Since Brian had seen Abby, Diana was afraid all the time. She worried that Brian’s family would take Abby away from her.
And Chaney was busy doing his work in other cities, so he didn’t come to see Abby for days. Diana stayed at home by Abby’s side every day, from morning to night.
That evening, there was another knock at the door.
“Abby, wait here. Don’t make a sound, can you do that?” Diana looked at Abby seriously.
Abby nodded.
Diana took a deep breath and went down to open the door. As she feared, it was Brian standing there.
“Why are you here?”
Brian didn’t answer her question. Instead, he picked a suitcase up from his feet and proceeded to carry it into Diana’s apartment.
“What are you doing?” Diana asked in shock
“I am coming to live with you,” Brian stated determinedly.
“I don’t agree!” Diana said firmly.
Brian ignored her and continued on with his bags into the living room.
“What do you want?” Diana shouted anxiously.
Abby looked at the man standing before her with her big eyes.
“What is your name, sweetheart?” Brian asked in a soft voice.
“Abby,” she answered confidently. For some reason, she was not afraid of this man.
Brian was fond of her cuteness. He reached out his hand and ruffled her hair.
“Uncle, why do you look like me?” Abby asked curiously.
“Because I am your father,” Brian said under his breath.
Before Abby could figure out exactly what he had said, Diana rushed over and took Abby from Brian.
“Let me repeat it, she is my daughter. You will not take her away from me!” Diana hugged Abby firmly.
“I would never do that,” Brian promised.
He certainly sounded serious, but Diana still couldn’t trust him.
“How can I believe you? Besides, you can make that promise for yourself, but what about your father?”
“I swear, nothing will happen.”
“No, I can’t listen to this. Please leave,” Diana said.
Brian seemed to have expected that Diana would say that. He threw a piece of paper on the table and said, “I can’t. I have paid to live here.”
“What?” Diana was confused.
Brian smiled at her and explained, “If you don’t trust me, you can call the landlord.”
Diana looked at him with doubt. But still, she took out her phone and made the call.
The owner of the apartment was a senior lady. She was a nice, kind woman. “Diana, my dear, is there any problem?” she answered gently.
“I want to know why there is a man here saying he is going to move into my apartment?!” Diana tried to keep calm.
Hearing that, the landlord explained, “Ah yes, I forgot to tell you. The man came to me in quite a state, looking for a room to rent. He was rather pitiful, so I said he could rent the spare room.”
Diana didn’t know how to reply. She had chosen the apartment because she thought the owner was kind and easy-going. She had never asked Diana to pay for the extra room. Now, she didn’t know what she should do in such a situation.
“But…” Diana tried to say something, but the landlord interrupted her.
“Diana, he has promised me that he won’t be any trouble for you. Also, he paid your rent too.”
“What?” Diana was confused.
“Diana, I am busy now. I will call you later. Bye.” Saying that the owner ended the call in a hurry.
Diana was extremely displeased.
“What did you say to her?” she shouted at Brian.
Brian thought her angry face was so cute. But he couldn’t let her know that. He shrugged his shoulders. In fact, he had made great efforts to be able to move in. He even said his father died when he was a little boy to make the owner feel guilty. He recalled in his mind how the conversation had gone…
“Madam, I have been lonely ever since my father died when I was young. I would really love to have a roommate. Can you give me a chance?”
The owner was kind. She covered her face and smiled at Brian, “You are a good boy. You can rent the room.”
“Thank you. Here is my rent and my roommate’s. Please tell her about it.” Brian pulled out a wad of cash from his pocket.
The owner was moved by his consideration and generosity.
“You are a good man. I’m sure Diana will agree to it.” The owner assumed Diana would be OK with her new roommate.
Thinking of his conversation with the owner, Brian couldn’t help laughing.
“Why are you laughing?” Diana asked angrily.
“Nothing.” Brian waved his hands.
“You stay in your room. I won’t disturb you; I hope you will do the same in return. And leave Abby alone!” Diana barked. Then she closed her bedroom door.
“Mummy, who is he?” Abby inquired.
“He is just an annoying man,” Diana said as she put Abby to bed.
“But I don’t think he is annoying.” Abby was quite fond of Brian.
“Really?” Diana touched Abby’s face gently.
Abby nodded her head. “I like him!”
Diana wanted to know what Abby thought.
“Whom do you prefer, Uncle Chaney or the new guy?”
Abby thought for a while and answered, “I like both of them.”
Diana was shocked. Abby had just met Brian, yet she compared him with Chaney, who had cared for her since she was born. Could she sense that she shared a bond with Brian?
“Now, go to sleep.” Diana lowered her head and kissed Abby.