“You know his dad?” Tereza asked Sanford.

Jonathan’s father, Yorick Lyni, passed away years ago. Very few people even knew his name—only those close to Jonathan. But Sanford had said yes without hesitation, leaving Tereza puzzled. Sanford muttered to himself, “They look so much alike. Why is that?” His fists clenched even tighter. But before Tereza could say anything else, Evelyn pulled her away. It was time for the family photo, and she was expected to be in it too.

“I don’t need to be in the picture. I’m not part of the Lynn family anymore. You guys go ahead,” Tereza protested.

“You are not Jonathan’s wife, but you’re still family to Jennifer. We’re all family now,” Evelyn replied.

Tereza still didn’t want to join, but Hayden was already sitting in the center, waiting for her. He called out to her gently, “Teresa, come take a family photo with us.”

Everyone was waiting for her, and Jonathan was watching her too, though he didn’t say a word to rush her. Tereza took a deep breath and stood there for a long moment. She thought, ‘Evelyn is right. I’m not here as Jonathan’s wife, but as Hannah’s family.’

She slowly walked over, stood next to Evelyn, and linked arms with her. Jonathan stood beside Irene, while Hayden sat in the middle. Jennifer and Donald stood on either side of Hayden, with Donald’s parents, Werner and Cathy, right next to him.

Hayden asked, “By the way, where’s Cheryl? That girl hasn’t shown up in ages.”

Someone answered, “She’s got a cold and couldn’t make it. Don’t blame her. She’s been really worn out from work lately.”

“That girl…” Hayden hadn’t even noticed Cheryl was absent until now, but there was no time to wait for her.

Seeing everyone was ready, the photographer said, “All right, everyone, look over here.”

Just as the shutter was about to click, Jonathan, standing on the far left, couldn’t help glancing at Tereza on the far right, with so many people between them.

After a click, the picture was taken. In the photo, everyone was looking at the camera except Jonathan and Tereza, who were looking at each other.

“Hey, handsome, stop checking out the beauty on your right. And you, gorgeous, don’t turn your head either. Are you two making a rom-com or something?” the photographer joked.

Irene discreetly pinched Jonathan’s arm. She thought, He is supposed to be calm and decent. I have told him to act like Teresa was invisible, but he is now like a silly teenage boy falling in love. Evelyn and Jennifer each gave Tereza a sharp look too, trying to tell her not to embarrass herself.

“Let’s take another one,” the photographer called out, counting down, “One, two, three, cheese.” This time, everyone looked at the camera, but when the photographer checked the shot, he said, “Actually, this one isn’t as good as the last.”

“It’s the way you’re standing. The tallest guy is all the way on the edge, and the lady in the dress, you are too far out. Switch it up and move in a bit,” he suggested.

“Can we just get this over with?” Irene said impatiently. She complained in her mind, Who cares if it looks perfect? Isn’t it obvious they are trying to avoid each other?

“Of course not. This is a rare family photo,” Hayden, sitting in the center, finally spoke up. He stood, called Jonathan and Tereza over, and took each of their hands, placing them on either side of him.

With Jonathan and Tereza flanking him, it was as if they were the stars of the day.

“Now that’s what I call a proper arrangement. Good job, Hayden,” the photographer praised. “Everyone, look this way. Perfect, just like that.”

In this way, the third family photo was captured—Jonathan in a black suit, Teresa in a red dress—standing together again. The family portrait was printed, and Teresa was sent a copy too.

When Teresa opened the package, she saw it was that last family photo—Hayden holding her and Jonathan’s hands. Hayden was beaming, and even Jonathan had a rare smile on his face. The rest of the family looked a bit awkward, but Jonathan stood tall, his head tilted toward Hayden.

“If Hayden was photoshopped out of the middle, Jonathan’s head would actually be right next to mine. No, what am I even thinking?” Teresa gave herself a little slap on the cheeks, and went back to her room to get on with her day.

Michael spotted the family photo and called out, “Mom, come look! This picture is huge!”

“Yeah, already saw it,” Teresa replied.

“Whoa, Mr. Lime’s in it too! He looks so cool. He’s just the coolest! Of course, he’s my Mr. Lime,” Michael muttered to himself, then turned to Teresa. “Who sent us this photo, Mom?”

“Your Aunt Hannah’s husband,” Teresa answered.

“Whoa, Aunt Hannah has a husband now? Is it Doctor?”

“Smart boy, that’s right,” Teresa said, giving him a proud look.

“Congrats! Aunt Hannah finally found someone to keep her warm! Now she won’t be mean to you anymore, right, Mom?”

Michael propped his chin on his hands, pointing at the family photo and counting. “That’s Aunt Hannah, Doctor, Grandma, Mr. Lime’s grandpa, Mr. Lime’s mom. I’ve met all of them, Mom.” Michael paused, and then asked, “Who are the man and woman next to Doctor?”

Michael hadn’t met Donald’s parents yet, so Teresa answered honestly, “Those are Doctor’s parents.”

“No wonder they look a bit like him,” Michael said thoughtfully.

“You’ve got a good eye,” Teresa said, giving his cheek a gentle pinch.

At the same time, Jonathan also got a copy of the family photo. He stared at it for a long while, lost in thought, before setting it down on his desk. His hand rested on Teresa’s face; in that red dress, she completely stole his attention.