Alice felt uncomfortable as she recalled the events of the previous night. The memory of her vomiting on Richard’s clothes was vivid, serving as a stark reminder of the madness she had engaged in while unconscious. However, what was more terrifying for her was the memory of that kiss, how she had mistaken Richard for Daniel.
“What have I done?” Alice whispered, covering her entire face with both hands. The palpable sense of shame weighed heavily on her chest.
The memory of their lips meeting, that kiss, played on a loop in her mind. “I just want to disappear,” Alice muttered, her voice choked with self-disgust. “He must think I’m some strange, passionate woman. How could you embarrass yourself like this, Alice?”
***
Meanwhile, Emily gently combed Grace’s hair, her fingers moving with love and tenderness. Grace’s soft hair cascaded down, ready to be braided into a sweet plait. Sunday had arrived, the day she’d promised to meet Sean.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Emily said, kissing Grace’s cheek gently. Her warm smile masked the worry churning in her heart.
“Where are we going, Mom?” Grace asked, her voice sounding a bit hesitant.
“We’re going with Uncle Sean today,” Emily replied.
“Uncle Sean?” Grace mumbled, her brow furrowing slightly.
“What’s wrong?” Emily asked.
“I thought we are going with Uncle Daniel today,” Grace grumbled, her disappointment clear.
Those words pierced Emily’s heart. She knew that in Grace’s eyes, Daniel was a special figure. Seeing her daughter so fond of Daniel, Emily recalled Fred’s words from the night before.
‘Forget about Daniel. I don’t want to lose my daughter. Remember, Grace is still young and needs you as her mother. If your destinies cannot be together, never defy them.’
Fred’s words echoed in her ears, piercing her heart like thorns. She had to accept the reality that they couldn’t be together because she couldn’t bear to lose Grace, her daughter, who was still so young.
Emily knelt down, aligning herself with Grace’s height. Her eyes met her daughter’s, trying to discern the hidden emotions behind those innocent eyes. “Do you really like Uncle Daniel?” she asked gently.
Grace nodded firmly, a faint smile spreading across her lips. “I really like Uncle Daniel. He’s kind to me and loves me very much.”
“How did you meet Uncle Daniel for the first time?” Emily asked.
“When I was waiting for you in front of the school, I ran and fell down, he was the one who helped and treated me,” Grace recalled, her eyes sparkling as she remembered the incident.
Emily fell silent, her thoughts returning to that day. She had been late to pick up Grace and had noticed the neatly bandaged wound on her foot. At that time, Grace had lied to her, saying she had fallen in class and had been treated by her teacher.
“Uncle Daniel said it was our little secret, so I didn’t tell Mom,” Grace whispered softly.
‘Daniel was in front of Grace’s school? But why? Could he miss Grace and want to meet her?’ Emily thought to herself as she looked at Grace.
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted their thoughts. Emily quickly approached and opened the door.
“What’s up, Dad?” Emily asked, her eyes fixed on Fred standing at the door.
“Sean is waiting for you outside,” Fred replied.
“Ah, alright. We’ll be out soon,” Emily said.
Shortly after, Emily stepped out of her room with Grace by her side.
“Are you here, Sean?” Emily asked.
Sean nodded, a broad smile lighting up his face. “Hi, Grace! Ready for a fun day?”
However, Grace remained silent, her eyes staring straight ahead without responding. Sean felt a bit awkward. He had tried to be friendly, but Grace seemed disinterested.
“Grace,” Emily called softly.
“We’re going to the amusement park,” Sean continued, trying to capture Grace’s attention.
In the end, Grace simply nodded her head softly. “Hmm.”
Fred, who had been busy with his phone, suddenly looked up. “Em, it seems I won’t be home for a few days as I have to pick up Victoria,” he said.
“Oh, alright, Dad. Don’t worry about me. You can have fun there and don’t forget to say hello to her for me,” Emily replied.
Sean raised an eyebrow, a look of curiosity etched on his face. “Who is Victoria?”
Emily smiled faintly and whispered, “Dad’s new girlfriend.”
“Ah, really?” Sean responded, a smile spreading across his face as he met Fred’s gaze.
“Please take care of my daughter and granddaughter,” Fred instructed Sean. “Well then, I’ll be off.”
Fred approached Grace, his eyes radiating love. “My beautiful granddaughter, give Grandpa a hug,” he said softly.
Grace, who had been silent, hugged Fred tightly.
“Take care on the road, Dad,” Emily said, waving goodbye.
“Oh, right. I almost forgot. During my absence, I’ve asked Iris, my friend, to take care of my granddaughter while you’re at work. You can leave Grace in her care,” Fred added.
Emily nodded. “Alright, Dad, don’t worry. I’ll also look for a nanny to take care of Grace.”
After seeing Fred off, Emily and Sean finally decided to leave as well.
“Let’s go, Sean,” Emily said.
Sean’s car drove calmly. Grace, sitting in Emily’s lap, gazed out the window. Although she was mostly quiet in the car, her enthusiasm was evident in her heart. She seemed a bit nervous, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“Grace,” Sean said softly, his eyes fixed on her with a warmth.
“We’re going to Luna Park. There are lots of fun rides there. You’ll surely enjoy it!”
“Really? What’s there?” Grace asked, her voice full of excitement. It seemed that Sean was starting to win over Grace’s guarded heart.
“There are plenty of exciting rides,” Sean replied. “There are cute little train rides, a Ferris wheel, and many other fun games. You’ll definitely like it!”
“Or do you want to go somewhere else?” Sean asked, his eyes still on Grace.
“No need. Let’s go there. Luna Park,” Grace replied, her voice finally taking on a hint of enthusiasm.
Sean and Emily exchanged smiles, their eyes meeting as they watched Grace’s enthusiasm. Sean’s car finally pulled into Luna Park, and Grace gasped in amazement at the vast and colorful amusement park. The scent of popcorn and cotton candy filled the air, adding to the excitement of the atmosphere.
Sean invited Grace to ride the cute little train rides. The trains were colorful and shaped like small cars. Grace giggled with delight as her train spun around, traversing the winding tracks.
While Grace enjoyed the rides, Emily was touched by Sean’s efforts to win over her daughter’s heart. “Thank you, Sean,” she said softly, her eyes filled with gratitude.
“No problem. It’s enjoyable to see Grace so happy,” Sean replied.
Sean and Emily laughed together as they watched Grace having so much fun. They spent the afternoon at Luna Park, playing various enjoyable games.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with beautiful shades of crimson and orange, Sean and Emily took Grace home. Grace looked a bit sad to leave the amusement park.
On the way back, Grace fell asleep soundly in Emily’s lap.
“She’s a good and cheerful child,” Sean remarked.
Emily nodded, her eyes full of love as she looked at Grace. “Yes, she’s a good child. I’m sorry if she seemed cold to you earlier. She just needs a little time to open up.”
“Like her mother who needs time to open up, right?” Sean asked.
Hearing Sean’s question, Emily was taken aback for a moment. She hesitated, trying to find the right words to answer him. Sean’s free hand held Emily’s hand, which was tightly holding Grace in her lap.
“Can’t you give me a chance to make you happy, Emily?” Sean asked. “Please give me a chance.”
Emily, feeling awkward, finally pulled her hand back from his grasp.
“I used to easily win over any woman’s heart,” Sean said, trying to lighten the mood with a hint of humor. “Look at me now, I’ve tried so hard to get into your heart, but you keep refusing to open the door. Should I practice playing the violin or maybe write romantic poetry? What do you like?”
Emily chuckled softly, slightly amused by Sean’s banter.
‘Is it time for me to forget about Daniel and give Sean a chance?’