Irene's heart was seized with anxiety even as she put down her phone.She had to go back as soon as she could to find out what happened to Lulu—or more specifically, Martin, that Lulu could not raise her child.However, when she opened the door, she saw Zachary standing outside, his hand raised and ready to knock.He was caught by surprise when the door suddenly opened, though he soon came to his senses. "Were you talking to Lulu?" he asked, and shrugged before Irene could answer. "You don't have to hide from me if you were—I'm over it, and she isn't the only woman in the world."Irene pursed her lips, and asked, "Is that why any woman would get to bed you? Because you're over it?"Zachary was speechless—he knew what Irene was referring to but did not deny it.He even said, "I think this is just fine. I mean, what's the issue? With no strings attached to my relationships, I don't have to get upset.""You really should clean up your act. You're a father now," Irene told him. "I
Irene and Zachary boarded the flight to the airport nearest to New Kent, while Lulu packed all of Jean's belongings.She would be waiting for them, and they would be able to take Jean away once they arrived.Irene and Zachary's flight lasted eleven hours, and they got a car that took them straight to Lulu's apartment afterward.Lulu received them with Jean in her arms, and Irene could tell immediately that Lulu got skinnier. Irene held out her hands. "I can carry her.""You're tired—I can carry her myself," Lulu said. "Come on in."As she turned and went inside, Irene glanced at Zachary to see him pursing his lips and staring at Lulu from the back, with a faraway look in his eyes."What's on your mind?" Irene whispered. Zachary swallowed but said, "Nothing."That was not quite the truth since he was not feeling calm at the moment.He decided to get over Lulu and earnestly wished her happiness.Why did her happiness have to be ruined again?"Is Martin cheating on you or di
Irene was frowning, but she lowered her voice. "Lulu is not telling you because she has her reasons—""What reasons could she have? She chose the wrong man and refuses to admit it. She's afraid to say it, to let others know that she was blind," Zachary huffed, upset at Lulu's silence.She just had to say that Martin messed up, and he would stand up for her and beat Martin up for her!Even if they were not lovers, they could be family—he could at least do that much for her.On the other hand, Irene was watching Lulu, who kept her head lowered as she held Jean in her arms.Irene could sense that Lulu did not want to part with her baby, that she was compelled to leave Jean in someone else's care. While Zachary was not exactly a stranger, Lulu was still the one who carried Jean for ten months, and they were dearest to each other.As a mother, Irene understood that feeling.Rising to her feet then, she said, "I'm hungry. I'm going to get some food."Irene was sure that although Lu
Zachary looked up at Lulu right then. "I'll raise Jean myself. I'll make the call whatever happens.."In other words, he was telling her to not talk too much, especially about things he did not want to hear.Jean was his flesh and blood—he would never let her suffer any grievance!Also, why was Lulu presuming that he was getting married already? The thought never crossed his mind.After all, what was the point of love when one thought about it, when all it brought was pain? Now, he was finally over it and able to start anew.Would he still get himself a woman who meddled with his life? No way!Physical needs were nothing but that—sentiment was unnecessary.Lulu certainly understood that she had no right to meddle after she entrusted Jean to his care.She looked at Jean then, whose little lips were wiggling.The baby was still so small, so soft.She could not help being sad. It was her hope and duty as a mother to watch her baby grow up. But now…She turned around then
Zachary lowered his eyes. "It was an accident."Irene's face fell.She knew that Martin's work was dangerous, but to learn that he was hurt again left her in disbelief.It was not easy for Lulu to find someone, after all."Is it serious?" she asked softly.Zachary nodded. "They haven't found his body."He knew because Lulu told him eventually after he asked.Irene had to sit on the edge of the bed. "How could that happen?"Zachary sighed lengthily in turn, unsure if he should be pleased or upset.After all, Lulu would not have given Jean to him if Martin was alright.Zachary thought he would at best watch Jean from afar and go his entire life without hearing her call him daddy. Even if he was entrusted with Jean after Martin's accident, it also meant an end to Lulu's bliss.Looking at Irene then, he said, "Lulu was blaming herself. That's why she gave Jean to me.""What do you mean?" Irene asked."She and Martin had a fight, which was why Martin took the role of handler,
For Ricky, life in prison was stressless, even happy, which explained his sunny disposition.It was certainly a far cry from being a criminal who had to look over his back every day.Irene nodded. "Is there anything you want? I can buy it for you."Ricky shook his head. "I'm not short on anything here, and Lulu bought a lot of stuff for me a while ago. She often visits, too, so don't worry."Irene pursed her lips. Lulu would probably not have the time to visit him now…"I'll come whenever I have the time…""No, it's very far, and you have to take care of your children. Don't worry about me, just come by if you happen to be passing by." Ricky smiled.Irene looked at his smile for a while before hanging her head guiltily.If she had cared more about him, he might not have strayed like this.It was too stern a lesson, to waste his best days behind bars when he was at the age to strut and see the world."Right, we're doing some sewing later," Ricky said, still smiling. "I've lear
The deep voice from the other end spoke. "I miss you."Irene smiled—that was what she wanted to hear.She glanced outside the window again, where Lulu and Zachary had just parted ways, and Zachary was carrying Jean back to the hotel.She said into the phone, "I love you, Isaac."She did not want to be separated from him. She wanted to be with him forever without missing a second!The fact that Lulu could not be with Zachary made her cherish her love with Zachary more.She then asked mischievously, "Why aren't you saying anything?""I have nothing to say," Isaac replied.Irene lowered her gaze, speechless. "I see.""Yeah."Irene wanted to snap at him right then.'Yeah'?Forget not saying 'I love you too'—what was that attitude?!"I'm eating. I'm hanging up now," she said and promptly cut off the call.On the other end, Isaac was left listening to the machine beeping, while smiling faintly. When it came to love, it would only be more memorable to say it face to face. -
Irene did not manage to find Isaac's ward from the receptionist, so she had to talk to the doctor.She headed to the VIP ward on the top floor and ran into Stan, who was speaking to the attending physician."Stan," she called out to him.Stan turned toward her and was left gaping when she saw that it was her."M-Ma'am!" he exclaimed as he hurried to her. "What are you doing here?"Irene smiled. "Can't I come?"Stan quickly shook his head. "No, it's just quite sudden. Why didn't you call?"Irene raised a brow. "Did I come at a bad time?"Stan shook his head again. "No…"Irene simply strode past him toward the doctor—Isaac never did tell her about his condition, and she naturally should find out first."Excuse me, but when are Mr. Jefferson's eyes expected to recover?"The doctor stared at her in turn. "And you are…?""His wife," Irene replied."Oh!" the doctor exclaimed, coming to an understanding just then. "You were the one who contacted me at the time.""Yes." Irene nod