Upon hearing Veronicaâs thoughts, it was as if Ellinor had been pricked by a needle. She squinted her eyes again towards the balloon vendor.
The helium balloons were flying high; even though the middle-aged vendor had already disappeared from sight, one could still see a balloon floating high above the garden wall.
âSis, Iâve got something to do. I have to go now.â Veronica was in a hurry, not having the time to think too much.
Ellinor snapped back to reality, smiling with pursed lips. âA date? With Moran?â
Veronica blushed. She was too shy to admit it. âI⦠Iâm about to have dinner. Iâve gotta go. Bye!â
With that, she darted off in her high heels.
Ellinor smiled, retracted her gaze, and prepared to take the kids inside.
At that moment, Layla tugged at her hand, asking sweetly, âMommy, is Auntie going on a date?â
Ellinor looked down at her daughter, answering with a mix of laughter and tears. âYes. Your auntie is going on a date, and before long sheâll bring you a new uncle.â
Layla looked up at Ellinor, her adorable, small face as radiant as ever. âI already know who the uncle is.
Itâs the gentleman who went on a picnic with us at the park, right?
âRight! You little imp, nothing gets past you, huh?â Ellinor squatted down and pinched her daughterâs little nose.
Layla rubbed her nose. âMommy, Auntie is dating, so when will you start dating?â
Ellinor pulled a face. âMommy has you three. Whatâs the need for dating?â
Layla said earnestly, âJust because you have us, you canât date? Mommy, donât you feel lonely on your own?â
Ellinor pulled her daughter, who always seemed to think too much, into her arms. âHow can Mommy be alone? Donât I have you and your brothers with me every day? How could I be lonely?â
Layla pouted. âItâs not the same! When itâs time to pick us up at kindergarten, all my friendsâ moms have dads with them. I want my mommy to have someone she likes too.â
Ellinor was taken aback, not because her daughter was worrying about her love life, but because she was concerned that the kids would feel left out when they saw other kids with both parents.
Every parent wanted to give their children a complete family.
âDo you want a daddy, Layla?â Ellinor asked softly.
Layla first nodded, then shook her head. âI want a daddy. But if my daddy doesnât come back, I want Mommy to have a strong man who can protect you, who can be with you every day, and who can love you.â
Ellinor was helpless against her daughter. And she couldnât help but rub her little face. âMommyâs strong enough to not only protect myself but also you guys.â
Layla clung to her balloon, wrapping her arms around Ellinorâs neck and pouting. âMommy, donât change the subject! If a handsome man pursues you in the future, you must consider it. Donât reject him just because of me and my brothers. We all want you to be happy!â
âAlright! If a handsome man pursues Mommy, Mommy will definitely not refuse, okay?â Ellinor placated the child in her arms while leading the other two toward the house.
After dinner, Marissa and Putnam entertained the three little ones in the living room, while Ellinor went upstairs alone.
In summer, the nights were longer.
After dinner, there was still a dim light outside.
Ellinor stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in her room. Her sharp eyes spotted a few suspicious figures lurking outside the Blanchet Villa.