As dusk settled over Radiance Manor, Willow dropped Landon off at home.

    The towering banyan trees cast their shadows over the house, blocking much of the light spilling from within. The deep blue sky peeked through the dense branches, leaving patches of darkness across the ground.

    Willow got out of the car, lifting Landon from the back seat, reluctant to let go.

    Landon was sweaty but still smelled like a baby, sweet and fresh. Willow kissed him repeatedly, never ready to part, but she knew she couldn’t stay the night.

    Landon didn’t want her to leave either, holding onto her tightly. His small face, bathed in the soft evening light, looked especially fair and delicate, endearing her even more.

    At the top of the stairs stood a tall figure—Julian.

    Willow raised her eyes and met his gaze. He had been standing there for a while, seemingly with something to say.

    She gently patted Landon’s head and said softly, “Lando, go inside first. Your dad and I need to talk.

    Landon’s face flushed slightly. “Mommy calls me ‘Lando,” he thought with uncontained joy, hopping excitedly as he ran toward the door. A maid was already there to greet him and take care of

    him.

    Willow watched him go inside before walking toward Julian.

    The two of them locked eyes in the dusk, the scent of osmanthus lingering in the air.

    Julian’s eyes were deep and thoughtful as he studied Willow’s fair face. She had softened over the years.

    It was as if all the sharp edges that had once defined her were gone. She radiated a gentle elegance, like a pearl that had grown smoother with time.

    After a long bpause/b, Julian finally spoke, his voice carrying a hint of subtle affection,

    “You asked mest night if it would be alright to bring Gabrie over for a meal. Willow, I’m nning to start a rtionship with Sacha, and we might get married soon. But don’t worry, this won’t affect your visits to Landon He’ll always be your child”

    His words were unexpected

    After all, justst night, he had seemed to struggle with letting go of the past. They had even shared a lingering kiss

    Turns bout/b, it was just a man’s hormones at y

    It was good that Willow hadn’t taken it seriously. After all these years, with love and resentment both faded, it was easy to face the situation calmly

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    Willow considered his words for a moment before offering a sincere suggestion. “Well, congrattions then! If Landon’s presence affects your new marriage, I’m happy to take care of him… You can leave him with me.”

    Julian’s voice grew hoarse as he responded, “I’ll take care of him. He’s used to being with me.”

    Willow didn’t argue.

    As she was about to leave, she turned and spotted Landon hiding near the doorway, clutching the wall with tears in his eyes.

    Her heart softened, and she rushed over to hug him, speaking gently, “I’ll pick you up from school

    tomorrow.”

    Landon clung to her tightly. Willow cupped his little face, kissed him again and again. It wasn’t until Julian walked over and lifted Landon into his arms that she reluctantly pulled away.

    As she walked away, her emotions wereplicated.

    Life always had its surprises, like reuniting with Landon, or Julian’s sudden decision to remarry.

    Willow left, and Julian stood on the steps, holding Landon in his arms. He stood there for a long time, watching until she disappeared from view.

    Landon wrapped one arm around Julian’s neck and gently wiped his eye. He whispered, “Daddy, did you cry?”

    Julian was as stubborn as ever. “No, it’s just some dust in my eyes.‘

    Landon cupped Julian’s face and softly said, “Let me blow it away for you, Daddy.”

    The small face was so close, and it reminded Julian so much of Willow.

    At that moment, he couldn’t help himself. He tightly hugged Landon, squeezing him close.

    Landon struggled, gasping, “Daddy, I can’t breathe

    Landon said one thing, but his actions betrayed hing His arms stayed tightly wrapped around Julian.

    They had been each other’s world for years, and Landon loved Julian deeply.

    The two of them walked together toward the glowing lights of the house, their shadows stretching behind them. Julian’s voice was soft as he spoke, “might be marrying someone else soon.”

    Landon hesitated for a moment, then said, “If you ally like her, I guess I can ept it. But I still like Mommy and E the most ”

    Julian reached out to touch Landon’s soft cheek His heart ached a little.

    Two dayster was Rowena’s birthday.

    Gabrie had caught a cold, so Willow didn’t bring her along. Still, she couldn’t help thinking about her the whole time. She nned to drop off a gift, grab a bite, and then leave early to bring Gabrie her favorite cake.

    The party was extravagant, as usual. But Willow wasn’t in the mood to socialize.

    Before leaving, she made a quick stop at the restroom. That was when she stumbled upon Rowena.

    Compared to Gabrie and Landon, Rowena was about six months younger. She was sweet, tiny, and looked like a little fairytale princess.

    Willow’s heart melted.

    She couldn’t help but smile as she crouched down beside her. “Rowie, what are you doing back here? Your grandma’s probably looking for you. Want me to take you back to her?”