Chapter 428
Chapter 428
At noon, the sun was a little warm and slightly dazzling. Arya sat in a café by the window.
She stirred the coffee with a spoon absent-mindedly.
She seemed to be waiting for someone.
But she didn't wait too long.
Janet walked in. But seeing Arya, she paused for a few seconds and then strode over. Before sitting
down, she asked nervously, "What happened to my child?"
Arya looked at Janet's nervous expression and panicked for a moment. Janet probably cared about the
child very much.
"He's fine."
Hearing this, Janet breathed a sigh of relief, sitting down.
But thinking of Arya wanting to see her, Janet became worried again. "Why do you want to see me?"
Janet asked.
Arya did not answer immediately but asked the waiter to serve Janet a cup of coffee. Janet hurried over
and was indeed thirsty. She picked up the coffee and took a swig of it.
Arya said slowly, "We have picked a name for the child. Max."
"You give him a good name." Janet clenched her fists tightly under the table.
She was not as calm as she pretended.
She was a little bitter.
"It's not me. Bridget did." Arya said coolly.
Janet was shocked.
The reason why she asked Arya to raise the child before naming him was that she wanted Arya to give
him a name. It was better for their mother-child bonding.
"Don't you like him?" Janet blurted out with disapproval.
Caring was sometimes not an advantage. She was worried that Arya didn't love the child, or that Arya
didn't raise the child as Janet expected, so Janet almost lost control.
Arya looked at her but did not speak, waiting for her to calm down. Arya lowered her eyes and slowly
stirred the coffee.
Janet realized that she was too agitated and gradually calmed down. "Do you want to tell me
anything?"
With great deliberation, she said, "I understand you, but I can't agree. You can't impose your views on
others. As the child's grandparents, they have the right to know..."
Before Arya could finish, Janet stood up with agitation. "What do you mean? You don't want..."
"Can you hear me out?" Arya said discontentedly.
Janet couldn't calm down. "How do you know?"
"You don't have to know that. You still have a chance to change your mind. I don't want you to have
regrets about the child, and I don't want the child to resent anyone when he grows up. I know you want
him to have a better living environment, but you've overlooked that I might not love him as much as
you, a biological mother."
Janet pursed her lips and remained silent, her face slightly pale. She knew that Arya was somewhat
reasonable.
"A caring environment could make him a better man than material wealth." Arya put her hands on the
table. "If you still think it's good for him to grow up under my care, I can still help you. But you must
allow Jasper's parents to know about his existence and come to visit him."
Janet lowered her head and did not speak.
Arya was not in a hurry and waited patiently for her answer.
"I grew up in a family that values men over women. I have suffered more than others. I thought that
when I grew up, I would be able to take care of myself and break off all relations with my family.
However, I am still unable to get rid of them. My parents spoil my younger brother, so even though he
has grown up, he is like a chair warmer and is addicted to gambling. My parents never care about me,
just always asking me for money. I am very afraid of living a poor life. When I was in school, I envied
other students who ate a hamburger, but I never dared to buy it. It wasn't because I didn't have money
to buy it. I had part-time jobs. At least, I could afford one. But I am afraid that I will run out of money. I
am afraid of that poor life."
Janet propped up her face with one hand and continued in a choked voice. "I'm afraid he'll have a
rough time if he's with me. I can't provide him with a good living standard."
"After giving him to you, I often miss him. I can't sleep. I lost sleep every night."
Arya handed her a tissue.
"Sorry." Janet lowered her head, wiping her face. After a moment, she had calmed down and looked at
Arya. "You're right. A caring environment is more important for him."
In the end, Janet decided to raise Max herself, and live with Jasper's parents, giving her child love and
warmth.
Although the child didn't have a father, he could grow up in a caring environment.
On the same day, Janet followed Arya back and picked up Max. When Janet saw that Max's
expenditure on food, clothing and other necessities were the same as Ramona's. Janet was very
grateful to Arya.
Arya asked Janet to come to her if she met any difficulties.
Janet agreed.
As soon as Janet left, Bridget came.
She wanted Arya to go shopping with her.
Arya looked at her. "Don't you need to go to the dance room?"
Bridget's mouth twitched. What did Jacob tell her last night?
He wanted to hire her as a private dancing teacher. She couldn't figure out what was wrong with him.
"I don't want to go there today. Go shopping with me." Bridget held Arya's arm. "You don't have to go to
the company. Mom and Nanny Joy will take care of Ramona. You are free."
Arya was dragged to the mall by Bridget.
In the past, Bridget favored unisex clothes. Arya had never seen her wear a dress. However, this time
Bridget was obsessed with dresses that could make her look very feminine.
Arya followed her.
Arya seemed to know why Bridget had such a big change but didn't point it out.
Bridget bought a lot, not only for herself but also for Ryan and Ramona.
