interior,

"Mr. Collins is in there; it, might be awkward.

" , As if on cue, Ernest emerged, impeccably dressed, and nodded at Fanny,

"You two chat. I've got work.

", He then told me he had ordered breakfast and that I didn't need to come into the office today., Before I could respond, Fanny quipped,

"Mr. Collins really blurs the line between work and home, huh?

"

"The company's just very people-oriented,

" Ernest replied before leaving., Fanny looped her arm through mine, skeptical,

"There's something about your Mr. Collins... the aura, the demeanor, and that boss vibe. He's no ordinary worker, I don't buy it.

" ,

"Maybe he's a secret millionaire,

" I teased, pulling her into the room., She instinctively guarded herself, and I rolled my eyes,

"Relax, what you've got, I've got too.

" Heading to the table, I lifted the glass of warm water Ernest had left for me,

"Want to share?

"

"You drink,

" Fanny settled beside me, resting her head on my shoulder, clearly troubled. I put down the glass, turning to her,

"What's up?

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