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Sky sighed tiredly. "He's the same age as you." Louis widened his eyes. "The same age as me? Do I know him?" "Can you stop asking?" Sky frowned. She started to feel uncomfortable. "So I know him? Otherwise, you wouldn't react like this. Is he my friend? If you don't want to tell me his name, just tell me his hometown," Louis insisted, making Sky rub her temples. Not wanting to answer, Sky quickly finished her soup. She got up from her chair. "My dinner is finished. Thank you for this delicious meal. Now I want to rest. Good night, Mister Nosy." "Wait a minute, Sky. Our conversation isn't over yet. You haven't answered the last question. Where is he from?" Sky kept walking while waving her hand. "Good night, Louis." When her back disappeared, Louis' expression turned serious. He took his phone out of his pocket, calling his cousin. "Orion, can you help me? Please investigate what happened to Sky five years ago. Why did she miss my graduation, where she was, and w
"You know what?" Louis finally spoke up. "I can still keep my promise. We can brush our teeth and wash our faces together this morning. Then, I can also take you to the airport. We can read a book and talk on the way there." "That's cheating, Uncle Louis. That's not what we planned," Summer shook her head. "It's not. That's called improvisation." "I don't need improvisation. I want you to fulfill all your promises exactly as we planned. If not, I don't want to go home!" Summer folded her arms in front of her chest. Her cheeks puffed out, her chin twitched as she held back her sadness. However, tears kept rolling down her face. "Honey, please don't be like this. Mommy has come all the way here to pick you up. If you don't want to go home with me, can you imagine how I feel? You make me sad." Suddenly, Summer put her hands on her hips and stamped her foot. "I don't care. I only want to go home if Uncle Louis has kept his promise. I won't go home if I'm only with Mommy!"
Sky shook her head with a bitter smile. "Making Summer happy is not your job. The fact that you're willing to take care of her is more than enough. I'm so grateful. I actually feel guilty because she caused so much trouble that bothered you." "You know what? I did feel annoyed at first. She's very active and noisy. But now that I think about it, I think we're even. It's not just me who's annoyed. Summer's too. I've let her down several times." "Because of her impossible demands for you to fulfill?" Sky forced a laugh, but it failed to cover her sadness. "Yeah," Louis twitched his eyebrows. "He asked me to marry you. Don't you think it's impossible? We're just old friends who haven't contacted each other for years." Louis frowned at the end. There seemed to be hesitation in his sentence. However, he knew very well that he had another heart to guard now. He needed to clarify the boundaries of his relationship with Sky. Meanwhile, Sky almost choked with pain. Her eyes blinked un
Sky hid her face with the ice pack again. "No, Louis. You don't have to go that far. Summer and I have troubled you so much. If you really want to help, just open the door. I think Summer has calmed down now. She and I can talk without raising our voices." Louis took a deep breath. Taking out his phone, he muttered, "You never change, hmm? Why is it so hard for you to accept someone else's help?" "Isn't Emily the same?" Sky shrugged. "You're much worse," Louis said without hesitation. Then, with a click on his phone, the guest room door was unlocked. "Thank you, Louis. I'll go see Summer," Sky put down the ice pack, and got up from the sofa. She didn't want to sit by Louis' side for long. Her secret could be threatened, and the wound in her heart could be torn wider. Louis just nodded. He also didn't want to discuss anything else. For him, everything was clear. Sky was still haunted by Summer's father, while he had anchored himself to Grace. The conclusion was valid a
Summer changed position to lie on her side like Sky. Her hands were tucked under her chin."After two days with Uncle Louis, I realized. It would be so much fun if I had a daddy. I could play with him, chat, and have fun. I would be like other children," she revealed what had been buried in her heart.Hearing that confession, Sky's heart ached. The tightness that she had been afraid of finally appeared."Honey, why did you say that? Even though you don't have a daddy, you have a mommy. You also have grandparents who love you very much. You are just like other children," Sky explained in a thin voice. Her hand rubbed Summer's little shoulder."No, Mommy. I'm different. When I was at the amusement park with Uncle Louis, I saw it."Suddenly, Summer's gaze drifted away. Her blinking slowed down."Other children and their parents wore similar clothes, but I didn't. I actually bought couple's clothes for Uncle Louis and me, but he didn't want to wear them. We could only take pictures in the
"Summer, you didn't listen either. You kept forcing Louis to accompany you, even though he was busy. You shouldn't bother him like that. That's why you have to go home with me now," Sky said firmly, even though her eyes were teary. Her breath was short, having difficulty suppressing the emotions raging in her chest."No, Mommy. If you want to go home, do it by yourself. I'll only go home if Uncle Louis takes me," Summer put her hands on her hips. Her shoulders also rose and fell to match the rhythm of her lungs.Seeing Summer's determination, Sky didn't know what else to do. She grabbed her wrist, her eyes narrowed."Summer Hills, I don't want to hear any more excuses from you. Like it or not, you have to go home with me. You've caused enough trouble here."Before her mother could drag her away, Summer began to struggle. "This isn't fair, Mommy. I want to be like other kids. I want a daddy too! Please don't separate me from Uncle Louis.""Summer, please! Don't be a naughty kid!" Sky wa
