Chapter 2The Second Act

Since following Lucas's account with my burner, my gaze lingered on him longer and longer.

Lucas not only took care of Leo's every need but also raised him well.

Every time we met, the first thing Leo said when he jumped into my arms was, "Mommy, you worked hard."

No resentment or distance due to my busy schedule, only understanding and respect.

Even when reluctant to part, he would just say with red eyes that he would miss me every day.

Behind this sensibility must be Lucas's countless explanations and guidance.

He never brushed off Leo's imaginative emotions or questions but responded seriously, breaking down the world's rules for him.

He guided him to read classics and learn history, so my three-year-old son understood many principles early on.

The comments were often like this:

[I lived half my life to understand what he knows at three. Parental education is crucial!]

Some were curious: [Why is there no trace of the mom in the videos?]

Lucas would reply: [In our family, mom works, and dad stays home. Mom brings home the bacon, I take care of the baby.]

Many were charmed by him, and his mysterious wife was often envied:

[Girl, busy all day, coming home to a husband warm in bed and an angel son, you must be smiling in your sleep!]

[Congratulations! (Jealous glare)]

[Natural birth isn't as fast as 'picking one up.' Isn't adoption advocated? I want this one, self-pickup available!]

Although the facts weren't exactly like that.

But I occasionally blushed at these comments.

Seeing the word "husband material," the first image in my mind was Lucas frying steak in the kitchen wearing a black turtleneck cashmere sweater.

Every time I went back to the estate, he would cook a big table of dishes Leo and I liked.

Although surprised, I never asked, as he was always a thoughtful and decent person.

Lucas was best at teaching by example.

At the amusement park, he held wet wipes and a thermos in one hand and held a parasol for me with the other, asking our son to carry my bag.

When I tried to refuse, he explained it was to let Leo learn by example and develop the habit of caring for and respecting women.

As I marveled at his thoughtfulness countless times, our distance gradually closed unknowingly, as if we were a real family.

And he silently occupied a corner of my heart.

After shooting a sunglasses commercial, I sat in the nanny van watching the latest video on my tablet.

In the video, Leo's eyes were red.

"My deskmate's mom picks her up every day. Why can't my mom stay with me like you do?"

Lucas was silent for a moment, then told him seriously:

"Because she is herself first, and your mother second. She is an independent and free individual. Everyone has their own dreams. Just like your dream is to become a great entrepreneur, would you be happy if Mom and I didn't support you and asked you to give up?"

Leo sniffled and shook his head.

"No."

"Similarly, you can't ask Mom to give up her dreams just to revolve around you. As her family, we should support her, right?"

My son was quickly comforted and smiled again.

He hugged Lucas affectionately.

"What about you, Daddy? Don't you have a dream?"

Lucas's voice was calm and low.

"I want to be the tallest tree in the forest, watching you and Mom fly high and far like free eagles. When you are tired, you can see me at first glance and rest safely on my branches. I will shelter you from the wind and rain until you are full of energy to start the next journey."

Every word landed clearly and powerfully in my ears.

Beating heavily on my heart like a drum.

I rubbed the screen, quietly feeling the sudden flutter in my chest.

We had a child. We got divorced.

We had clearly reached the end of our story.

Yet, I was just starting to fall for this man.