I didn't notice that at all. Anyway, forget her. When will auntie Leena be back? I haven't seen her for a long time." People were all like that. They saw each other as enemies whenever they were together yet missed each other's presence too when separated for a long time. It was obvious how much Justin had terribly missed Leena since the last time he met her.
"It is hard to say. It all depends on when she can complete her graduation thesis. She could come back after that. How about you? Did you go to see Mr. Ouyang today? Why did you come back so early?" Edward had seen the picture that Leena sent to him. Just as what he had thought, Leena chose a house in a quiet block to work on her designs.
"We talked just for a while. I clearly said what I wanted to say. There was nothing else special. So, I came back. Daddy, do you think I should have had a dinner with him before coming back?" Little Justin suddenly felt sad as soon as he spoke about his grandfather. It was not because that he did not want to have dinner with Leo. He was just not in a good mood to eat with him. He did not know what he had done was right or wrong. Thus, he tried to clarify it with Edward when he asked.
"Son, just as what I have said before, your mommy and I will never force you to do anything. Follow your heart and do what pleases you. I believe you can make it." Edward turned his head to Justin and smiled. He didn't care much about what Justin had said to Leo and neither did he intend to ask him about it. He believed that his son could handle that situation very well. Justin had his own set of rules when it came to dealing with people.
Okay. Thanks, dad. Will mommy come back early today?" His parents always worked overtime on weekends. He hadn't seen other people like his parents who deeply enjoyed working.
"You can give your mommy a call and ask her directly, dear." Edward also wanted to know whether Daisy could come back early today. He handed his cell phone to Justin and hoped his son could get a good answer. It might be because National Day was approaching that Daisy had been extremely busy recently, working overtime almost every day. He felt his heart mildly ached upon remembering his gorgeous wife.
"Hmmm. I'd better not call mommy now. Mommy is always busy before the National Day every year. I don't want to bother her. She will be back after her work is done." Little Justin smiled as he put the phone aside. He was much more satisfied with the situation now than before. It was a relief not to stay alone inside an apartment in the Army Base during this time of the year. He had his father, his grandma, his grandfather and those uncles together with him now. And he could just wait for his mother with his dear daddy.
"Okay. That's fine. Let's not bother your mother. Tell me what do you want to eat today?" Edward looked at Justin and felt the warmth spreading through him with his sensible words. It would be the National Day in two days. Fortunately, S city was not the capital. There was no such large-scale military parade in their place as that in the capital city. Some small celebrations would be held there too on the National Day and those occasions required high-security from the military. No wonder why his beloved was so busy recently.
As long as it's food, I am all okay with that. Daddy. I'm not picky." That was true. If Justin had been really picky about the food, he would not have grown much taller than other kids of the same age.
"Yes, I know. You like every food. My little foodie." Edward instantly knew where they were going after hearing his son. He happily turned the steering wheel and drove to the Tender Whispers. Morning just broke in Paris. And France had always been full of dreamy colors during this time of the year. Leena woke up early just as what she usually did recently. It was another busy day for Leena. She was ready to leave and was about to start her day. When she opened her door, she found herself shocked to the core upon seeing an unwanted surprise. Gerard stood outside the door with a huge smile on his face!
"Good Morning, Mignonne!" Gerard first thought that he would wait long time in her doorway. But now, he couldn't help but feel lucky that he had arrived early. Who could have thought that Leena would be ready to leave at that hour? Should he come a little later, he might have missed her. He had never imagined Leena waking up too early in the morning. It was not like her at all.
Gerard, what are you doing here?" Leena said with a sharp tone. It was obvious that she didn't like the surprising visitor she had. This was the same reason why she stayed in a hotel the last time she came to Paris. She did not want Gerard to come to her house. It was just that she had to stay longer in that place for her thesis. She had no other choice but to live in her own house as staying in a hotel wouldn't be as comfortable as having her own space.
"Of course. I'm waiting for you! Mignonne, I know that you will go to some towns today to get sketches. I am here to be your driver." Gerard smiled. His sunshine smile did not fade even after Leena's indifference.
"Thanks, Gerard. But I have my own car and I can drive by myself." Leena locked the door, walked sideways and passed by Gerard. The past could only be a past. Any efforts to retrieve past loves would be in vain. She did not like him anymore.
"Mignonne, wait! Wait for me! Don't you think it would be much more convenient to go with me? I can be your driver, and I can take you to eat..." Gerard trotted to keep up with her pace. However, Leena ran quickly into the elevator and closed the door immediately. The door was closed right before his face when Gerard arrived. He didn't even have the chance to finish his words.
On the other hand, Leena was certain that she never wanted any relationship with the same man anymore. It was the reason why she behaved coldly towards him from the very beginning. She did not want to give him any hope at all. The more expectation, the more disappointment. She was not a vicious person, nor had she the least interest in being cruel to others. Hence, she just ignored Gerard. She was deep on these thoughts when the elevator rang and the metal door opened. She was about to step out when her jaw was suddenly ajar in disbelief. To her full surprise, Gerard was standing outside again as he caught for breaths. His handsome face was sweaty as he had run down the stairs.
"Gerard..." She opened her mouth multiple times but could not think of any word to express her helplessness. In the end, she decided to pretend not to see him and went to the parking lot. It would be hard to accuse him of following her since that was a public place. Best she could do was to act like he wasn't there.
"Mignonne, I will be with you today! Please, give me a chance to go with you. At least, you don't need to worry about safety problems with me around." Unlike most Frenchmen, Gerard did not have strong and deep-rooted self-esteem. He didn't care much about Leena's actions and remained with his thinking.
It's up to you. But please don't disturb my work." Leena kept a cold face as she got on her sport car. She did not even give Gerard a glance. Compared to who she was when they were still together, Leena had changed a lot. In Gerard's memory, Leena was a very lovely young lady who always had a sweet smile on her face. For a moment, Gerard doubted that he found the wrong person. How could she change so much? Nevertheless, he was still in a hurry when he got into his car and drove fast to cope with her.
Automatically, Leena's elegant eyebrows furrowed as soon as she saw Gerard's car through the rearview mirror. She stepped hard on the gas and sped up the car as fast and as safely as she could.