Free Web NovelChapter 473: Chapter 473: From This Moment On, I’ll Say I Love You (73)
Archie Lockwood turned to see Rory’s pitiful little expression...
His memory of Rory was still of the baby he used to hold in his arms, but now she was so grown up and beautiful.
A warmth bloomed in his chest. He sat back on the sofa, reached out to ruffle Rory’s hair, and asked softly, "Rory, what do you usually do at home?"
Rory lifted her little hand and smacked his away. She shied back, ignoring him. ƒreewebɳovel.com
Archie didn’t get angry, though. A smile still played on his lips as he asked, "Do you like playing with other kids, Rory?"
Rory furrowed her little brow, thought for a moment, and gave a sad little nod.
"How about this? Tomorrow, Daddy will find you a playmate, okay?"
"Mm-hmm..." Rory blinked, her eyes wet with tears, and nodded.
Archie reached out and pulled her closer. "Don’t be sad anymore. You’re Archie Lockwood’s daughter. You have to be strong."
After leaving the villa, Eleanor Bishop collapsed onto the pavement, sobbing her heart out.
She couldn’t bear to be without Rory. She couldn’t bear leaving her...
But she also knew that Rory would be much happier with Archie Lockwood than with her.
’How can I drag Rory down with me when my life is such a mess?’
’Rory shouldn’t have to live like this. She just shouldn’t...’
***
The next day, Archie Lockwood took Rory to see Mika Summers.
He glanced at Rory, then lowered his head with a self-deprecating smile before finally looking at Mika. "I’ll have to trouble you to look after Rory for a while."
"Of course, no problem." Mika wanted to ask where Eleanor Bishop had gone, but seeing her brother’s state, it seemed he didn’t want to talk about it. So, she could only nod and agree.
"After a while, once things have settled down on my end, I’ll come back to get her."
"There’s no rush. Kiki is on his own anyway, so he could use the company."
Archie Lockwood nodded, sat on the sofa, and didn’t say another word.
It wasn’t until almost noon that Archie got up, ready to head back.
Mika watched Archie’s retreating figure. Her hands, hanging by her sides, clenched slightly. Just as he was about to walk out the door, she frowned and called out urgently, "Brother!"
"Hmm?" Archie turned, one handsome eyebrow raised. When his gaze fell on Mika, his eyes held a complex mix of emotions.
Ever since he returned to the Lockwood Family, he had become estranged from his former family.
It was a painful reality for him. But whenever he thought about Yuna and Una Sullivan’s relationship, he found it impossible to be around Mika’s family with a clear conscience, not like before.
Mika took a step forward, her eyes welling up. "Brother, Tristan and I are getting engaged... on the eighth of next month. Can you come?"
Hearing Mika’s words, Archie felt a flicker of emotion. He walked over to her, raised his hand, and ruffled her hair just like he always used to. A soft smile touched his lips as he said, "Of course, I’ll be there. You’re my only sister. I want you to be happy." ’...though Tristan is a real bastard.’
"Thank you, Brother."
"There, now. Don’t be sad." He sighed. "I have no idea what good deeds that bastard Tristan did in a past life to deserve someone as devoted as you." By the end, his tone had grown noticeably colder.
Hearing this, Mika began to explain, a little flustered, "Brother, Tristan... he’s different now..."
