Part 2

Six years later,

"You take care there. Look after yourself, don't make Nathan and Gilbert worry," Mrs. Smith's advice echoed in Haisley's ears once again. She, now sitting in the airport waiting area, could only nod in response to her mother's words from across the overseas call.

"Don't just nod along. You have to get rid of your spoiled attitude. Remember, there you need to focus on your studies. Don't shift your focus to other things," Mr. Smith chimed in this time. Haisley could only chuckle but then nodded again.

"Alright then, I have to pick up my luggage," she said, bidding farewell. Her parents waved once more through the small screen in her hands. The middle-aged couple's faces looked melancholic, clearly still not fully accepting their youngest daughter's departure.

Yes. Following her best friend Gilbert's advice, Haisley had resolved to fight for a scholarship so she could join her soulmate. She gave up her dreams of being a ballerina and chose to focus on academics to secure good grades. For six years, she struggled, attending various lessons and activities. Although she initially had difficulty adapting, considering her brain wasn't as sharp as Nathan's or her half-sister Crystal's, Haisley refused to give up.

Finally, in the last three years of her schooling, she managed to consistently achieve good grades. As a result, she earned a scholarship to the same school as her beloved. Her parents agreed to let her go, albeit with the condition that she stay with Nathan and Gilbert.

Of course, this condition didn't burden her at all. Considering her journey to England was to be closer to Nathan, and now, she was not just a step but an inch closer.

Haisley smiled to herself, delighted by the romantic future she envisioned with Nathan. Just imagining being Nathan's girlfriend made her cheeks flush, let alone picturing a wedding.

Haisley shook her head. She could indulge in her fantasies later. Right now, she had to focus on the queue to collect her belongings.

But where was Gilbert? Haisley reached into her pocket for her phone. Her friend had said he would pick her up at the airport, but there was still no sign of him.

She pulled her large suitcase with all her might. She had brought a lot of luggage. Besides clothes, there were also several snacks her mother had packed as gifts for Nathaniel and Gilbert.

Her cheeks warmed again. Nathan, how have you been? Do you miss me too? Haisley could only blush.

She struggled with her petite body to drag the large suitcase. She headed towards the airport exit. Taxis were neatly lined up there. Haisley glanced around, looking for a familiar face. Where was Gilbert? Had her friend fallen asleep and forgotten to pick her up? Haisley shuddered at her own thoughts.

A tap on her shoulder made her scream out loud. She turned and was about to scream for help when she saw a tall, broad-shouldered man with bright orange hair, black sunglasses, and a thick beard looking down at her.

"I'm not late, am I?" he asked, his voice echoing.

Haisley frowned just as the man took off his glasses and looked at her with a wide grin on his face.

"What are you doing?" she exclaimed loudly. Several people turned to look at them.

"What am I doing?" he retorted nonchalantly. "So, this is the reason why you didn't want to video call me? Because my face looks ugly like this?" Haisley teased shamelessly.

Gilbert burst into laughter. "Don't insult me, H. If I get angry, I'll leave you here and let you be kidnapped by those foreign creeps who like little kids like you," he replied, his tone threatening.

Haisley shot him a narrowed-eyed glare. "Just try it!" she challenged. Gilbert laughed again and then tousled Haisley's hair. "No chance. My handsome face will be ruined by Crystal. And I'll be minced into crocodile food by your dad." He said again. Gilbert's left hand grabbed Haisley's suitcase handle while his right arm embraced her petite shoulders. "The parking lot is a bit far," he told Haisley. Haisley just nodded and matched the long strides of the man. "Ready for the adventure, huh?" he asked again.

Haisley raised her head, but Gilbert didn't look her way at all. "How is he?" she asked, curious. Yes, for the past six years, Gilbert had been her source of information. Fortunately, he didn't mind and always willingly helped her.

"Actually, he's not doing well," the man replied flatly.

"Meaning, he's sick?" Haisley asked, panicking.

Gilbert shrugged. "You'll find out later, H. But before that, I have to ask you again. Are you sure about Nathan?" he asked, uncertain. Haisley nodded enthusiastically. Of course, she was sure. Why else would she have fought this hard and come this far? "Are you sure you want to fight for him? Suppose he treats you badly, will you still endure it?" he asked again.

Haisley lifted the corner of her mouth. She understood Gilbert's question. And once again, she simply nodded her head in response. Gilbert then shrugged his shoulders, knowing that nothing could change his little friend's mind. He drew in a harsh breath and let it out.

"I can only help as much as I can. The rest, I can only pray for both of you," he said, sounding weary.

Haisley smiled and nodded. "Thanks, G," she said, and wrapped her tiny arms around Gilbert's large waist. "By the way, did your new hairstyle end up in the drain?" she teased again.

Gilbert snorted and tousled Haisley's hair again. "It's a Naruto cosplay. It's all the rage these days," Gilbert replied, annoyed. Haisley chuckled again. "Should we go straight to the house or have lunch first?"

"Lunch. I'm starving," Haisley answered in her playful tone. Gilbert laughed again and then nodded. He reached for the car keys from his pants pocket and pressed the remote button. He put Haisley's large suitcase in the back of his silver Land Rover and then opened the passenger door for her.

Haisley gracefully bowed before getting into the high car, making Gilbert laugh at her.

Gilbert drove his car and took her to a fast-food restaurant. Gilbert ordered a double cheese beef burger with soda for Haisley. As Haisley cut into the massive burger, her face almost dripping with drool, Gilbert said, "You know, I find you peculiar, H."

Haisley stopped her action and looked up at Gilbert. "Why?" she asked, puzzled.

"Your body is tiny, like a dwarf's aunt. But your appetite, well, it's like a giant's. How can you eat so much?"

Haisley squinted at Gilbert. She bit into the burger in one large bite, chewed it without caring about her image, then swallowed before replying. "You should know, huh? Girls who eat a lot are sexier than those who eat sparingly. They actually have big appetites, they just lose to their pride. They pretend to diet, eating salads, but at home, they eat three plates and ask for more."

Gilbert laughed and tousled Haisley's hair again. "Sure, sure. Eat as much as you want. Finish it. If necessary, with a bottle of mayonnaise," Gilbert teased. Haisley just nodded and continued chewing her burger.