Bridget asked, "Arya, don't you buy some?" Arya shook her head, "I have enough of them. Choose
yours. Don't mind me."
"What about for my brother?" Bridget dragged her to the men's clothing store. Bridget was a little
embarrassed that Arya bought nothing but acted like a shopaholic.
The driver followed them. When they left the mall, the driver carried more than a dozen bags. With the
bags carried by Arya, there were about 20.
When Arya was about to get in, somebody called her. Arya paused and turned around, seeing that
Harriet was not far away. She was dressed in plain clothes, had short hair, and didn't wear makeup.
She seemed to be totally different from the slyly and willful girl she used to be.
"Can I have a word with you?" Harriet looked at Arya with her hands down.
Arya closed the door and asked the driver and Bridget to go back.
They didn't find a place to sit, just walking aimlessly along the roadside. After a long time, Harriet said,
"Thank you."
Her tone was very calm.
Officer YANG helped reverse her verdict, helping her prove that she didn't murder Jasper.
She was being taken advantage of.
Arya said nothing. She didn't accept or refuse it.
Silence didn't mean forgiveness. Arya just didn't want to dwell on the past.
"Dad is old. I will take good care of him in the future." Harriet looked down, "I have found a job. The
salary is not high but enough."
Arya didn't say anything and wore an indifferent look.
Arya didn't even know why she agreed to talk to Harriet.
Maybe she had let go of the past as early as she asked Officer YANG to help Harriet.
Arya let go of their grudges.
The breeze blew gently. It was already cold in November.
Arya gathered her coat around her and walked back.
Harriet stood behind her, looked at her disappearing from her view, shouting, "I'm sorry for hurting you."
Arya did not pause at all as if she had not heard Harriet, but Arya seemed to be relieved.
She walked along the roadside for a long time, and it was getting dark. She didn't hail a taxi but walked
back.
Along the way, she thought a lot and let go of a lot.
Suddenly, she raised her head, smiling.
She had gained what she did not dare to hope for in the past: husband, children, and a family.
After she went back to the Old Residence, Xavier hadn't come back yet. He hadn't come back for
dinner either.
After dinner, Arya helped Nanny May clean up the dishes. Daisy took care of Ramona in the living
room. Ryan sat in Mr. Jones's arms, watching TV.
Arya looked over. This scene was so harmonious and warm.
After cleaning up, Arya sat in the living room for a while. After Ramona fell asleep, she went back to her
room.
Arya hung the clothes that Bridget bought for Xavier in the closet, then took a set of clean clothes to the
bathroom and took a shower.
She was wearing a bathrobe and her hair was wet. Rubbing her hair, she walked out of the bathroom
and saw Xavier. He was sitting on the sofa, reading documents. When he saw her coming out, he shut
the folder and put it aside. He approached her. Arya walked over. Xavier took the towel in her hand and
helped rub her hair gently.
Leaning against his chest, Arya told him about her meeting with Janet.
"Perhaps she has also realized that Max can grow up better with her and Jasper's parents' company."
Xavier didn't give her any reaction but rubbed her hair earnestly.
Suddenly, Arya turned to look at Xavier. "Have you noticed that Bridget has changed recently?"
"Hmm?" He narrowed his eyes slightly and stared at the woman who was close to him.
"I think she has feelings for Jacob, but she hasn't realized it."
"Arya."
Suddenly, Xavier interrupted her, gently caressing her forehead and pinning the hair that was covering
her face behind her ears. "I want to make up for the time we hadn't been together."
Arya wriggled free from his arms and refused, "Ramona is still young. I won't go anywhere else."
Xavier didn't know what to say.
She had missed Ryan's childhood, she must not miss Ramona's now. She must watch Ramona grow
up from a baby to a slim and graceful lady.
Xavier held her hand. "Arya."
Afraid that he would continue, Arya pushed him to the bathroom. "You should take a shower."
All of a sudden, Xavier turned around, and his dark eyes sparkled. Being stared at by his alluring bright
eyes, Arya felt her neck and cheeks were hot. He was like a seductive demon. He said in a drawling
voice, "Wait for me?"
Arya blushed, forcing herself to nod.
After Xavier went to the bathroom, Arya changed her clothes.
Wait for him?
Heh.
Arya thought it was better to leave now.
She was so exhausted last night.
Recalling his expression, Arya couldn't help but tremble. She secretly opened the door and went to
Bridget's room upstairs, planning to sleep there tonight.
However, as soon as she opened the door, she saw Bridget lying on the bed.
Arya was shocked for a moment before she came back to her senses. "Bridget, why are you here?"
Bridget lay on the bed and looked up at Arya. "Jacob is a psycho! He has hired me as a dancing
teacher and asked me to practice hard. It's impossible." Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
"So..."
"So I ran back."
Arya was at a loss for words.
