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“What would happen if your parents knew about this, Stelara?”
“Well, my cousin was put on house arrest and forced into a marriage after he was found with his lover. His wife is a great person, and they have two children, but I’m sure he’s dying inside. I would probably be subjected to something similar. Oh, and we never found out what happened to his partner.”
A heavy silence fell over the table. Stelara awkwardly took a bite of her pastry, trying her best to ignore what she just said.
“Please don’t tell your parents. I actually like having The Loaf and Ziva.”
“I wasn’t planning on it. All they know is that I like to visit this bakery because of the cats. I will have to deal with them eventually, but not tonight.”
Ziva rejoined them at the table, neatly dressed with his hair tied up. Both Stelara and Madam Cohen brightened at the sight.
“Oh, you’re handsome! Naturally, since you’re my child.”
He took a seat next to Stelara, and she could see the snake ring glittering on his hand. For whatever reason, seeing Ziva wear the ring she gave him made her chest swell with joy. It was a very warm and fuzzy feeling. Madam
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