The room was quiet, save for the gentle breeze blowing in through the window.
It was not cold and was actually invigorating.
Zachary sat by the bed to watch Lulu sleep.
Without her lies or pretenses, Zachary found serenity—if only time could stop here.
He glanced at Star in turn—was she sleeping soundly as well because she knew her mother was right beside her?
It was certainly better for children to stay by their mother's side.
As he pulled the blanket over them, Lulu stirred and opened her eyes, then stared at the figure before her quizzically.
There should not be anyone here… was it Ken?
Still, she soon sat up when she saw who it was.
"M-Mr. Slate?!" she exclaimed as her head cleared, straightening her clothes as she got out of bed. "Shouldn't you be away for a month? Why are you back so soon?"
Worried about her modesty again, she buttoned her blouse.
Zachary studied her and kept his voice deliberately cool. "I said I wanted to see Star every day. You didn't answer my video call."
Lulu quickly apologized. "Sorry, I fell asleep…"
Zachary then glanced at Star. "You're the babysitter. I don't want you to be out of reach ever again."
Lulu hung her head. "It won't happen again. I'll be more careful next time."
Zachary nodded. "Cook me something. I'm hungry."
Lulu glanced at Star, who was still sound asleep.
Seemingly not realizing Zachary had caught on to her real identity, she asked with professional politeness, "Yes. What would you like?"
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