*

Marina remarked, "Better to keep things above board, in case anyone gets the wrong idea." Carson joked, "We're living together; do you really think people believe we're just friends?"

"I don't care what others think. Innocent until proven guilty!" Marina replied with a light laugh. "Would you mind stepping out for a bit, Mr. Foster? I need to change."

Carson stood up straighter, glanced at his watch, and said, "Take your time. You've got about half an hour. Jonah mentioned something about a dinner gathering tonight. I'll wait for you downstairs."

"Thanks!" Marina raised an eyebrow playfully. "I'll be down on time."

Carson nodded slightly and left the room.

A small garden separated Carson's villa from the one where Charlie and Emily lived.

Kya was thrilled with the new surroundings, running up and down the stairs excitedly.

Knowing there was a child in the house, the housekeeper had the kitchen prepare some special kid-friendly dishes, including a few vegetable and cheese rolls for Kya. Charlie fed her and then turned to Emily, who was unpacking their luggage. "The staff here can help with that. I'll sort out Kya's things later. Why don't you take a break, and I'll take Kya outside for a bit?"

Kya was too restless to stay put, always needing someone to keep an eye on her. Charlie wouldn't leave her with the servants; he preferred to look after her himself.

"The view here is amazing, and the air is so fresh!" Emily exclaimed from the balcony, looking out into the distance. She turned back to Charlie with a smile. "Reminds me a bit of Villa del Sol on Maple Street." At the mention of Villa del Sol, Charlie couldn't help but smile, remembering the villa he built based on her model. "You liked Villa del Sol?"

tell her about the existence of that villa. One day, it

took a job at the patisserie nearby, just so I could catch a glimpse of it from afar," Emily shared, her eyes still filled with longing.

gave him a look. "Jealous of a mountain and a

"Fair point. Villa del Sol belongs to Estelle now. You

gave

hers

eyes sparkled. "Jonah is so good to

she added, "That was just an observation, don't ask me if

playful demeanor, Charlie just smiled

shrimp, topped off with a glass of milk, she was buzzing with energy. "Daddy, I want

go!" Charlie picked her up, turning to Emily. "We'll just be outside. Come find us when

noticed Josiah James and Amiee

"Sounds good!"

and took

had thoughtfully included a small playground within Charlie's

and seesaw, having a

the evening set in, the estate

southern location meant it

even though spring

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