"How long are you going to stay here, Summer?" Sky asked, awkwardly. "Louis has more important things to do. There's no way he'll take care of you all day long."The toddler pouted again. "Mommy, I'm an independent child. I can take care of myself. If you don't believe me, just ask Uncle Louis. Since I arrived here, I've done everything by myself. Washing my face, brushing my teeth, changing clothes. I even prepared my own dinner when I first got here."A second later, Summer straightened her neck. After taking a deep breath, she continued, "Uncle Louis doesn't need to bother taking care of me. He just needs to let me accompany him to work. After his work is done, we can go out to play. That'll be fun."Sky sighed tiredly. She felt that Summer wouldn't listen to her. The only way was to ask for Louis' help. Maybe only he could conquer the toddler."Louis, do you mind if Summer keeps sticking to you?" Sky whispered while playing with her eyebrows. She hoped Louis would understand the co
"Thank you, Uncle Louis. You are so wise! I promise I won't be naughty. I will be a good child as long as we are together!" Summer said lightly."Not only when we are together, Little Human, but forever. Keep being a good child, so your mother doesn't get a headache."Summer chuckled. "Okay, I'll try, but I can't promise. Mommy is sometimes annoying."Beside them, Sky was stunned with her mouth slightly open. A sigh of disbelief escaped her. Not because of Summer's teasing, but because of Louis' decision."Louis," she moved closer to him, "you don't have to grant her wishes. Don't be influenced by her whining. It's just a trick. You don't have to sacrifice your time and energy for her."Summer immediately glanced at Sky with a cynical look. She didn't expect her mother to reveal her charade."Mommy, do you want me to cry again?" she threatened, too sweetly. She didn't look scary at all.Before they could fight again, Louis quickly said, "It's okay, Sky. I don't mind. Just think of it a
Cayden nodded. "Sure you can."He waved to Omega, who was trusted as the cameraman. The young man rushed over.For a few moments, Summer was busy taking pictures with everyone. It was like a fan meet-and-greet, full of laughter and emotions.When everyone was done taking pictures with Summer, Omega asked Orion to take over the camera. He also wanted to take a picture with the adorable flower girl. Summer couldn't stop laughing, knowing that Omega was joining her fandom."Oh, this is such a happy day. I've never felt so popular," she joked with a giggle."You're Louis Harper's daughter, Baby. You were born to be popular," Louis whispered as he kissed her chubby cheek.Summer giggled again. "Being popular is so much fun. I hope it will help my book sales and fill my bank account. Hopefully the parapazi won't ruin the good side. I want to live my life free and happy even though I have a lot of fans.""You don't have to worry about that. I can set up the best security system to ensure you
Everyone rose from their chairs, except Louis. He was still being held in place by Philip."Look! Even old Grandma Vivian is allowed to stand. Why can't I?" Louis grumbled. He couldn't wait to see the bride."You're the groom, Louis. Be patient," Philip patted the shoulder he was holding. Louis could only surrender.Meanwhile, Russell cleared his throat again. "Everyone, let's welcome. The most beautiful girl today!"In an instant, everyone gasped. Their eyes widened. Their mouths opened in awe."Oh, my God! She's so beautiful!" Kara sighed as she gripped her husband's arm."And so sweet! Louis is so lucky to have such a perfect girl," Frank implied before kissing Kara's temple."And she makes my dress look perfect!" Emily exclaimed with a beaming smile.The more compliments Louis heard, the harder his heart pounded against his chest. He began to feel short of breath. No matter how many times he tried to peek, Philip always blocked him well."Oh, come on, Uncle. Let me see a little,"
"M-my sparrow doesn't like strange foods, Summer. He only likes seeds," Louis said with his eyebrows knitted together.Summer's forehead also wrinkled. "Is that so? What seeds does he like?"Louis immediately thought of Sky. However, since a child was sitting in front of him, he quickly dismissed his dirty thoughts."I'll prepare the food later. You just need to practice how to walk silently. My sparrow is very sensitive. Just a little vibration is enough to make him fly away."Summer's mouth rounded again. "Oh, I think that's a very difficult challenge. But it doesn't matter. I will practice hard. When I return to L City, I must have been able to walk like a ninja," she nodded firmly.Not wanting to prolong the conversation, Louis stroked Summer's hair. "Good. Now, go to the bathroom. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Your mother is preparing breakfast. It will be ready soon.""Okay, Uncle!" After kissing Louis' cheek, Summer jumped down from the bed. She walked out, humming, "Unc
