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"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 and Summer stopped talking. They turned to the man beside them."Louis, Summer is still too short. Do you want to stack books on the seat so she can see the road? Then how will she step on the pedals? Do you want to equip her with a broomstick or mop?"Louis laughed at Sky's words. "No, Summer won't practice using a regular car. We can buy a mini jeep.""A mini jeep?" Summer's eyes were round like a doll's. "Isn't that very expensive, Uncle Louis? I don't think I have enough savings to buy one," she sounded worried."You don't have to pay for it, Little Human. It will be a gift from me," Louis said sincerely."Really?" Summer's voice peaked. Both of her hands clenched happily. "You will buy it for me?""Louis, you don't have to do that. You have sacrificed your time and energy for Summer, not money either," Sky whispered, embarrassed."Mommy, other people's kindness should be appreciated. Uncle Louis might be offended if we refused his gift. So, let's just accept it!"While Sky was
Louis snorted thinly. "You said that only applied if the one feeding was someone we loved? Your mother doesn't love me, Summer," Louis said thinly. He was afraid that his disappointment would come out if his voice was normal. Even though he had tried to forget it, he couldn't deny that it still remained."Mommy loves you, Uncle. Don't you realize it yet? Her eyes sparkle every time she talks about you."Sky's body froze. She didn't expect her daughter to say that."Honey, please don't make things up. I know you want Louis to be your father, but you shouldn't make up stories like that," she whispered even though they were sitting across from each other."I'm not making it up, Mommy. Isn't that the truth? Mommy even put up a poster of Uncle Louis in the bedroom. Every night, Mommy always looks at him."Sky was flabbergasted. The awkwardness was too thick in her lungs. Moreover, Louis' gaze was now full of questions about her. While forcing a laugh, she shook her head in denial."Honey, y
"Why do you think Summer needs to be pitied?" Sky sighed softly. She was worried that her voice had turned hoarse. Emily could read the truth right away. "Has my daughter seemed unhappy all this time?""That's not it, Sky. Even though Summer is a cheerful, independent, and spirited child, deep down, she must miss her father."Sky swallowed bitterly. "How do you know?""Trust me. I've been there before. Louis too. Therefore, Louis will understand if you tell the truth," Emily nodded, reassuringly.Sky blinked hesitantly. She wasn't sure whether she should accept Emily's idea or keep her secret.Meanwhile, Emily understood the meaning of her best friend's expression. Feeling sorry, she lowered her voice. "Sky, calm down. Louis will definitely take responsibility. He won't let the girl he loves and his own flesh and blood suffer.""Me? The girl he loves?" Sky shook her head vaguely. "Please don't make things up, Emily. He doesn't love me. Only Grace Evans is in his heart.""Do you dare to
"She said that you and Summer are like father and daughter," Sky muttered while glancing away.Receiving such an answer, Louis fell silent. After one blink, his head leaned closer to Sky."Then why are your eyes red? Have you been crying?" he asked.Sky flinched. She blinked quickly, hoping her tears would disappear. "No. Why would I cry?""Don't deny it. Your eyes are watery.""It's just because I didn't get enough sleep. My eyes feel sore from the wind," Sky fanned her face."You're in the car, Sky. How could you be exposed to the wind?" Louis replied."Don't you see? Your car window is open. The wind can come in and hit my eyes."Suddenly, Summer's sweet voice interrupted their argument. "Uncle Louis, did you forget about me? Get in the car quickly!"Louis turned his head. Seeing Summer kneeling on her seat with her hands on her hips, his lips curved again."Okay!" He rushed around the car and sat behind the wheel.Seeing Louis start the engine, Sky's eyes widened. "Where are we goi
"Summer!" Sky exclaimed as she stuck her head out the window. "Why did you go there?""I'm going to catch up with the horses, Mommy. Aren't we going to be cowboys after this? We can't lose track of them!" the toddler replied without turning around. Her voice grew softer as the distance between them grew wider."Is that the field where the horses were released?" Sky asked while Louis was parking the car at the side of the lane."I think so.""Then, we have to stop her. It could be bad if she meets a horse. She could get kicked or stepped on!" Sky said anxiously."Yeah, that's what I thought."Louis and Sky got out of the car and ran after her. Instead of stopping, Summer increased her speed. Her mischievous laughter filled the air."Come after me, Mommy, Uncle! If you can catch me, I'll treat you to ice cream!" Summer shouted in a very cute voice.Sky became even more restless. "We don't need your ice cream, Honey. Come here right now! Don't go anywhere else! You could get kicked by the
