Matthew came in abruptly. Looking at him in the mirror, she asked,

“What's up?"

“I just wanted to take a shower," answered Matthew curtly as he cast a glance at her.

“Okay, I'LL be done in a minute!" In order to avoid repeating last time's embarrassing moment, Erica washed her face quickly and ran out of the bathroom.

After a hearty breakfast, Wesley asked Erica and Matthew to go back to

Alorith.

Looking at Erica, who was very reluctant to leave Ethan, Matthew thoughtfully suggested, “You can bring him back with us."

Erica was astounded by Matthew's suggestion. Hesitatingly, she asked,

“You want Ethan to live with us in Alorith?" ‘Is he willing to be

Ethan's stepfather?’ she wondered.

Matthew nodded.

“Really?” Hope sprang in Erica's heart. She had believed that Matthew wouldn't agree to Ethan living with them. After all, it would bring shame to him if others learned that Matthew was raising the child his wife conceived with another man.

Matthew nodded again.

After some contemplation, Erica refused, "No, thanks. I can come back often to visit him. Let's go!" With Ethan settled at the Leonard family residence, she would have an excuse to travel home.

If she took Ethan to Alorith, she was afraid that Matthew would eventually grow to resent him. Then Erica wouldn't know what she would do.

Blair agreed with Erica as she thought it was better to let Ethan stay with her and Wesley.

“Matthew, Wesley and I have nothing to do at home.

We are happy to take care of Ethan as the boy brings us great joy. If

Rika misses Ethan, she can come back at any time. You don't need to take him home. Besides, Rika doesn't know how to take care of him." She thought that Matthew treated her daughter well enough. And so, she didn't want Ethan to be the source of trouble between them.

Erica restrained her emotions as she surrendered the baby to Blair.

Then, she turned to Wesley, who was drinking water in the kitchen, and said, "Dad, let's go."

“On my way!" After downing the Last mouthful of water, Wesley trotted to catch up with them.

He volunteered to drive them to the airport. However, Blair didn't accompany them as she had to watch Ethan. So, there were only three of them in the car.

On their way to the airport, Wesley repeatedly instructed Erica to go to school as soon as she arrived at Alorith. He also told her not to make any trouble. He wanted her to study hard, be a good student, and listen to Matthew.

"I'm not a three-year-old kid. Why should I listen to him?" Erica whined in a Low voice.