Upon returning, she presented Jerrold with a gift. "Happy New Year, Jerrold. I wish you health and happiness," she said warmly.

Jerrold's face lit up with joy. He had often wondered about his mother, imagining her to be as kind and gentle as the mothers he saw on television. But now, he realized his mother was even more beautiful and gentle than those figures.

"Thank you, Mommy," Jerrold said, planting a kiss on Lilah's cheek.

She responded with a smile and a gentle pinch to his cheek.

Turning to Gerard, Lilah held out another gift. “Happy New Year, Gerard. I hope you-" She paused, momentarily unsure what to wish for someone as accomplished as Gerard.

Before she could finish, Gerard's deep voice filled the room. “I hope we'll have a happy life and grow old together." He then presented Lilah with a gift of his own.

Lilah was pleasantly surprised that Gerard had prepared a gift as well.

"Thanks," she said, accepted the gift and opened the box, revealing a bank card.

"The PIN is your birthday," Gerard disclosed.

She was taken aback; it was quite extravagant to gift a bank card like this. However, knowing it was his heartfelt gesture, Lilah accepted it with a gracious smile.

Gerard also presented a gift to Jerrold, who promptly tucked it into his pocket.

When Gerard raised an eyebrow and pointed to his own cheek, Jerrold pouted but complied, giving his father a quick kiss.

"Little guy," Gerard teased, ruffling Jerrold's short hair. Jerrold protested, inspecting his reflection in the mirror and shooting his father a reproachful look. "You messed up my hair!"

“Ha-ha!" Lilah chuckled. She hadn't realized how concerned their son was about his appearance. "It's okay. Our baby looks good no matter what. Come on, let's watch a TV show together!"

“Sure! Jerrold soon forgot about the incident, snuggling up next to his mommy.

Gerard brought some snacks, and they watched TV until late. Jerrold eventually drifted to sleep on the couch.

Gerard tenderly picked up Jerrold, carrying him to his bedroom.

Meanwhile, Lilah, feeling notably fatigued, gazed at Gerard as he emerged and softly said, "I'm going back to rest too."

“It's so late; why don't you stay?" Gerard suggested, settling beside her with his arm around her waist. His warm breath brushed against her cheek, and his voice carried an enchanting cadence.

Lilah began to speak but found herself silenced by Gerard's soft Lips.

A gentle kiss stirred up a pool of desire, and five minutes later, when he released her, she had wholly surrendered. Gerard whispered softly, "Come on, stay for the night. I won't do anything to you."

"Okay..." she murmured softly.

Lilah was indeed tired, and with Gerard gently patting her shoulder to soothe her, she fell asleep even faster.

The next day, on a work-free morning, Lilah awoke to find it was already ten o'clock.