My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)

Moreover, the encounter was so sudden that I forgot to ask Jordan if there had been a deal between him and Irvin.

With regards to Irvin's illness, he told me that he gave his life for mine. If this were true, the numerous worries and expectations would be a justification for ingratitude.

After a six-year coma, Irvin could have taken me away and made me his forever after I met Hendrix. However, he didn't.

When a man was near death, he spoke from the heart. Could it be possible that Irvin, knowing he was dying, struggled to decide whether to keep me or to let me go and eventually failed to do so? Even the smallest seed of evil thought could destroy the best of men, but Irvin was not one of them. After all, even a fleeting glimpse of tenderness in a man's heart would be considered forgivable. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice that the car had stopped.

Hendrix leaned over to unbuckle my seatbelt and gave me a reassuring smile. "We're home. Frown any more, and you'll have to endure your daughter's suffocating embrace."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Aurelia's reassuring little grownup expression as her tiny body hugged me. I answered, jokingly, "I'd love to suffocate. Even if you wanted Aurelia to hug her, you'd be lucky if she does!"

With that, we both opened our doors and exited the vehicle. When Hendrix reached me, we naturally took each other's hands and walked into the house together.

mock him. He buzzed around the kitchen like a bee, going in every few minutes to keep an eye on Hendrix, who was holding flour and cream in his hands. He didn't say anything but gave Hendrix

other hand, was in a good mood and couldn't be bothered with him. The afternoon went by as smooth

yet returned when Hendrix's cake

driver was watering the garden with a sprinkler, as if he had forgotten about picking up the

Ma'am, what can I do for you?" Mr. Lawson turned around and switched off the sprinkler

to remind you to pick up the kids from school,"

Lawson wasn't

and there

minds. As long as we

to do was

would be fine. All the

all.

longer is