Once again, Ethan found himself standing in front of the old, familiar row house. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
**Knock, knock, knock!**
After three knocks, the door opened, revealing Claire. This time, she didn't look as wary as she had during their last meeting. Instead, she silently turned and walked back into the house. Unlike before, however, she didn't close the door behind her.
Seeing this, Ethan's heart filled with excitement. This simple gesture meant Claire wasn't as hostile toward him as she once was.
**"Heh heh!"**
Ethan couldn't suppress a small laugh, stepping gently inside. The house was modest, with only one room, no living room, and the kitchen and bathroom right by the door. As Ethan entered, his eyes immediately fell on Lily, sitting on the bed, playing with her toys.
**"Lily!"**
Ethan called softly.
Lily paused, tilting her little head as she glanced over at him.
**"Daddy."**
Her clear, sweet voice rang out as she quickly jumped off the bed and ran barefoot into Ethan's arms.
**"Hey, my little darling! Did you miss Daddy?"**
**"Mm-hmm, I did."** Lily nodded vigorously.
She didn't understand much, just that it had been a long time since she last saw her father. Ethan couldn't help but pinch her cheek, like he used to, but this time, he noticed how her once chubby face had grown thinner. Her frail arms, marked with injection points, broke his heart even more.
Lily was a sweet, smart, and well-behaved child, but fate had dealt her a cruel hand with her illness. Ethan could barely imagine how Claire had managed to raise her alone in their past life, enduring hardship after hardship. His guilt deepened.
After holding Lily close for a few moments, he gently set her down and turned toward Claire. He hesitated before speaking.
**"Claire... how is Lily's condition? Is the money I gave you enough for now?"**
Claire, busy at the kitchen counter, nodded slightly but didn't turn around. Her voice was soft, almost as if talking to herself.
**"Lily's illness requires imported medicine, and it's expensive. The money won't last long, so I'm planning to go abroad."**
**"Abroad?"** Ethan's brow furrowed. **"Where are you planning to go?"**
**"India."**
**"Absolutely not!"**
Ethan shook his head firmly. He understood exactly what she meant—she was planning to buy smuggled medicine. But that was far too dangerous. If she got caught, the consequences could be disastrous.
**"I have to, Ethan. The 500,000 you gave won't last long."**
Claire's tone was equally firm. Her current job barely kept them afloat, so she had no choice but to take the risk for Lily.
**"You don't need to worry about the money. I'll make more. It's not a big deal."**
**"You only got lucky once and earned that 500,000. Sales doesn't work like that every time."**
**"Sales?"** Ethan laughed, finally understanding what Claire thought.
**"What? Did I say something wrong?"** Claire asked, her eyebrows knitted in confusion.
**"Of course you're wrong! Who told you I was doing sales?" Ethan teased.
**"Then what exactly are you doing?" Claire asked, curiosity piqued.
**"I'm a professional gamer,"** Ethan replied confidently.
**"A professional gamer? Like in the gaming industry?"**
Claire's surprise was evident.
**"That's right."**
Hearing his confirmation, Claire was momentarily stunned. She knew the gaming industry could be lucrative, especially with the surge in online games. When she was younger, she had played a bit herself and knew that some pro players could earn a lot. But Ethan was almost thirty—how could he compete with the younger generation in terms of reflexes and skill? How could he possibly make money this way?
**"You're not lying to me, are you?"** Claire asked again, still skeptical.
**"Of course not! When have I ever lied to you?"**
**"The past two years, you've been lying to me the whole time."**
**"Uhh…"** Ethan scratched his head awkwardly. **"Well, that's all in the past. I'm not lying anymore."**
**"Men's promises are as fickle as the wind,"** Claire muttered, shooting him a slightly annoyed look. Then, she placed a bowl of noodles on the table.
**"You probably haven't eaten, right? There's not much food at home, just some noodles left."**
**"Thanks,"** Ethan said with a smile, feeling warmth spread through his heart. It reminded him of when they first met. Claire had made him noodles just like this the first time he visited her house. Pulling over a small stool, Ethan eagerly grabbed his chopsticks and dug in.
**"Mmm... Not bad! You've improved your cooking. Got any garlic?"** he asked between mouthfuls.
Watching Ethan eat happily, Claire couldn't help but smile.
