Adelyn’s hand remained outstretched for a long second.

Eira simply stared at it, as if still deciding whether to take it or not.

Seeing how cautious she still was, Adelyn softened her tone further, choosing simpler words —ones the little girl could understand without hesitation.

"I’m more than willing to go back with you," she said gently. "Won’t you take me with you? To home?"

Eira tilted her head up at her, her eyes brightening.

Adelyn nodded once more, reassuring her again silently.

And this time, the little girl didn’t hesitate.

She immediately reached out and held her hand, stepping closer to her side as if afraid she might disappear if she delayed even a second.

Adelyn couldn’t help but smile.

But then—

Something struck her.

Something she had almost forgotten.

Her gaze lifted slowly toward the man who had been standing there the entire time —quiet, composed, and watching everything without interruption.

"M–Mr. Warren," she called softly, her tone carrying a trace of awkwardness.

How could she not feel awkward?

All this while, she had been discussing going back home with the little one, yet—

Not once had she asked for his opinion.

Wasn’t that ... a little too shameless?

It was his home.

She would only be a guest there.

And yet, she had made the decision as if she already belonged —like she had every right to walk into his private space without question.

How could she?

Dylan looked at her, his expression as calm and composed as ever, revealing no hint of displeasure.

Still, Adelyn remained cautious.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t get the chance to ask you ..." she paused, hesitating. "Can I—?"

Before she could finish, Dylan answered.

"You can."

The permission came so easily that it caught her off guard. It felt like it had been there always ... just waiting for her to probe it.

Her brows furrowed slightly, doubt flickering in her eyes.

Was he ... really just waiting to agree all along?

It felt unlikely.

And yet, everything about his tone and expression made it seem natural.

"What’s wrong?" Dylan asked. "Were you expecting me to refuse you?"

Adelyn shook her head. "No ... I just thought you’d at least think about it first. After all, your house is still your private space and—"

"And who are you?" Dylan cut in smoothly.

She blinked.

Who was she?

What did he mean by that?

"I—"

"You’re my woman," he answered for her, just as easily. "If I don’t share my private space with you, then who else should I share it with?"

Adelyn’s heart skipped a beat.

Her thoughts tangled, her tongue momentarily tied.

Could she even refuse that?

She could —but that might just kill her immediately. After all, it would reveal all the lies she had woven both intentionally and unintentionally.

So she smiled.

"O–Of course," she said, nodding. "If not me, then who else could you share it with? I ..." she cleared her throat lightly, "... am your girlfriend right now. If not me, who else? Definitely no some other woman ... haha."

Dylan looked at her, a hint of amusement flickering in his gaze. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"You doubt that even with you around, I’ll have other women?"

"..."

She didn’t exactly doubt it —but it wasn’t an impossible scenario either, was it?

"Mr. Warren, you can—"

"I can’t," Dylan interrupted again, his tone turning serious, devoid of any trace of humor. "In this entire universe, I have promised to stay loyal to one woman —and that’s you. There will be no one else."

Adelyn’s breath caught.

She swallowed, startled by how suddenly the conversation had turned so heavy.

Hadn’t she just been joking moments ago?

"Mr. Warren, there’s no need to be so serious," she said lightly, trying to ease the atmosphere. "I don’t doubt your loyalty in this relationship. Especially now that you’ve made such a big promise."

She paused, hesitating.

"But honestly ... you didn’t have to. The future is unpredictable. We don’t know what tomorrow holds. So if someday we aren’t together, you still—"

"The future might be unpredictable," Dylan said, his voice steady, something deeper woven into it, "but one thing in it isn’t."

He looked at her.

"Us. That won’t change."

The certainty in his words was so absolute that Adelyn fell silent for a moment.

She stared at him, unable to fully grasp what he meant.

Her brows drew together slightly.

But before she could question him—

"Let’s go," he said. "It’s getting late."

And just like that, he turned and walked ahead toward the car.

Reaching it, he opened the door, then glanced back at her—

A quiet, gentlemanly gesture.

Adelyn didn’t move immediately.

She stood there, still caught in his words, trying to understand the weight behind them.

It had sounded simple—

But she felt it carried something deeper. Something important.

A moment passed ...

And she remained still.

Lost in thought—

Until she felt a gentle tug on her hand.

She blinked, snapping back to reality, and looked down.

Eira was staring up at her with hopeful eyes.

"Mama ..."

Adelyn softened instantly.

Nodding, she said, "Yes, sweetie. Let’s go."

And together, hand in hand, they walked toward the car.

Though the driver stood ready, Dylan chose to hold the door himself.

As Adelyn stepped in, he instinctively lifted his hand to shield her head.

She noticed the gesture.

All of them, in fact.

And though she wasn’t used to such care—

She didn’t feel uncomfortable either.

Perhaps it was because she had already accepted the lie she was living in.

Or perhaps—

Something else.

Inside the car, the ride began —smooth and steady.

Eira was especially excited.

Even though Adelyn was coming home with her, she still refused to sit apart.

Curled into her arms, she rested her head against her shoulder, nestling closer to her heart as if seeking warmth.

Adelyn didn’t mind.

She simply held her gently, letting the child cling to her as much as she wanted.

After all, she was there for her.

After a while, just as Adelyn thought she had fallen asleep—

A soft voice stirred.

"Mama ..."

Adelyn stilled slightly, not knowing if she heard it right. Or was she just imagining it.

However, just then—

She heard it again.

"Mama, since you said I’m the best baby in the world..." Eira’s voice was soft. "Does that mean you’ve remembered me?"