The Runaway Groom

The room was quiet, save for the gentle breeze blowing in through the window.

It was not cold and was actually invigorating.

Zachary sat by the bed to watch Lulu sleep.

Without her lies or pretenses, Zachary found serenity-if only time could stop here.

He glanced at Star in turn-was she sleeping soundly as well because she knew her mother was right beside her?

It was certainly better for children to stay by their mother's side.

As he pulled the blanket over them, Lulu stirred and opened her eyes, then stared at the figure before her quizzically.

There should not be anyone here... was it Ken?

Still, she soon sat up when she saw who it was.

"M-Mr. Slate?!" she exclaimed as her head cleared, straightening her clothes as she got out of bed. "Shouldn't you be away for a month? Why are you back so soon?" Worried about her modesty again, she buttoned her blouse.

Zachary studied her and kept his voice deliberately cool. "I said I wanted to see Star every day. You didn't answer my video call."

Lulu quickly apologized. "Sorry, I fell asleep..."

Zachary then glanced at Star. "You're the babysitter. I don't want you to be out of reach ever again."

Lulu hung her head. "It won't happen again. I'll be more careful next time."

Zachary nodded. "Cook me something. I'm hungry."

Lulu glanced at Star, who was still sound asleep.

Seemingly not realizing Zachary had caught on to her real identity, she asked with professional politeness, "Yes. What would you like?"

"Anything's fine-I'm not picky. Just make it quick since I have to go back after this," Zachary said, avoiding looking at her.

His cold tone was deliberate, but it would certainly be better to be direct.

As Lulu left the room and closed the door, he turned to stare coolly.

He sighed softly-how great it would be if he could convince her to let go of the past and to accept living with him and taking care of Star together?

He sighed, and Star squealed in her sleep as if sensing her father's unease.

Zachary patted her belly. "It's alright, Star. Go to sleep."

He was relieved to see Star sleeping soundly again and left the room.

He paused at the kitchen when he saw Lulu working, watching silently for a long while.

Lulu's voice eventually brought him

to his senses. "Mr. Slate? I'm doneet Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.

S pasta with stir-fried tomatoet

It's

and scrambled eggs."

S

Zachary nodded. "Thanks."

He washed his hand and sat down at the dinner table, not quite tasting the food as his emotions were all over the place. Lulu left as soon as she was done cooking.

She would avoid staying in the same room as Zachary, and he could certainly sense her distant reaction to him.

After finishing his pasta, he told her, "I'm going now."

"Yeah." Lulu nodded. "Don't worry, Mr. Slate. I won't be out of reach again."

Zachary looked inside the mansion, watching Lulu carrying Star while keeping her back to him.

"Take good care of my daughter," he said and turned to leave.

Vivian just happened to return when he reached the door, looking ashen.

Still, her eyes lit up as soon as she

saw

chary, and she ran up to him,

reaching straight for his hand You were home, Mr. Slate?" S