Conrad listened to every word she said, then curled his lips into a smile. “Didn’t you once say that loving someone was a personal thing, and it didn’t have to be about how much the other person loved or was moved by you?”
“Just like what I’ve been doing these past few years. Because I didn’t do something, I couldn’t find any joy in living anymore. There used to be so many things I could do. I thought about seizing power, giving my people a good life, making Kenneth pay the price, guarding against those who would scheme against me. It felt like there was always something that couldn’t be stopped, waiting for me. But after you left, all those things seemed meaningless.”
“You might not believe me when I say this, but behind my back, they said you were dead. After all, you haven’t returned or given any sign of life for all these years. But I just felt like you were still here. I often felt like you were sleeping beside me, standing in front of me while I brushed my teeth, sitting next to me when I ate, and even when I was in the midst of the crowd, I could still hold your hand. How could you be gone?”
“You were clearly right next to me, but I searched and searched, and couldn’t find you. Not even the corner of your clothes. I don’t believe it. Over the years, I’ve taken Jasmine to many places, and every time we went to a church, I prayed. I prayed for you, no matter where you were, to be safe.”
“Lillian, you showing up here like this, in front of me, is already all I’ve wished for. But this is all I can do. I can’t let you go. It seems like I’m just not someone who can easily let go.”
“Over these years, Jasmine has been my only support. She’s the best gift you left me. She’s what Heaven left behind for me. I’d give up anything, even my life, for her.”
“You see, I kept her, and you came back. This is Heaven’s second chance, and I cherish this opportunity more than anyone.”
Jasmine, feeling regretful, pulled her little head back, then laughed with Quincy as they ran toward them.
She immediately threw herself into Conrad’s arms. “Daddy, that was so pretty! That was you and Mommy, right?!”
“Hmm, Jasmine, you recognized it?”
“Of course! Because Jasmine loves you both!”
Jasmine squeezed between them, and the staff member timely spoke up. “Our staff is ready, sir, ma’am. It’s time for the photo. Our service is almost over.”
“Yay, let’s take a picture!”
Jasmine was excited and stamped her little feet, eager to take a photo with her idols.
The staff member brought over a Polaroid camera and said, “Sir, ma’am, could you move a little closer? You can also be more affectionate with the little one.”
Conrad lifted both kids up, and Lillian awkwardly inched a bit closer to them.
He noticed, and as he moved closer to her, his arm brushed against hers. He tilted his head toward her.
As long as you’re willing to take one step toward me, I’ll take the remaining 99 steps toward you.
“Click-” The camera emitted a mechanical sound, and a photo of the four of them slowly appeared on the paper.
“Sir, ma’am, your two little ones are so cute. I wish you both eternal happiness.”
Conrad took the photo, thinking that the staff’s words were just what he needed to hear.
“Thank you.”
He smiled at them, then placed the kids in the car. The park had started playing music, signaling that it was safe for the visitors to leave.
There were quite a few people heading out, and Lillian was bumped into by someone. Finally, Conrad wrapped his arm around her and held her close to protect her.
In the midst of the crowd, he stood behind her, shielding her from everything.
It felt just like before.
By the time they reached the entrance, the car was already waiting for them.
“Mom, are you going to stay at my house and sleep with me tonight?” Jasmine asked, looking up.
Quincy felt a bit nervous. If Mom Lillian left, he’d be all alone at home.
“It’s already past 1 a. m. Normally, kids would be asleep by now. Jasmine is about to fall asleep. How about we go to Hillside Villa for the night? We’ll have lunch tomorrow, and then I’ll take you both back,” Conrad suggested.
Lillian felt it would be a hassle, but she didn’t want to disappoint Jasmine.
“Mom, please? Plus, you and Quincy will be at home, but I’m still worried. There are so many nannies to take care of you, and there are plenty of rooms,” Jasmine urged. “Quincy, do you want to come play at my house?”
Quincy was a little tempted. After all, if he went home, he’d sleep alone and still miss his dad.
The three of them, with their eager eyes, stared at Lillian. She had no choice but to agree; otherwise, both kids would be unhappy.
******
It had been a long time since Conrad had bathed the kids, but Quincy was very well-behaved.
Ford had already prepared several outfits for the little boy, all in the right sizes.
Quincy felt a bit shy. He took off his little pants and got into the bathtub, covering himself to make sure no one could see.
Conrad raised an eyebrow, finding it amusing. Was he really afraid that he would take a look?