"Arya, why are you here?" Bridget blinked and asked in confusion.
Arya still didn't know what to say.
Could she say that she escaped from Xavier?
"Have you quarreled with my brother?" Bridget suddenly sat up. Arya thought Bridget was going to
persuade her to go back, but Bridget pulled her in and closed the door. "How dare he? Forget about
him. Sleep in my room tonight."
Arya nodded. Fortunately, she could stay here.
However, as soon as she lay down, the door was knocked on. Xavier stood at the door with a gloomy
face.
She had promised to wait for him.
How could she escape?
"We're already asleep," Bridget called out.
Xavier was out of words.
"Arya, come out," Xavier said in a low voice.
Arya felt that she was in trouble. She stared at the door and was deeply uneasy.
Bridget seemed to sense Arya's uneasiness and thought she was afraid of Xavier. She held Arya in her
arms, "Don't be afraid. I'm here. If he dares to bully you, I'll definitely help you beat him back."
"Arya, come out." Arya felt more pressure. She felt that Xavier was suppressing his anger.
Arya had seen Xavier lose his temper, so she was a little frightened.
She might be able to allay his anger if she went out now, but Bridget hugged her tightly.
The corners of Xavier's eyes twitched.
"What are you doing here? It's so late." Daisy came out to drink water and saw Xavier standing at
Bridget's door. Seeing that he didn't move, she continued, "Are you going to stand here all night?"
But sensing that the atmosphere was strange, she asked, "Have you quarreled with Arya?
Before Xavier could speak, Daisy continued, "Xavier, if you dare to hurt her, I will kill you."
Xavier was totally furious.
Could he say that Arya was bullying him?
She had promised to wait for him, but he was left alone in the room.
Bridget covered her mouth in the room and almost failed to hold her laughter back.
She wanted to open the door to see Xavier being disciplined.
At night, Xavier was alone in the queen-size bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
Suddenly, he sat up.
What the hell?
How could everyone be on Arya's side and against him?
The more he thought about it, the more depressed he was. He couldn't allow this to continue, and he
had to teach her a lesson. Xavier thought.
Thus, in the middle of the night, Xavier crawled out of bed, rummaging for the key to Bridget's room.
Fortunately, he found it.
He went upstairs and opened the door with the key he found. It was quiet. Only shallow breathing could
be heard. Xavier walked gently to the bed and reached out to carry Arya up. Arya was a light sleeper
and was woken up. She opened her eyes, seeing that Xavier's face was close to hers. "You..."
"Hush."
Arya didn't dare to make a sound, afraid that they would wake Bridget up.
Xavier closed the door, carrying Arya downstairs.
Arya was a little nervous. "Xavier..."
"Em?"
Xavier carried her into their room and shoved the door.
Before Arya could explain, she heard a large sound. Xavier swept the staff on the low table off and put
her on the table.
Arya was so regretful.
"Xavier... I am wrong."
"And what is that?"
"I shouldn't have left you alone after I promised you."
"Well, it's too late."
Arya didn't dare to say a word.
In December, the weather was getting colder and colder. Near the end of the year, it snowed heavily.
Feather-size snowflakes fluttered and slowly fell.
Arya was walking in a park near the house in a down jacket. When Xavier came back, he noticed her
walking in the snow. He stopped the car and walked over.
Walking, he heard the snow creaking.
He quickly walked to her side and reached out to hold her hand. They strolled shoulder to shoulder, like
beautiful scenery in the hazy white world.
It was still snowing, and their heads were covered in white. They were like an old couple.
Arya looked at Xavier's 'gray hair' and giggled. "Xavier, you look like a gray-haired elder."
Xavier turned to look at her. His eyes, which were filled with endless tenderness, were now tinged with
a smile. "If I were an elder, then you would be an old woman."
"Xavier!"
Arya chased after him in the snow, trying to fight back.
With snow covering their heads, they were like an old couple whose love lasted forever.
"It's time to go home. Ryan and Ramona are waiting for us."
Xavier held her hand in his palm and strolled back. Their shadows were dragged long and slim by
streetlights.
"I hope I can hold your hand and be with you till the end of our days."
Monologue.
I had heard that the way to true love was hard. It was like the distance between the sky and the earth;
like the process of farewell and reunion.
The journey we took hardly had twists and turns.
It was not thrilling and heart-stopping.
Time lapsed, but all I wanted was always to be with you.
Lying at home. Enjoying life.
Now, I found you. My dream came true. You were the perfect ending to my story.
Someone might as me what love was.
It must be that I laid beside you regardless of the turmoil outside.
You accompanied me, journeying for a lifetime. Though we aged, our love was always fresh.
I would always be with you just like we didn't believe the sky and the earth would always be there.
The more times I held you in my arms, the more I loved you.
In the most soul-stirring times, we could write our own story.
The end of the story.