Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl



Esther came back to Enswood late at night. She thought about calling Finnegan to let him know, but remembering how he acted before she left made her too upset.

She turned off her phone and tossed it into her bag. Forget it. She wouldn't call him.

Luther noticed Esther seemed anxious. "I don't get why you're so nervous, Esther. He broke up with you. Shouldn't you go ask why?"

"Why should I do that?" Esther kept her voice steady, though her hands were clenched.

"You're weird and hopeless." Luther shook his head, sighed, and focused on driving.

After some time, they pulled up at the Crawfords' house.

Esther was confused. "Wait, didn't you say you wanted nothing to do with the Crawfords? Why are we here?"

"I have my reasons. Why can you come, but not me?" Luther stepped out and opened the car door for her. "Come on, let's go in together. I'll give you some support."NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

Feeling suspicious, Esther got out and walked to the door. She hesitated to knock.

"You're slow." Luther rolled his eyes and knocked on the door himself.

"Who's there?" a voice called out, followed by quick footsteps. Esther froze when the door swung open.

It was Agnes, James's mother.

Agnes looked uncomfortable seeing Esther. "Oh, Este. What brings you here?"

"Ma'am, I came to see James. I heard he's very sick."

Esther always admired Agnes, who treated her like a daughter, but she knew they couldn't stay close forever.

Agnes's expression changed. "Oh, Este. You know James is contagious. What if you catch it too?"

Esther shook her head. "It's okay. I'm not worried about catching it."

Agnes was touched by Esther's caring nature. Esther would have made such a great daughter -in-law!

Unfortunately...

"Este, I can see you still care about him," Agnes said, noticing Esther's tearful eyes. "But you two have split up. It's not your place to look after him anymore."

Esther stepped closer and took Agnes's hand. "Ma'am, I understand what you're saying. I know we're not together anymore, and I shouldn't interfere, but I'm really worried about

him. Please, can I see him?"

Agnes couldn't resist Esther's plea, so she let her inside. Then she turned to Luther and was stunned at his familiar face. "May I know who you are?"

"Pleased to meet you, ma'am. I'm just a friend of Esther's. Call me Luther." Luther kept his introduction vague.

Agnes thought her eyes had played tricks on her, so she just nodded and let him in as well.