While cleaning the mud on Summer's arms, Louis answered, "Yeah, I think that was the most memorable adventure of mine. It was the first moment I was amazed by your mother. She was really great. Even though she was still little, she was already good at shooting. She knew how to read directions in the forest, and she was very good at guiding me and Emily during the trip. No wonder she's a great tour guide now."Hearing the last sentence, Sky's lips stiffened. Her heart was pounding, her eyes widened.How did Louis know it? Could he have secretly looked for information about her? Did he still care about her?"How did you know that I'm working as a tour guide, Louis? As far as I can remember, I've never told you," she asked, a bit hesitantly.Louis froze. He couldn't possibly reveal that he had read all the books written by Sky last night."Isn't it obvious? Your dream since childhood was to become an independent adventurer and the best tour guide, like your mother. Besides, Summer once me
"Y-yes. Emily once told me," Sky answered stiffly.Suddenly, Frank smiled bitterly. "I had no idea that Kara had given birth to my children at that time. A misunderstanding made her keep it a secret from me."Sky swallowed. She could guess what Frank would say next."Does Summer's father know that you gave birth to her?" Frank lowered his tone again.Sky's tongue felt stiff. She wanted to just lie, avoid further interrogation. However, she couldn't."No.""Why?" Frank snapped, making Sky's chest feel tighter."I think," Sky started to squeeze her own hands on her lap, "it would be useless if he knew. He has explained that he can't be with me from the start. There are too many differences between us.""Do you intend to keep it a secret for the rest of your life?"Sky blinked innocently. "Yes. He is happy with the woman of his choice now. I can't possibly disturb them."Frank took a deep breath. The look in his eyes implied pity and sadness."Do you know my biggest regret in my life?" H
Sky listened to her daughter intently. Once Summer finished, she winced."Please forgive my negligence and Summer's carelessness, Sir. I didn't think she could run in a place like this. She had promised to be careful.""It was because of the alarm, Mommy. It wasn't entirely my fault. I ran to save myself," Summer whispered while nudging her mother's leg."Still, Honey. You wouldn't have bumped into Mr. Harper if you had been more careful. You should have looked ahead when you were running.""That's because I have to be alert. I thought it was a fire alarm. Of course I have to get away from the fire," she grumbled with pursed lips.Watching the mother and daughter argue, Kara smiled. "Sky, I'm so happy to meet you again. Especially, since you brought your cute daughter. Do you want to go upstairs? We can talk more freely up there.""What's up there?" Summer asked while standing on her tiptoes. "Is it a meeting room? Aunt Emily once told me that people gathered in that room to talk abou
Hearing her mother's name, Summer blinked. With Kara's help, she sat up."Oh, my arms must have been injured again," she muttered while checking her left elbow.As it turned out, her guess was right. Her skin was already red."Oh my .... Your elbow is bruised. Please forgive my husband, Sweetheart. We were in a hurry. He must not have seen you. Usually, there are no children running around here," Kara said softly. Her hand was stroking the little girl's hair.With attention fixed on her wound, Summer murmured, "It's okay, Ma'am. I am the one who wasn't careful enough. I ran because I thought there was a fire. The alarm sounded really loud. I had to find Mommy and get out to a safe zone."Kara felt even more guilty hearing the innocent confession. "That wasn't a fire alarm, Sweetheart. It was a warning about a press raid, and everyone needs to be alert."Summer's eyes immediately rounded. "That wasn't a fire?"She finally looked at the beautiful woman. That's when another surprise came
"Are you more afraid of Orion than me?" Grace raised an eyebrow.The secretary lowered her head even more. "It's not like that, Miss. I just—"Suddenly, Grace grabbed a piece of paper and a pen. She put both items in front of the secretary."You don't have to say it. Just write it down," Grace insisted, curtly.The secretary hesitated for a moment. However, unable to stand Grace's intimidating aura, she finally complied.Unfortunately, when Grace found out Orion's message, the atmosphere worsened. She slammed her fist on the table. Her shoulders heaved up and down, shaking with anger."That filthy woman ...." she groaned, furious. "I will never let her take Louis away from me. Never!"***"Mommy, is that where Uncle Louis and Aunt Emily work?" Summer asked as she pressed her face against the car window.Sky smiled slightly. "Yes, Honey. That's the Savior Group headquarters.""Wow! That building is huge, Mommy. I think there are thousands of people working there," Summer said in awe.A
