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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
Sky's face turned pale. She never thought that her secret could be revealed."No. That's not true. I mean, it's true that I borrowed money from a loan shark. But I've paid it off. I'm no longer in debt, and I never aimed for Louis' assets," she explained in a thin and hoarse voice."Are you sure?" Grace asked in a doubtful tone. "Then tell me. Where did you get the money from? Your parents didn't know you had debt, even after your relationship improved. You always pretended to be okay in front of them. You never accepted money from them.""Do you think I can't fight for my own life?" Sky said angrily. Tears welled up in her eyes."I can work hard! I can support my own daughter. Do you think all this time I've only been adventuring, spending my parents' money, and having fun?"Holding back the vibrations in her lips, Sky shook her head slowly. "I work, Miss Evans. I write books, become a translator and a tour guide. Even when Summer was still very little, I took her around because I ha
"Have you forgotten who initiated our relationship?" Grace asked while raising an eyebrow. Her elegance had disappeared with those glaring eyes.Then, with her pointed index finger, she poked Louis' shoulder. "You, Louis. You were the one who wanted this relationship. You said we could be an ideal couple, the couple that people out there would envy. Now, after we've made it, you're going to give up?"Shifting her jaw, Grace shook her head slowly. "Don't expect me to back down from our marriage. Our relationship must be maintained. If not, where will I put my face? I can't lose to that cheap woman!""Ace, come on, "Louis sighed restlessly. "What do you mean by that? This isn't a competition.""Yes, this is a competition," Grace said firmly with burning eyes. "This is a competition to maintain my pride, Louis. If you didn't choose me, people might think she's better than I. I don't want it to happen. Besides, you're my fiancé. I never let anyone take what's mine."Everyone stared at Gra
Louis smiled wryly at Sky. She looked cute when she looked down with her lips pursed like that.Respecting her decision, he sighed in resignation, "Okay. I won't touch you again until I break up with Grace. And I think I need to apologize for this afternoon. I shouldn't have kissed you like that. Did I scare you?"Sky's eyes immediately rounded. Her cheeks felt warm. Her lips trembled as she said her answer, "A little. You remind me of what happened that night."Sky's voice was soft, but Louis could clearly hear the vibrations in every word. It made his heart heavy again."By the way, you haven't answered my question, Sky," he muttered.Sky's eyebrows were raised. "What question?" She glanced at him in surprise."Was I rude that night? Did I ... force you? How could we do that? Wasn't it a red-headed girl who took me out of the bar?"In an instant, Sky's face flushed. Her pulse was racing. She was too embarrassed to bring it up, let alone discuss it."Sorry, Louis. Can we just not tal
Sadness escaped her mouth. Her eyes were glassy. "I was not the woman you desired. I wasn't worthy of being with you. And because I wasn't after your wealth, I didn't need to appear in front of you again, especially with Summer—our daughter. So ...."Shrugging, Sky forced a smile. "I thought there was no point in contacting you again. I could understand that you hated me. I was presumptuous because I dreamed of being with you."The fragile smile on her face successfully hurt Louis' heart. As the pain spread, Louis couldn't hold it in anymore."Sky," he sighed hoarsely, "you shouldn't think that way. You are the woman I want the most to be my wife. Even now, it's still the same. I want to live with you, with Summer."Sky looked at Louis with doubt. "Are you sure? Then what about Grace? Why are you dating her? Isn't it because you want to marry her?"Louis froze. His breathing became heavier. "We're talking about us, Sky. Can we not talk about her now?""She is your girlfriend, Louis, a
