A week later, Jane went about her usual routine of working part-time and picking up Vivian from school to cook and clean at home. Since returning from the hospital, she had moved to a new place. Vivian still attended the same kindergarten, but their new home was a bit farther away, so they had to wake up early every day to make it on time.
Her life was like the days after losing her memory, just like before she met Louis. Her days were calm and peaceful; it was what she wanted.
But one night, her peaceful life was shattered.
After dinner, as lightning flashed across the sky and thunder roared outside, someone knocked on her door. Jane stood up warily and asked who it was.
"Jane... it's me," a low and hoarse voice replied from outside the door - a voice that made Jane freeze in shock.
She never expected this man would come looking for her here. But soon enough, she laughed bitterly at herself. With his power and influence, finding her wasn't difficult anyway.
Jane pursed her lips tightly without saying anything or showing any intention of opening the door. After some time passed by in silence with Louis standing outside looking intently at the iron door separating them as if he could see through it into Jane's eyes,
"Jane... everything that happened before is my fault," he said finally breaking their silence, "Can you give me a chance to make things right?"
"Sir... the past is already in the past," came Jane's cold reply, "It's getting late now. I suggest you go back."
With that said, she turned around coldly leaving him behind.
Vivian was standing nearby and looking at her curiously.
"Mommy, who is that?" She asked
"Just someone trying to sell us something," answered Jane flatly before turning towards the kitchen and asking, "What do you want for lunch tomorrow?"
"Anything is OK," replied Vivian obediently but still looked puzzled towards the door.
She glanced over towards kitchen where mum worked busily then quietly walked over there while leaning against wall next to door whispering softly,
"Daddy..."
Louis' body stiffened when he heard Vivian calling out softly, but after some hesitation, he responded gently, "I'm here."
Upon hearing the voice, Vivian's eyes lit up and she reached for the door handle. But then she remembered how her mother had looked earlier and hesitated, saying softly, "Daddy, Mommy doesn't want you to come in."
"I know," Louis replied softly. His expression softened as well. "Vivian, go to bed early. I'm fine."
The little girl lowered her head sadly when Jane's voice came from the kitchen.
"Vivian, I will cook some corn for you tomorrow. Okay?"
"Okay," Vivian hurriedly replied before turning around and running towards the window in her room to see her father.
She hadn't seen him in a long time.
She missed him terribly but knew that her mother didn't like him. She didn't want to upset her mother so she never mentioned him.
Downstairs, a man stood silently in the rain, letting it beat down on his body without moving an inch.
He was soaked through but refused to leave as he stood there like a statue.
Only during flashes of lightning could one feel his presence strongly. Rainwater flowed down his face, making him look particularly disheveled at this moment.
Upon seeing this scene, Vivian turned around frantically, looking at Jane who happened to walk out of the kitchen at that moment and caught sight of Vivian's gaze.
"What's wrong?" She asked with confusion etched on her face.
"Mommy! The person standing downstairs looks like Daddy!"
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