Chapter 2The Girl Who Came Back

I nodded and got into the car holding sleeping Lily.

Seeing Lily, a look of surprise crossed the assistant's face. "Miss Foster, this is..."

I made a shushing gesture, afraid chatting would wake her.

Only when we were settled in the back seat did I whisper, "This is my daughter."

The assistant nodded and fell silent.

When he pulled up to the destination, I froze.

This hotel was where Lucas and Chloe got married.

Married for five years, he held an anniversary gala every year and personally picked gifts for her.

I thought, Lucas really cherished Chloe.

Years ago, he didn't allow me into their world. Bringing me back this year was just to make me witness their happiness.

I got out of the car numbly and saw Chloe standing on the curb, smiling as she walked toward me.

Unlike me, haggard and dressed simply, Chloe wore expensive jewelry and perfume. She looked well taken care of by Lucas.

The smile on her face stiffened for a second.

I knew she saw Lily in my arms.

Sure enough, when she reached me, Chloe looked shocked. "Jane, how did you secretly have a baby abroad without telling your Auntie? I've been married to your Uncle for so long, do you still treat me like an outsider?"

Before I could speak, Chloe grabbed Lily from my arms.

Lily woke up and immediately started crying, struggling against Chloe.

I took Lily back and soothed her for a while.

Actually, Chloe knew I had a crush on Lucas.

Coming back this time, I didn't want to get too involved with her.

But Chloe stubbornly insisted on holding Lily.

When we arrived at the private dining room, Lily was still crying for me.

Chloe forced a smile and shoved Lily back into my arms. "Your Uncle knows having kids isn't easy. We haven't thought about having kids these past few years. Seeing you with a daughter, I just got too excited."

There were already a few people in the room.

I wasn't used to socializing, so I picked a corner seat. Chloe naturally sat next to me.

She enthusiastically linked her arm with mine, introducing me and Lily to everyone.

The others looked at me with obvious mockery and curiosity.

I couldn't stand the weird atmosphere and excused myself to the restroom.

When I came back after splashing water on my face, I heard Chloe's voice.

Someone asked Chloe why she brought a "jinx" like me inside.

"What jinx? Jane is Lucas's niece. Even though she strayed and tried to seduce him back then, she has a kid now. She definitely won't make that mistake again."

Hearing Chloe say this, I stood quietly at the door.

Right. In everyone's eyes, I was the crazy girl who tried to seduce her guardian, a shameless homewrecker.

Lily tugged at my clothes anxiously. I comforted her and walked in.

Some things had to be faced.

I don't know how long passed before everyone in the room suddenly stood up.

"Mr. Sterling is here!"

"Good evening, Mr. Sterling!"

A crowd swarmed him, but I didn't move, just sitting in my seat.

After a long while, I looked up at Lucas.

He seemed thinner.

Lucas wore a suit, and Chloe leaned on him. When they looked at each other, their eyes were full of smiles.

Surrounded by people, Lucas didn't notice me in the corner.

For all these years, he remained the center of attention, while I was the only one living a miserable life.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Chloe playfully nudged Lucas. "Lucas, Jane is here too. You haven't seen each other in years, catch up properly. Jane brought a surprise back too!"

Hearing the word "surprise," Lucas remained indifferent. He helped Chloe sit down first, ordered her a bird's nest soup, and only then lifted his eyes to look my way.

Lily shrank back in fear, looking defensive.

Lucas clearly saw Lily and his eyes widened in shock.

"Jane, what is this?"

He was asking about Lily.

I hadn't told them about her, so seeing me with a child elicited identical expressions of shock or amusement.

Chloe answered for me. "Lucas, this is Jane's daughter. Isn't she cute? She looks just like Jane. Looks like she's a few years old already."

Lucas's gaze fell on Lily, then on me, scrutinizing me for a long time.

Just when I thought he wouldn't speak to me again, he pointed at Lily, his voice hoarse. "In these years abroad... you got married and had a child?"

I looked up, meeting his gaze, and hummed a 'yes'.

"Married a long time ago. Sorry I didn't tell you."