**"What game are you playing that makes so much money? I want to try it too,"** she asked.
Ethan paused, looking up at her, then quickly shook his head.
**"No way. You're not good enough for it."**
**"You!"**
Claire didn't know whether to laugh or cry. After all these years, Ethan was still such a blunt guy.
**"Don't look down on me. I used to play League of Legends, and I wasn't bad."**
**"It's not the same. I'm playing a virtual MMORPG, which requires a lot more planning and strategy. You're not ready for it yet... not for now, at least."**
Ethan dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand.
It wasn't that he didn't want Claire to play. It just wasn't the right time yet. In his plan, he definitely intended to bring her into *Godfall* in the future. This wasn't just a game—it was a vast world filled with gods and demons. *Godfall* was essential, not just for Claire, but for Lily too. They both needed to be part of it. But that time would come later, when he had gained enough strength and prepared everything.
**"But I just want to help. You still have debts to pay, after all,"** Claire said softly, rubbing her hands together.
Hearing this, Ethan felt a wave of emotion. He knew deep down that Claire still cared about him. Even after everything, she still wanted to help him. And yet, in their previous life, he had only thought of running away from his problems.
**"Sigh..."**
Ethan sighed, gently taking Claire's hand. She stiffened at first, but then relaxed, letting him hold it. Gazing into her eyes, Ethan spoke softly.
**"Don't worry about the debt. I'll handle it. I'll make sure everything is fine."**
**"It's not just the debt. Lily's illness... do you still remember that specialist I mentioned?"**
**"Mm-hmm,"** Claire nodded slightly, her gaze dropping.
**"He said that Lily's illness isn't a big issue. She'll recover. I promise you."**
**"Okay. I understand. Now finish your food."**
Claire's voice was soft, and she felt her face flush as her heart began to race. Ethan didn't let go of her hand, his eyes still locked onto hers. Even though she looked more worn out now, Claire's beauty and grace were undeniable.
Ethan felt his heart stir and slowly leaned in closer.
**"Lily's watching,"** Claire whispered, pulling her hand away as she softly scolded him.
Ethan blinked, realizing that Lily was sitting on the bed, her big eyes staring curiously at him.
**"Uhh... I'd better get going. I'll come visit again soon,"** Ethan said, standing up awkwardly.
**"By the way, I wanted to ask if you'd move back in with me, but some debt collectors showed up today. I'm worried they might come around again soon, so it's probably best if you stay here for a while longer. Once I take care of the debt, I'll bring you and Lily home."
Ethan smiled at Lily as he waved goodbye.
**"Lily, Daddy's leaving now. Be a good girl, okay?"**
**"Mm-hmm! Lily's always the best,"** she said with a bright smile.
Ethan took a deep breath. He wanted to stay longer, but *Godfall* was a game where every second counted. He couldn't afford to waste time.
**"Sigh... I'm leaving now."**
With a heavy heart, Ethan turned and walked out, gently closing the door behind him.
Claire watched the door for a moment, listening to Ethan's footsteps fade away. Only when she could no longer hear him did she move. Then, with a burst of energy, she threw herself onto the bed and hugged Lily tightly.
**"Lily, Mommy's going to fall in love again!"** Claire's face lit up with joy, and she laughed as she hugged her daughter.
It had been two years since she had felt this happy. Seeing Ethan turn his life around gave her so much hope. As long as he stayed away from gambling, she was willing to endure any hardship.
**"Mommy, didn't you already fall in love with Daddy?"** Lily
asked innocently.
**"Oh, sweetie, that was before. Now, Mommy and Daddy are going to fall in love all over again."**
**"Then... I want a little brother!"**
**"Alright, alright, we'll get you a little brother."**
Claire laughed, kissing Lily on the cheek, making the little girl giggle.
After their playful moment, Claire went back to cleaning up. But her mind kept drifting back to Ethan's words.
**"What kind of game is he playing that makes so much money?"**
Although Ethan had told her not to play, Claire wasn't the type to give up so easily. If the game really made that much money, she would definitely try to get involved, especially if it could help lighten Ethan's burden.
**"I'll do some research online and find out what games are popular these days."**
With that decision made, Claire finished her chores even faster.