At the studio, Clarissa had received the illustrations from Joshua and was admiring her own caricatures.
She was drawn as a lovely girl with a rounded face and two hair buns in the shape of ox horns. Wearing a traditional white costume and holding a sword in her hand, she looked tremendously cool and adorable at the same time.
Clarissa loved it at first sight.
Joshua said proudly, “I knew it. You’ll surely love my illustrations.”
Beaming with joy, she said, “Seems like you know me well.”
“Of course! Don’t you know me by now? I like you so much, how can I not know everything about you?”
“Hold it right there!”
Clarissa found it so annoying to keep hearing him say that he liked her.
“Don’t keep saying that, I’m married. Moreover, it’s not like you love me deeply, it’s just a crush.”
“That’s not true, Rissa. Can’t other men like you when you’re married? It’s not a sin, is it? Your husband should be proud that his wife is still in demand. It complements his taste and affirms that he’s chosen the right person.”
Joshua was an open-minded person. However, Clarissa did not want to attract unnecessary attention.
Perhaps she was rather conservative in her thinking, she only wanted to focus on the one she loved. As long as the feelings were mutual, nothing else mattered. In fact, infatuation from others would be a burden with no benefits to anyone.
Clarissa nodded. “Joshua, you’ll realize how childish it is to think this way once you’ve met your one and only love. All of your love and adoration should be reserved for the woman who’s worthy of your affection.”
He seemed confused, but Clarissa did not bother to debate further.
Feeling pleased with the illustrations seen thus far, a consensus was reached upon deliberating all relevant details with the publisher. As soon as the full set of drawings were completed, they would start publishing the full series of Clarissa’s work.
The fairy tale that she had auctioned earlier landed in the hands of Matthew. Clarissa planned to print it as a book and gift it to her son as a present, limited edition and not for sale to the public.
However, it would be more appealing to the child if there were beautiful illustrations that go along with the story.
She passed the story to Joshua and tasked it to him, who agreed almost instantly.
It’d be a perfect festive gift to Damian.
She missed Damian so much and yearned to visit W City since she was not too occupied with work recently.
The journey there would only take about two hours by flight.
The more she thought about it, the more resolute she was to leave for W City. Without further ado, she returned to Zen Highlands to pack her things.
Hmm… It’s best I give Matthew a call to inform him about this decision.
“Now?”
Matthew frowned helplessly when he got the news about her impulsive plan.
“Yes, I’m not busy lately, so I’ll get a ticket and leave right away. It’s just a short distance away. Don’t stop me, okay? I want to stay at home and accompany Damian. I miss him terribly. I’ll flip out if you say no.”
Massaging his temple, Matthew replied, “I’m not stopping you, Clare. I miss him as much as you do too.”
“But you don’t have time to go to W City.”
She was packing while talking to him over the phone, “When I get there, I’ll make sure Damian video chats with you often, all right? I’m leaving soon.”
“Okay, I’ll get the chauffeur to drive you to the airport. The flight details will be sent to your phone in a bit.”
Smiling sweetly, Clarissa answered, “Thanks, my dear Hubby, you’re the best. I’ll get going first.”
It takes a lot of effort to hear her address me as ‘Hubby.”
A satisfied smug appeared on his face. He did not hang up but continued to engage in small talks with her. Once she got into the car and settled down, Matthew shared, “Clare, I don’t want to keep doing this with my own son; seeing him via video calls or meeting up once or twice each month.”
Clarissa understood the hidden meaning in his words.
She kept quiet; he did not push her for an answer either.
Shortly after, Clarissa broke the silence. “I know, this is definitely not a desirable long-term plan.”
She sighed. “I was just thinking about this issue a few days ago. Damian will be entering kindergarten next year. It’s best he studies in D City. Most importantly, as a father, you can’t always be absent in his life. It’s not your fault; the problem stems from Grandma and me. Well, don’t worry, I promise you that I’ll persuade Grandma and sort this out before Damian goes to school.”
Her promise gave him a lot of assurance.
“Clare, I must thank you.”
“Huh? Whatever for?”
He chuckled sentimentally. “Thank you for giving me such an adorable and intelligent son. I’ve never had a chance to say this to you. I also didn’t get to thank you personally for your endurance when you delivered our son.”
Upon hearing his sincere words, Clarissa failed to hold back her tears and they streamed down her face profusely.
She did not sob, but merely let the tears streak her face.
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