Orion said, "Sky was already in M City the night you were involved in the scandal. She went to the hotel where you were hanging out with your friends."Louis' breathing became heavier. "Then? What else did you hear?""It seems like Sky still kept it from Emily. Emily was also wondering why Sky didn't come to your graduation the next morning. In fact, in their last conversation, Sky was still excited about attending."Louis' brows furrowed more deeply. His face looked older now. "How did Emily know Sky was there?" he mumbled softly."I don't know. Emily didn't mention it. She just told Cayden her assumption."Louis' eyes widened. "What assumption?""She thought Sky ran away because of you."Orion's answer successfully strangled Louis' neck. He was starting to have trouble breathing. Bad possibilities appeared in his mind."Did Sky leave because I kicked her out while I was drunk? Or, did she disappear because she was heartbroken to find out about my scandal? Did she really love me? Or
The secretary swallowed hard. She glanced at Louis. Her voice lowered, "Sorry, Sir. I didn't really want to interrupt, but the other Mr. Harper insisted me on giving this to you."The secretary slipped a piece of paper into Louis' hand. Instead of examining it, Louis narrowed his eyes. "The other Mr. Harper?""Mr. Orion."Louis flinched slightly. How important was the information Orion wanted to convey that he dared to interrupt the press conference in such a way?After signalling his secretary to leave, Louis unfolded the paper. A sentence was written on it."She was in the same hotel as you were that night!"In an instant, Louis' breath caught. All his nerves tensed. His eyes trembled violently, trying to find the lost memory.Unfortunately, he found no clues. What happened that night seemed to be permanently erased from his brain."Sky was in M City that night? She was in the same hotel as I was? Could it be ... she was that girl? And Summer is my daughter?" Louis thought as he gri
"Was that Orion?" Grace inquired while furrowing eyebrows.Louis nodded. "He said there was also a commotion in the office. He advised me to handle it immediately.""Does it mean that my decision to move the schedule forward was right?" Grace asked for confirmation."Yes," Louis replied stiffly, "I think it was right. Now our job is to make the reporters believe us. They should no longer doubt our relationship.""You know what, Louis? I have a very good idea to control public opinion quickly and efficiently."Louis raised an eyebrow, interested. Just as Grace was about to explain, his phone rang again. Knowing Orion's name appeared on the screen, his face turned grim.Meanwhile, Grace blinked stiffly. Her suspicions arose."Why did he call you again?" she inquired.Louis took a deep breath. "I don't know." He rejected Orion's call."What were you guys talking about just now? Wasn't your chat over? You also said you would announce the clarification soon. He shouldn't call you again."Lo
With a faint sigh, Louis forced his head up. However, his mind was too heavy. As a result, he could only see the secretary from the corner of his reddened eyes."I'm fine. Thank you for giving me these. You can get out now," he said coldly.The young woman across the table quickly straightened up her back. Tension enveloped her nerves. "Okay, Sir. Excuse me."As the door closed again, Louis reached for his phone. He could no longer pretend to be indifferent. He had to call Summer immediately, find a way to make up for his mistake towards her.Unfortunately, the toddler's number was not active. Louis contacted Sky, but his efforts were still in vain."Are they on a flight, so their phones were turned off?" Louis thought, restless.After a quick calculation, disappointment appeared on his face. "Am I not destined to be close to Summer? Could it be that God did not allow me to contact her in order to protect Grace's feelings?"While Louis was guessing, a call came to his phone. He flinche
Failing to erase the shadow of Summer, Louis got up from bed. He went to the kitchen, wanting to grab a cold drink. Maybe it could refresh his common sense so that he would be more awake.However, as soon as he opened the refrigerator, his body froze. His gaze fell on a pack of milk that was labeled."Summer's!" That was the warning written on it.Remembering what the toddler did when she first arrived at the penthouse, Louis smiled wryly. He didn't realize that his tears began to well up in his eyes."That little human ...." Louis swallowed bitterly. "She should have said goodbye to me before she left."Instead of getting iced water, Louis closed the refrigerator. He left the kitchen, going to the guest room.There, he was lost in thought again. He stood near the light switch. His eyes kept focusing on the bed as if Summer was lying there. When he realized that all he saw was just a shadow, he snorted sadly."She's not here anymore, but how can she still bother me?"While looking down