Pursing her lips, Summer did another search. For a few moments, her eyes moved nimbly, sweeping the screen of her phone."Sparrows are usually very shy birds. No one can see a sparrow resting or preening its feathers with its beak. They are always wary of humans. If a human approaches, they will quickly fly away. They rarely bond with humans."Summer hit the bed with her fist. "There's no mistake! Uncle Louis must be keeping his sparrow in his backyard. Because the bird is shy, he has to hide its nest. Maybe that's why Mommy is afraid to see it. Not because it's scary, but because it's too shy. Mommy must be afraid of making them fly away!"Squinting, Summer guessed where the hidden nest was located. Her expression changed to confusion after a while."But if sparrows are so shy, how can Uncle Louis keep one of them? They must have flown away as soon as we approached them. Should we ask Uncle Louis about his trick? He must have a secret way to do it."Suddenly, someone knocked on the d
Sky pulled her hand away from Louis' ear. "Why do you think my parents aren't staying here tonight? They want you to have the guest's room!""Can't we sleep together tonight?" Louis asked, like a child expecting candy.Sky snorted lightly. "We just agreed not to talk about dirty things, Louis.""Sleeping together isn't dirty, Sky. We just lie down, close our eyes, and cuddle. Where's the dirty part?""No, Louis. We have to set a good example for Summer. Only married couples are allowed to sleep in the same room," Sky refused firmly."Summer's asleep, Sky. We just have to wake up earlier tomorrow. She won't know," Louis said, stroking Sky's hand."No. A big no. I don't want us to get into trouble, Louis. Now turn around. Let me clean your right ear," Sky patted Louis' arm.Louis turned around with disappointment. "Oh, fine."Unbeknownst to them, a toddler had quietly crawled away from behind the couch. Upon arriving in her bedroom, she immediately patted her chest and let out a sigh of
However, Sky didn't want to surrender yet. She asked, "If you really love me that much, answer me honestly. What did you do on that campervan after I fell asleep? Did you immediately get off and leave me? I remember very well that I woke up alone the next morning."Louis' smile faded. His gesture turned awkward. Sky caught that."Why, Louis? You don't want to tell me?"Louis cleared his throat. "It's not like that. It's just ....""What?" Sky was getting impatient."Actually, I wanted to kiss your lips."Sky froze. Her cheeks warmed. She felt like her question had backfired on her. "Did you do it then?""No," Louis replied while scratching his head. "I didn't dare to touch you that far. I also felt it was unfair if you didn't remember our first kiss. I planned to kiss you after you accepted my proposal.""If you didn't kiss me, then what did you do?" Sky asked, awkwardly."I was just lying on your side while admiring you. I meant to let you sleep for a while, before waking you up. But
As the atmosphere turned silent and calm, Louis was getting busy with his mind. The longer he played with his imagination, the harder his heart pounded."I think that is my dream wedding too, Sky. A simple wedding in the middle of the forest, attended only by the closest people. You with your parents, and I with my extended family."Louis mentioned who was on his guest list. When he finished, he took a deep breath. Both of his hands were clenched tightly."What do you think, Sky? Are there any other guests you want to invite? Do you like the idea?"Not getting an answer, Louis lowered his tone."Honestly, I can't stop thinking about you lately. I was so excited about this adventure that I couldn't sleep. I couldn't wait to see you. But sadly ...." Louis took a deep breath."We'll be apart again when this vacation is over. I don't know when we can see each other again. I hate that fact. It would be so much fun if we could be together every day. Because of that ...."Louis suppressed the
Several years ago, in the Savannah of Doro Ncanga, Sumbawa, Indonesia ....Sky was sitting on top of a campervan. Her head was tilted up to the sky. Her arms were hugging her knees, protecting herself from the wind."Hey, what are you doing there?"Sky looked at the van ladder. Knowing it was Louis, the corners of her lips lifted slightly. "Hey, why aren't you sleeping yet?" she shifted slightly, making room for Louis."I should be the one asking that. Why did you suddenly climb onto the campervan in the middle of the night?" Louis whispered as he sat beside Sky. "You can't sleep?"Sky nodded. "Maybe because this place is too beautiful, it's a shame if I don't enjoy it to the fullest.""We've been here for hours, Sky. We've seen the field of yellowish grass, the beautiful sunset, and the clear night sky. What else do you want to enjoy? You should be resting."Receiving a touch from Louis' elbow, Sky smiled. "I don't know. I feel like something is missing. Maybe because the sky here is
"Why ask me to clean your ears, Louis? Are you Summer? No. You're an adult," Sky tried not to sound awkward.Louis smiled mischievously. "You're my future wife. Isn't it natural for you to clean my ears? I can do it for you too. Like when we were little."Sky blinked awkwardly. Both of her hands gripped the photo album on her lap more tightly. "I'm an adult, Louis. I can do it myself. I don't need your help."Taking a deep breath, Louis sat down on the couch. There was still some distance between them, but Sky felt the air heat up for some reason."Are you sure? Even though we're adults, we still can't see our own earholes. You said that our ears should be cleaned by someone else, remember?" Louis' voice sounded ticklish.Sky glanced away. She was afraid that her nervousness would get even bigger. "I was a child when I said that, Louis."Louis raised the corners of his lips slightly. He took the album from Sky's hand, then put his head on her lap without warning.Sky's eyes almost popp