She tried to phone Gerard, but there was no connection.

“He might still be busy. It's okay. Let's keep enjoying ourselves."

Lilah stroked Jerrold's hair soothingly. He nodded, continuing his meal without any sign of disappointment, which Lilah found amusing.

"Do you miss your dad?" Lilah asked softly.

"Not very much," Jerrold answered in a sweet voice. "Daddy's often not around, and I'm used to it."

His independence at such a young age was remarkable.

Many children would be upset or even throw tantrums under similar circumstances.

Jerrold looked up at Lilah, smiling. "Besides, I'm very happy with you here."

Lilah felt a warmth spread in her heart. "Jerrold, eat some more."

They nearly finished their dinner by nine o'clock. Lilah chose a nearby hotel for their stay.

Exhausted from the day, Jerrold quickly fell asleep after his shower.

After her shower, Lilah noticed her phone vibrating. An unknown number was calling.

She answered.

“Humph, Lilah, you are so naive. Thinking charity is true love. I would feel like a fool if I were you." Marlene's mocking and triumphant voice filled the line.

"Oh." Lilah's face remained expressionless.

Marlene found herself momentarily at a loss for words. She wondered why Lilah wasn't showing any curiosity about the news. It felt Like punching cotton to Marlene, Lilah's lack of reaction.

Frustrated, Marlene clenched her teeth, took a deep breath, and asked, “Lilah, aren't you interested in why Gerard didn't go on the trip with you?"

When she heard this, Lilah's eyebrows lifted slightly. She was puzzled about how Marlene knew about their travel plans.

Lilah's silence seemed to embolden Marlene. She declared, "I'll tell you the truth. Gerard isn't just busy. He went to see Laura. After years, she's finally awake. Lilah, you'll no longer have a place in Gerard's life."

Laura.

This was the second time Lilah had heard that name.

Her lips tightened. The woman, once comatose, was now awake?

Gerard had skipped their trip to see Laura?

Lilah wanted to trust Gerard, yet she couldn't shake off a sense of hesitation. She felt this person held a special place in Gerard's heart.