She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 191

Hayden always had someone come over regularly to clean the place, so overall, the courtyard still looked incredibly tidy.

When Hulda arrived at the old Owen Residence carrying a gift for Hayden, he and his wife, Joanna, were already waiting for her.

Seeing her walk in, Hayden was the first to stand up and greet her, with Joanna following close behind. Both wore warm, welcoming smiles.

"Oh, Hulda, you really didn't have to bring anything! We're just happy you came," Hayden said.

"It's the least I could do. I'm taking up your time today," Hulda replied, handing over the gift bag.

Joanna wasn't one to stand on ceremony. She took it with a bright, straightforward smile. "It's no trouble at all!"

Hayden looked at his wife's completely unfiltered friendliness and gave Hulda a slightly sheepish smile. "This is my wife, Joanna."

"It's lovely to meet you, Mrs. Owen," Hulda greeted politely.

Joanna waved her hand dismissively. "What's with the 'Mrs. Owen'? That sounds so stiff. Just call me Joanna. And him—" She swatted Hayden's arm lightly. "Call him Hayden."

Hayden cut in with a deliberate joke. "Wait, shouldn't she at least call me Mr. Owen out of respect?"

Joanna rolled her eyes. "We're not running a Victorian boarding school. We'll stick to first names. Being called 'Mrs. Owen' makes me feel like a frumpy house-matron."

Hulda couldn't help but laugh at their banter. It was obvious they were a deeply loving couple.

Hayden chuckled, looking a bit bashful. "Look at you, making a fool of us in front of Hulda."

"Not at all," Hulda said, waving her hands. "I think you two are adorable."

"See? She thinks I'm adorable!" Joanna looped her arm through Hulda's and led her to the stone bench in the courtyard. "Hulda, this old house doesn't have central AC, so it gets stuffy inside. It's much cooler out here. You sit tight, and I'll go grab us some drinks."

Hulda closed her eyes, feeling as though she had been transported back to those tranquil days of learning the game.

"Hulda, here, have some iced tea."

Joanna's voice pulled her sharply back to reality.

Hulda blinked, a wave of melancholy and sorrow washing over her heart.

"Summer is practically made for iced tea," Joanna said, completely oblivious to Hulda's sudden drop in mood. she set the glass down in front of her. "Hayden swears I'm ruining the leaves, though."

"Because those are premium tea leaves! Soaking them in cold water like that is a total waste!" Hayden grumbled affectionately as he walked out, carrying a wooden box. He placed it squarely on the stone table in front of Hulda. "Here you go, Hulda. Do you want to open it now, or wait until you get home?"

Hulda looked at the box. "I'll open it here."