"What we fear is not necessarily true, Sky. It could just be the result of our overthinking, like what happened to me a long time ago. I was afraid Frank would hurt the twins because he considered them a disgrace. But the truth?" Kara raised an eyebrow. Her smile was sweet."Frank actually protected them from all threats that came, including from his own grandfather. I felt stupid after witnessing all that. I thought I was the only one who could protect the children at first. But it turned out, they had a father they could rely on."Suddenly, Sky's face dimmed again. She realized Kara wanted to imply that Louis could also protect Summer."Are you saying that I'm stupid, Ma'am?" she muttered faintly. "I'm stupid because I prevented my daughter from reuniting with her father?"Kara shook her head slowly. "I want to remind you that you should not be fooled by fear. Don't sacrifice your daughter's happiness because of worries that are not certain to happen."While Sky was pondering, Kara a
Emily chuckled at Summer's cute expression. "Don't be mean to my children, Summer. They are little babies who don't understand anything yet. Therefore, they need to learn from you later. Instead of scolding, you'd better advise them in a sweet way.""Oh, okay," Summer put her hands on her hips. "I will be a good big sister to them. When they are born, I will persuade Mommy to come visit. I will bring lots of souvenirs for them."Emily's laughter was heard again. "Thank you, Summer. You are very kind.""Will you bring me a souvenir too?" Louis asked in a slightly hoarse voice. He seemed reluctant to be separated from his toddler."What souvenir can I bring you, Uncle Louis? You don't like toys or plushies. All you have in your mind is work, work, and work. Should I give you a calculator? Or a calculator-shaped keychain?"Louis chuckled sadly. "I also have other things I like, Summer. I like exercising, hanging out with my family, collecting cool cars.""I can't buy you a cool car, Uncle
"You want me to be happy?" Louis asked hoarsely."Yeah, everyone should live happily, especially the people I love," Summer nodded firmly.Louis was even more stunned. "You ... love me?"Summer frowned. "Why are you asking me so many stupid questions, Uncle? Of course I love you. I consider you as my father whom I've just met for the first time."Louis laughed bitterly. "Yes, I am stupid. Then, after asking how I am, what will you do?""I'll hug you!" Summer wrapped her arms around Louis' neck.Getting that sweet attack, Louis laughed and wiped away his tears."Are you hugging me because you miss me?" he whispered, unable to speak normally anymore."Yes, this is the first time we've met. When else can I hug you?" Summer said while shaking her body."And after that?" Louis asked again."After that, I'll kiss you!" Summer showered Louis' cheeks with kisses.Louis' joy was mixed with sadness. His daughter was already four years old. Why did he only now find out about her presence?If only
Seeing her daughter's anxiety had faded a lot, Sky smiled a little. "Don't you still want to have fun here?""Yes!" Summer nodded quickly. "I have many promises to fulfill.""Then, start managing your time, Honey. Don't miss any promises."Summer gaped in disbelief. Her laughter was heard between her sighs."Does it mean we don't need to go home now? We'll stay at Aunt Emily's house?" Summer asked as she leaned forward. Her face had returned to being radiant."Yes, let's stay a little longer here," Sky replied softly.In an instant, Summer's cheers filled the room. She jumped up and down. Her hands punched the air."Woohoo! Mommy finally changed her mind! I can have fun here. I can taste Mrs. Harper's food, hang out with Aunt Emily, and play with the others. It's going to be so much fun!"Everyone's hearts warmed watching Summer's joy. Sky even secretly rubbed her eyes. She didn't want her daughter to see her guilt and emotions."Be careful, Honey. Don't punch too hard. It could be bad
Suddenly, Summer straightened her legs. Louis lowered her so that she could stand on her own."Since I'm staying over at your house, I have plenty of time to fulfill our promises. Unfortunately, you guys don't. You have a lot of work to take care of. That's why ...."The toddler started to pull the people sitting on the couch to stand up. "How about you guys get back to work? I don't want you guys to bring work home. Tonight, we have to play freely. So, let's finish your work quickly!"Everyone laughed at Summer's behavior."Alright, alright. I'll finish my work quickly," Kara said as she pulled Frank's hand to the door.Emily followed behind. She walked with her husband, while rubbing her stomach."Yes, let's finish our work! We'll relax and have fun tonight," she said excitedly."Especially for Aunt Emily, you don't have to work too hard. Since you're pregnant, work as much as you can. The babies' health is more important," Summer said, making Emily stop in her tracks."Alright, than