Raising an eyebrow, Louis shook his head firmly. "Don't even think about it! She's nothing more than a cheap girl. She can't even maintain her own dignity, let alone other things? I don't want a woman like that to be the mother of my child. Besides ...."Louis snorted in disdain. "Just look at her appearance. Is she attractive? And her hair, my goodness ...."Louis shook his head slower this time. His expression was disgusted. "I couldn't stand looking at her. Can't she change it like other girls? It's too distracting to the eye. And just so you know ...."Louis' finger sharpened again. "A woman like her has no qualities to be proud of. All she knows is to have fun in life. She has no fighting spirit or clear goals. In other words, she is the perfect definition of the woman I hate the most on earth.""Sorry, Sir," a reporter finally spoke up, though trembling. "What if she gets pregnant? Will you be responsible for her child?""I think ...." Louis' eyes narrowed. "That's probably her
"I thought you would be happy with my arrival. I meant to offer myself to be your graduation companion," Sky admitted shyly."Wait," Louis raised his hand, asking for a pause. His eyes rounded, doubtful at the possibility that emerged in his mind. "You wanted to be my graduation companion? Why? Did you ... like me?"Sky pursed her lips. She was too embarrassed to admit it. "That was five years ago, Louis. I was still very young. I often acted without thinking. Because of that," she frowned, "yes, I planned to express my feelings to you that night."Now it was Louis' turn to freeze. His eyes trembled as he stared at the beautiful face that held various emotions."You liked me too?" he sighed in disbelief. "Then why didn't you give me your surprise? Did I do something that changed your mind? I scared you? I was too harsh on you?"Regret was clearly etched on Louis' face. Seeing that, Sky became even more confused."When I arrived at the hotel that night, I saw you with your friends. So,
"Have you covered her with a blanket?" Sky asked casually after Louis closed the door. "She can't sleep well if there's nothing covering her body. I think she doesn't like her skin to be in direct contact with the air."Louis raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? No wonder she used a sleeping bag the first time she slept in my penthouse."Sky nodded awkwardly. She realized that it was her chance to convey her opinion about where they should talk. However, when she just caught her breath, Louis had already grabbed her hand."Now let's keep our promise," he pulled her to walk with him.Seeing his enthusiasm, Sky was flustered. "Louis, wait. I don't think your bedroom is the right place for us to talk. How about the library? There's no one there.""No. Emily can come there anytime. She usually reads a book when she can't sleep, and Cayden always accompanies her. I ever found him sleeping on the library couch, on Emily's lap."Sky winced. They were getting closer to the stairs. "How about the b
Seeing how Louis held her hand, Sky was wide-eyed. Her mouth was agape in surprise.Was she a little kid who needed to be held so she wouldn't get lost? Or maybe Louis got carried away so that he considered her a little friend who he hadn't played with for a long time?"You know what? The best work that ever existed in this world is God's creation. Every living creature that He created has features ...."Sky was no longer listening to what Louis said. She was more focused on his expressions and gestures.How could Louis be so casual with her? Had he forgotten what happened between the two of them? He forgot what they both did in the afternoon in his sister's office?"Plants too! Just like animals, they also have structures that allow them to adapt ...." Louis didn't finish his sentence. He just realized that Sky's gaze was unfocused. "Sky, do you hear me?"The woman blinked. Now she realized that Louis was staring at her from a very close distance."Yeah?" She spontaneously took a ste
Louis' eyebrows pressed together. "Which one? There are too many promises we've made.""Camping in the yard while looking at the stars!" Summer answered with a beaming face.Louis' mouth rounded. "Oh, that one. I don't think tonight is the right time, Summer. You've been playing around too much today. You need to rest and recharge. How about tomorrow night?""Sorry, Uncle. I have an appointment tomorrow. Aunt Emily and Uncle Cayden are planning to take me out. All day! They even asked for leave. How about the next night?"Louis nodded. "I always have time for you, Summer."The toddler chuckled. "Anyway, Grandpa and Uncle Cayden want to stargaze too. They said they wanted to buy a big telescope for me. But I said no, because it's really expensive. Instead of buying it, we'd better rent it. It's much cheaper. Besides, it won't be used very often. You don't mind if they join us, do you?"Louis smiled a little more widely. "I don't mind. It will be more fun, right?""Yes!" Summer nodded,