At that moment, upon hearing the voice, both Cora and Oliver immediately turned around in unison like two children caught doing something mischievous. The playful energy between them instantly faded. Cora's eyes widened the moment she saw who had cleared his throat behind them. Her face changed quickly, from playful to surprised, and then to slightly awkward as she let go of Oliver at once, stepping back as if nothing had happened.
She straightened herself quickly, tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and gave a nervous laugh.
"Father i never knew you would come outside this early," she said, trying her best to act casual, but her voice gave her away. "What a shock."
Her father stood with both hands calmly behind his back, dressed sharply as always, with his observant eyes fixed on the two of them. He had that same unreadable expression he always wore when he had something on his mind.