Everyone was enthusiastic about welcoming Summer to Harper's residence.Kara rushed to make a special salad for dinner. She promised to make sandwiches for tomorrow's breakfast and biscuits for the afternoon snack.Summer actually wanted to help her. However, Kara forbade her. She ended up playing with the guys in the backyard. They did a running race, played catch-up, and had fun with several games. Even though sweat was pouring down their bodies, Summer's laughter never stopped.When a new bicycle arrived, Summer was amazed to see it. Its small size was perfect for her body."Is that bike for me?" she sighed with round, sparkling eyes.When Frank nodded, her laughter echoed. She immediately approached her gift, observing the new item with admiration."Mommy, look what Mr. Harper gave me. A new bicycle! It is so cool! Look at the color. It's blue, my favorite color! And the basket. I can put Toby in here and take him around!"Seeing her daughter's joy, Sky smiled with emotion. From t
Cayden moved closer. His voice grew softer. "I hope you've ended your relationship with Grace before starting a new one with Sky. I know my cousin's character. She won't hesitate to slap you if you play with her heart."Louis's breathing became rougher and heavier. The calm in his heart began to sink along with the rise of anxiety."I know. She slapped me when she found out I let Sky and Summer stay overnight in my penthouse."Cayden raised his finger. "That's just the beginning. Before she does something worse, take action. Otherwise, I'm afraid Sky and Summer will suffer the consequences."Louis nodded stiffly. "I also think so. That's why I plan to meet Grace after Sky explains the truth. She'll talk about it tonight."Cayden patted Louis' shoulder again. "Good. I hope you won't ignore my words again.""Anyway, did you think that Summer was my daughter from the start? Was that why you asked me to reconsider my relationship with Grace?" Louis asked, just before Cayden was about to t
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,
Grace had arrived in the living room. She looked back toward the stairs. Knowing that Louis wasn't chasing her, she snorted."He thinks I'm playing around with my words?"Grace reached into her handbag to get her phone. Shifting her jaw, she waited for someone to answer her call."Are you still interested in destroying Louis?" she asked as someone greeted her from the other side of the phone.A few moments later, she spoke again, "Don't deny it. I know you still have that video. Spread it throughout the whole world right now. I want everyone to know that the girl named Sky Hills is cunning and shameless. I want everyone to side with me and curse her—curse what she and Louis have done."Silence ensued again, but this time, a thin smile appeared on Grace's face. "Good. I appreciate your courage. I can't wait to see her fall."After ending the call, Grace returned her phone to her bag. She was about to walk towards the exit. Unexpectedly, someone pulled on her dress. When she looked back
Louis grabbed Grace's arm, trying to calm her down. However, she brushed him off again."Don't try to influence me, Louis!" she said emphatically. "I will never let you leave me. The ideal couple is us. Not you and her. No one can change that."Louis took a heavy breath. He was exhausted. "Grace, come on. We have no hope. It's useless to force a marriage. We won't be happy. Look at how we're fighting now. I don't want us to have disagreements every day."Suddenly, Grace pointed her finger at Louis. "You dare challenge me? Do you think I'm playing around when I say I want to maintain my relationship with you?"Nodding, Grace raised her eyebrows. "Alright. Let's share this problem with the public. Give them a chance to judge who is worthy of being with you. Me ...."Her eyes moved to glance at Sky. "Or that cheap woman with her cunning tricks. I bet, no one will defend her. Everyone will just curse her. A homewrecker who doesn't have shame, and doesn't think about the future of her daug
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