Lorian had almost become a husband to Leanna. He didn't want Tegan to be troubled. So, he stepped out of the room to answer the call. As soon as the call connected, Leanna's choked voice came through.“When are you coming back, Lorian? I understand that you left our wedding to see the baby. Now that you're done, shouldn't you come back and continue with our wedding?”In truth, there would be no wedding now. However, Lorian did not want to provoke Leanna further. He gently reassured her that he would return in a few days. She couldn’t hold back her tears at last.“I am supposed to be your future wife, Lorian! Are you really going to stay with Tegan because of the newborn? Do you know what the media in Brookesville are saying about you tonight? Also, Tegan is wrecking our relationship.”“She's not.” Lorian’s tone was firm, leaving Leanna shocked and heartbroken. She was not foolish. She could discern that Lorian was beginning to care about Tegan. Actually, there was a possibility tha
Tegan remembered those words and closed her eyes gently. “I haven’t thought about it.”Lorian saw how exhausted she was and decided not to press further. Instead, he gently took her hand and whispered, “Let’s not talk about this now. You need to rest. I’ll stay with Lola.”Tegan was too tired to argue. She succumbed to her fatigue. After enduring the strain of childbirth, she quickly fell into a deep sleep.As Tegan slept, Lorian remained vigil by her side. He glanced alternately at the tiny baby and her. Despite carrying the baby for ten months, her body hadn't regained its previous fullness. Her face was more gaunt and sharp than he remembered from that snowy day.Lorian touched Tegan's face gently. As he touched her skin, he realized the depth of his own feelings. The separation over the past half-year had not erased his thoughts of her. In fact, he had been suppressing his emotions. Now, he felt a surge of affection and physical yearning.Being a mature man, Lorian understood
There was the tenderness of a man and the love of a father in Lorian's eyes. He liked children and loved the child that Tegan had given birth to for him. He longed to personally care for Tegan and Lola and live with them day and night. Lorian had never desired a family this much before. He wondered if it was because he was getting older. Tegan didn't respond. He couldn't help but speak again, "I really regret it, Tegan." Tegan leaned against the headboard. The warm yellow light enveloped her like a layer of pale-colored glass. Tegan smiled lightly and asked, "Do you regret initiating the divorce back then, Lorian? Actually, I would've done it, even if you hadn't brought it up. At that time, our marriage had already hit a dead end. It wouldn't have worked no matter who initiated it."Lorian lowered his head to look at Lola. She had woken up. The newborn was only a few days old and couldn't see things more than half a foot away. However, she seemed to like Lorian's scent. One t
A long silence followed. Lorian put down the car keys again. He washed Lola's bottom and reapplied the ointment. Then, he gently patted her tiny bum. However, his words were directed at Tegan. "Two hours at most." Tegan didn’t stop Lorian this time. She got out of bed and slowly walked to the window. The pitch-black night was still drenched in heavy rain as if it would never end. Tegan's pale fingers lightly touched the cold glass, and she softly murmured for Lorian to be careful. Her voice was so faint, but he heard it. Then, he slipped on a thin black raincoat. Moments later, Tegan stood by the window and saw Lorian's figure appear by the car downstairs. She quietly watched him. Lorian was about to open the car door, but he seemed to sense her gaze. He paused and held the car door before he looked up at her. The rain drenched his coat, but he didn’t care at all. Lorian stared at Tegan through the curtain of rain. He looked at her hazy figure and blurred expression. He
Lorian looked at himself. His outer raincoat was indeed mostly soaked. He responded to Tegan naturally, "The rain outside hasn’t stopped, so I've gotten a bit wet going back and forth. I’ll take a hot shower later. It’ll be fine." Lorian was worried about getting the baby cold. So, he removed the black raincoat. He wore a white shirt and tailored trousers underneath. The well-cut and high-quality clothing accentuated his tall and fit physique, making him look quite pleasing to the eye. Lorian didn’t pay any attention to the nurse’s gaze. He opened the boxes before taking out the clean and fresh diapers. He washed his hands and picked up Lola. He began to change her diaper skillfully.Lola was sleeping soundly. So, she wasn’t in a good mood when she was disturbed. She squirmed a little in his hands and cried a little. Then, she kicked her little legs, which were surprisingly strong. It was probably because she was well-fed. Under the light, Lorian’s eyes were full of tendernes
Tegan couldn’t respond, and Lorian didn’t press her. Instead, he quietly stayed with her and Lola. After Tegan finished feeding the baby, he thoughtfully helped her button her clothes.Lorian changed Lola’s diaper once more, and gently settled her into her crib. He looked at her face while soothing the baby, but he spoke to Tegan, “I don’t trust anyone else to take care of you.” I don’t trust anyone else, he said. It was a simple statement, but it carried deep meaning and an undeniable intimacy.Tegan couldn’t send him away. She hoped that once they were discharged, he wouldn’t stay at her place indefinitely. She just needed to get through this period.The night grew increasingly quiet. The lights gradually went out. Only a warm, yellow night light was left. In the stillness of the night, their breathing was distinctly audible. Just as Tegan was about to fall asleep, she heard Lorian’s sigh. “I’m so happy to be back here with you.”…Tegan didn’t respond. She pretended to be
Tegan’s body tensed. After a while, she managed to recover and gently struggled: “Lorian?”Compared to her agitation, Lorian seemed nonchalant. His handsome face rested on her thin shoulder, and the high-quality wool shawl felt comfortable against him. Lorian tightened his embrace and drew her closer. His voice was husky and charming. “Come back to Brookesville with me. It has the best medical care and education. It’s most beneficial for Lola to grow up there. Hmm?”Lorian finished speaking, and his dark eyes fixed on Tegan unblinkingly. She lowered her eyelashes and murmured, “Let me go first.”However, Lorian had finally embraced her. So, he was reluctant to let go. Instead, he pulled her even closer. Their bodies pressed together in an intimacy, which was reminiscent of their past as a couple.Tegan couldn't resist Lorian. So, she chose to ignore his impact on her. She looked out at the green leaves and spoke honestly, “I will live here with Lola for the next few years.”Lori
Tegan had just become a mother, and could hardly bear to sleep. She wanted to check on Lola every moment.As the bedroom lights dimmed, Lorian returned to the sofa and lay down. He gently closed his eyes and murmured, “Go to sleep early. I’ll bring Lola over to you at night.”Tegan wanted to refuse but hadn’t spoken yet when Lorian seemed to fall asleep. In the dim light, he lay quietly on the sofa. He stretched one arm out over the baby crib and rocked it gently. The mild rhythmic motion made Tegan’s heart ache.Tegan wasn't made of stone. She could not feel completely indifferent while Lorian showed such tenderness to the baby as well as the way he cared for her. However, it was all too late for them. If Lorian and Tegan's relationship were to be maintained by a child, then it would seem too fragile. She didn’t want to compromise her future. She needed to find a way to talk things through with him, to set boundaries. For example, if Lorian wanted to see Lola, he could wait unt