CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: A MISMATCH IN FAMILY BACKGROUNDS

On the way back.

Iris Quill and Florence Lynch both fell asleep on Poppy Hale’s lap.

The car slowed down at the community entrance, and the security guard glanced over and opened the gate.

Declan Hawthorne asked, "Which building?"

"The one in front, near the river."

Declan Hawthorne drove the car inside.

At this time, Iris Quill woke up, fussing about wanting to use the bathroom.

There were no public toilets around, so Poppy Hale had to take Iris Quill upstairs.

Declan Hawthorne closed the car door and got out.

Iris Quill was understandable; he’s only two years old.

But Declan Hawthorne is an adult man.

Following her upstairs at this time, if seen by the neighbors or Mrs. Hale, would be hard to explain.

Declan Hawthorne chuckled softly, as if he didn’t see the accusation in Poppy Hale’s eyes.

"I need to use the bathroom too."

"The streetlights here are broken."

The implication was that Declan Hawthorne could find a tree to relieve himself.

The man raised an eyebrow at her.

"There are no streetlights, but there are security cameras."

Poppy Hale had no choice but to take both the big and small man upstairs.

The old and small elevator was also somewhat dilapidated, with numerous lock picking advertisements plastered all over, and even some special service cards.

The space wasn’t large; two adults, both holding a child, Poppy Hale had to press against the elevator wall to avoid touching Declan Hawthorne’s arm.

Unexpectedly.

The man held Iris Quill with one arm, and with the other, he hooked Poppy Hale’s waist, pulling her into his embrace.

Making space for other neighbors.

There were many people living in the building, as well as several tenants, Poppy Hale didn’t know the people who got on.

But they recognized her, smiling, "Oh my, is this your husband? You’ve lived here for so long, it’s the first time I’ve seen your husband!"

Poppy Hale awkwardly curled her toes.

Saying no was difficult with Declan Hawthorne holding her.

Saying yes wasn’t right either.

Feeling caught in a dilemma.

The man, however, wore a smile, looking down at her, his gaze deep and meaningful.

The neighbor looked at the child Declan Hawthorne was holding, "Do you two also have a child?"

Iris Quill said, "No, this is my uncle."

He glanced at Poppy Hale and continued, "This is my aunt."

Poppy Hale: "..."

Iris Quill only knew that he really liked Poppy Hale.

He wanted Poppy Hale to be his aunt.

It’s just that his uncle has a bad temper, Aunt Poppy would be at a disadvantage.

It’s okay.

His watch still had fifty-two dollars saved up, all of which could be given to Aunt Poppy as compensation.

Declan Hawthorne’s smile deepened, and he didn’t explain.

Poppy Hale couldn’t help it and stepped on Declan Hawthorne’s foot.

He was enjoying her embarrassment.

Declan Hawthorne wasn’t angry, silently smiling, and nodded slightly at the neighbor.

It looked like Poppy Hale was just giving him a hard time.

More like a married couple.

Getting out of the elevator, Poppy Hale’s face was burning hot.

Now she hoped Mrs. Hale had already gone to bed.

To prevent her from waking up and getting the wrong idea.

Even before she could insert the key into the lock, Mrs. Hale heard the commotion and opened the door.

A little boy rushed towards the bathroom, with a man following behind.

Declan Hawthorne was not wearing a suit, appearing less imperious and more approachable.

Mrs. Hale looked, and once over from head to toe.

Poppy Hale introduced stiffly, "My boss, Florence’s classmate’s parent, came up to use the bathroom."

Use the bathroom?

In this day and age, still using that excuse?

Mrs. Hale gave a knowing "Oh."

Poppy Hale took out a pair of men’s slippers for Declan Hawthorne, "Wear these. They’re new."

The tag was still attached, proving they were new.

A while ago, someone knocked on the door late at night; there were three women at home, all vulnerable.

Poppy Hale bought men’s slippers to place at the door, but later thought it was too obvious and simply installed a video doorbell.

The slippers remained unused.

But the size bought was Declan Hawthorne’s shoe size.

The man glanced down.

Were they bought for her husband?

They’d never been unwrapped, and considering what the neighbor said, that man seemed to have never come here.

Declan Hawthorne’s throat tightened. Gratefully, he wore the slippers and thanked.

Looking at Mrs. Hale, he smiled, "Hello, Auntie, sorry to intrude. Previously, Iris bullied Florence at school, so I’m here to apologize."

"Are you the chubby kid’s?"

"Uncle."

Being an uncle, not a father, indicated that this man was likely single.

Mrs. Hale looked again, smiling, "You two chat; want some water? What’s your last name?"

"Hawthorne." He patted his trousers, remembering he wasn’t in a suit and had no business card, so he added, "Declan Hawthorne."

"Young Hawthorne, take a seat, I’ll wash some fruit."

Poppy Hale couldn’t bear to watch, "Mom, you rest. I’ll do it."

"What do you mean you’ll do it? Aren’t you tired enough already?"

Guided by Florence, Declan Hawthorne sat on their sofa.

Though suitable for them, with Declan Hawthorne seated, the living room appeared cramped.

The man’s long legs had no place, and extending them even a little would bump into Florence’s toys.

Poppy Hale nudged Mrs. Hale into the kitchen.

With the tap on, Mrs. Hale asked, "Is he really your boss?"

Poppy Hale recounted the story of Iris Quill and Florence.

Mrs. Hale gave an "Oh," and said, "Why does that name sound familiar?"

Like she’s heard of him, the man seems familiar, like she’s seen him before.

Poppy Hale’s heart tightened, laughing it off, "Maybe from our company website."

Mrs. Hale scoffed.

What would an old lady want with a company’s website?

"Single?"

"I don’t know. He certainly isn’t lacking suitors, so don’t think about it."

She understood what Mrs. Hale was thinking.

"I also have a child; families like his wouldn’t want a woman with children."

Mrs. Hale also thought this way.

The main issue was the mismatch in social standing, even if Poppy Hale did marry into that family, she’d suffer.

Discussing this, Mrs. Hale began to feel guilty again, "If your dad hadn’t gotten sick and the company hadn’t failed, you’d be a good match."

Not a good match.

Poppy Hale internally added.

The disparity between them was never just about social status.

Staring at the sink, Poppy Hale softly said, "Mom, I just want to be with a man who loves me."

"Oh, dear, life is more than about liking or not liking. Don’t always argue with Sean, we need to maintain good ties with his parents."

Mrs. Hale referred to how Stella Hollis affected Poppy Hale’s relationship with Sean Lynch as siblings.

After all, Sean Lynch is Poppy Hale’s closest family.

Mrs. Hale sighed, "With my health failing, Sean’s the only reliable one you have, don’t be foolish."

If she were to leave, her daughter would have no family.

At the kitchen door, the man’s footsteps paused.

Her voice mingled with the sound of running water, reaching his ears.

"Mom, I don’t want to wrong myself."