Bathing a boy didn’t require much fuss. Washing his hair was easy, and he dried off quickly after a few rubs.
“Mr. Conrad, can I ask you a question?” Quincy played with a little rubber duck, looking up at him.
The boy’s eyes were bright and clear, and Conrad lowered his gaze. “Go ahead.”
“Do you really like Mom Lillian?”
“Yes, do you dislike me?” Conrad replied.
“No,” Quincy shook his head. “But there’s a feeling I can’t really explain.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“I know you and Jasmine want to take Mom away, and then I’ll lose another mom, and it’ll just be me and Dad again.”
Quincy continued, “But I’ve known since I was little that Mom wasn’t happy. She often looks at me absentmindedly, and when she’s with me shopping for clothes, she subconsciously looks at girls’ clothes. But when she looks at those little dresses, she quickly looks away. She only started smiling more after meeting Jasmine.”
“Dad told me in private that Jasmine is Mom’s biological daughter, so she’s different from me. I want Mom to be happy, so I don’t dislike Jasmine, and I won’t dislike you, Mr. Conrad.”
Conrad looked at the boy, and he realized the kid was just like his father-a gentleman.
“Mr. Conrad, if Mom Lillian isn’t with you, will you be really sad?”
“Yes, I’ll be so sad that I’ll feel like I’m dying.”
Quincy’s eyes widened. “Is it really that serious?”
“You’ll understand when you grow up and meet someone you love,” Conrad said. “It’s like something that was supposed to be beautiful and happy, but you ruined it yourself. Do you get that feeling? It’s regret, wishing you could go back to the past, and feeling helpless and defeated. And the worst part is the endless despair. You’ll be afraid of the lonely nights. You’ll need courage just to face an empty room after your friends leave.”
Quincy seemed to understand a little, “That sounds really sad. It’s like how Mom always leaves after visiting me. Dad spends a long time in the study afterward, and whenever I talk about Mom, he looks really down.”
Conrad raised an eyebrow. “Who do you think your dad likes more, your real mom or Mom Lillian?”
Quincy thought for a moment, then quietly said, “I think Dad loves my real mom more.”
“Really?” Conrad felt a mix of irritation and a strange sense of happiness.
Lillian was amazing – how could anyone not like her? Ethan must be blind.
Then again, it was probably for the best if Ethan didn’t love her. As long as he did, that was all that mattered.
“I don’t know, it’s just how I feel. Dad is always so polite with Mom Lillian.”
“Isn’t politeness a good thing? But your dad is the type who wouldn’t get angry with anyone, right?”
Conrad almost provoked the guy to the point of no return, but Ethan could still maintain his composure.
“Yeah, but Dad actually fought with my mom once. He got a wound above his eyebrow that needed stitches, and he took a long time to heal.”
“When was that?”
“Two years ago, I think. Mom rented a house, and the landlord tricked her. She has a bad temper and wants to fight, but the bad landlord brought a bunch of people to teach Mom a lesson. Dad went over and fought with them, then argued with Mom afterward. They ended up parting on bad terms.”
Conrad thought to himself that Professor Melissa made some valid points. It seemed that men only lost control and their rationality, becoming mindless, when they were in love with someone. Love really was the most maddening thing.
“I’ll tell you another secret. Actually, Dad hasn’t been with Mom Lillian all these years. It was only when we came back to the country this year that he brought it up. Even I was surprised.”
“Really?” Conrad wondered how it could be such a coincidence. Was it all just to shut him up?
Conrad pulled Quincy out of the tub and started drying him off. Quincy seemed a bit embarrassed and tried to put on his own underwear.
“Quincy, if your Mom Lillian goes home with me, would you come over to visit her often?”
Quincy felt a bit sad but nodded vigorously. “I’ll come see her.”
“Don’t be sad. I might take your Mom Lillian away, but I’ll get your real mom back for you later. How about that?”
Quincy seemed skeptical. “If you couldn’t even keep Mom Lillian, can you really bring my real mom back?”
He didn’t believe it at all. Was that even possible?
Conrad paused while wiping him down. “Well, that’s my little goal, and you need to keep it a secret.”
“You have secrets too? Jasmine has lots of secrets she won’t let me talk about.”
Conrad raised an eyebrow. “Really? What kind of secrets?”
“She won’t let me tell you. I can’t say anything, Mr. Conrad. I’m sleepy.”
“Alright, I’ll stay with you while you sleep.” Conrad helped Quincy change into his pajamas, then carried him back to bed.