If they kept shopping, Zachary might just buy the entire mall altogether."Let's go back," Lulu said."It's still early," Zachary replied. "We can take our time.""I'm tired," Lulu quickly said.Zachary gave her a skeptical look. "Really?"Lulu nodded repeatedly and pointed at a nearby cafe. "Let's take a break in there.""Okay," Zachary nodded, and they each ordered themselves a coffee while resting on the chair.Lulu then took Star off Zachary's arms, staring at her diaper for a moment."I just changed them," Zachary told her.Lulu checked—it really was dry, and Star was still plenty lively, not drowsy despite staying up for hours."You should be tired. Let's eat out so we don't have to cook," Zachary suggested.Lulu nodded. "Okay."-They headed home after eating, while their various purchases were delivered home.Star was finally sleepy, and Zachary gave her a bath and coaxed her to sleep, while Lulu unpacked their purchases.As there were piles everywhere, Zachary s

If Lulu really was asleep, she should not stiffen like that.Zachary said, "Sleep. I'm not doing anything."Lulu finally relaxed and said softly, "I-I'm not ready.""I know," Zachary said, pressing his chest against her back. "I'll give you time.""Yeah," Lulu murmured softly, considerably relieved since she had his understanding.She did not want him to do everything herself either, as she would do her best to beat her trauma.As she turned and leaned into Zachary's arms, Zachary pursed his lips, feeling nothing but delight in him.He could feel that she really was doing her best, and he was convinced things would get better.Closing his eyes, he patted her back gently. "Sleep."-The next day, Lulu had another session with the psychiatrist in the morning, and Irene waited for her outside.At almost 11 AM, Lulu stepped out, saying, "Let's have lunch together."Irene stood up, nodding, "Sure."They got to a nice restaurant, with Lulu saying, "It's my treat today, Irene. Or

In the evening, Irene arrived at the restaurant where Zachary booked.Lulu was there too, and as Zachary carried Star, they looked like a happy family of three from afar.As she walked over, Lulu saw her and got up. "Irene.""Sorry to keep you waiting," Irene said as she reached them. "There was a little traffic.""It's alright—we just arrived." Lulu smiled. "Come on, sit."As Irene pulled out a chair, she held out her hands. "Girls really are quieter. Let me carry her."While Zachary passed Star, he quipped, "What, are you envious of me having a daughter? Not satisfied with having only sons?"Irene shot him a look. "Don't get on my nerves now.""But you have two sons." Zachary smiled. "And you'd have two daughters when they marry, while my baby will leave me lonely when she marries.""Why, yes." Irene nodded. "Then I should properly suck up to you so that you'd let her marry into my family."Lulu snickered even as she poured Irene a drink. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourse

Irene felt dizzy from alcohol, even though the percentage was low.It was basically why she did not drink.And since Zachary drank and Lulu had to take care of Star, Irene went back to the hotel alone.Once she got to her room, she whipped out her phone and called Isaac, who soon answered."Hello."Irene's heart thumped upon hearing his deep voice. It seemed that she really loved him, as just hearing his voice sends her head aflutter.Just then, the lights on the ceiling were especially blinding, and she rested her arm over her eyes to keep the lights out while groaning into the phone as she held it with her other hand, "I miss you, Isaac."Isaac was still in the office just then, holding his phone with one hand while he flipped through a document with the other.Still, his other hand paused and lowered at Irene's words, and he flexed his wrist as he asked, "When are you coming back?"That was not what Irene wanted to hear, and she complained, "I said I miss you.""I'll tel

The love they had back then was so simple, with no strings attached."I'll try my best to do right by you…" Lulu began."No, no…" Zachary said as he looked up at her. "You've never done anything wrong from the start. It's my immaturity that led things to this, but I will do my best to protect you and Star from now on, to protect our little family. I'll become stronger to be your refuge, so that you won't have to spend your life adrift."Lulu turned away, her tears flowing unwittingly.Zachary turned her face to look at him. "Eyes on me. Don't hide."Lulu pursed her lips as she caressed his face in turn and reared her chin to kiss him.Zachary looked her longingly in the eye and kissed her on the brow, her nose, and her soft lips that she yearned for day and night.He slowly undressed her, showering her with kisses. "Eyes on me.""Yeah…" Lulu murmured softly, her fingers clenching on her pillow as she kept her eyes on him.She told herself inwardly that he was Zachary Slate, th