Five years later.
At the international airport in River City, a tall woman with skin white as porcelain was catching the attention of many.
Albeit there was a pair of big sunglasses on her exquisite face, it still failed to conceal her beauty.
The little girl she was holding hands with was as delicate as a ceramic doll, nobody could tear their eyes away from her.
"Mommy, is this the place where you grew up?" After glancing around, the four-year-old Sheryl Emerson raised her head and asked in a childish voice.
As she pushed her luggage, Charlotte replied, "That's right."
"So is daddy here as well?" Sheryl hesitated for a moment before she asked carefully.
Hearing this question, Charlotte's heart shuddered. She stopped in her tracks and crouched down to meet Sheryl's eyes.
For a moment, she did not know how to answer.
Five years ago, she didn't have the heart to abort the child. On the way to the hospital, she chose to escape.
Now, looking at the lively and adorable Sheryl, Charlotte was even more sure about her decision back then.
"Alright, mommy, daddy isn't very important anyway!" Seeing that Charlotte was quiet, Sheryl, who was perceptive and bright, comforted her mother.
"Lottie, Sheryl!" A familiar voice interrupted Lottie's thoughts.
"Aunt Jane!" Sheryl was the first to react. By the time Charlotte glanced over, Sheryl had already thrown herself into someone else's arms.
This was Anne Jane, Charlotte's roommate, who she had stayed with during her first year abroad.
As two international students in a foreign country, they appreciated each other's company. After learning about what happened to Charlotte, Anne treated Charlotte with all her heart. Over time, they became besties who were joined at the hip.
Charlotte was working and studying overseas at the same time. Since she was hardworking, she had spent half the time compared to others to master her architectural design degree and successfully become a rising Steph in the field.
"I've gotten the place you'll be staying in ready. I also sent in your resume. You should check your mailbox when you get there."
Anne returned home a year before Charlotte, so she was more familiar with the current domestic affairs than Charlotte was.
After coming out of the airport, Anne drove to the place where Charlotte was going to live.
Upon hearing this arrangement, Charlotte felt grateful from the bottom of her heart. She gently stroked Sheryl's head.
Sheryl was a bright child. She immediately caught on to what her mommy was thinking. She said to Anne in a sweet voice, "Thank you, Aunt Jane. When I grow up, I will definitely buy you a lot of lollipops."
The child's naivety cracked the two adults up. However, behind the smile, the two subconsciously exchanged glances.
There was sorrow in Charlotte's eyes.
Anne had arranged for Charlotte to stay in the city center of River City. The transportation services, living space, and all kinds of facilities were well-equipped.
It was about three in the afternoon by the time they finished unpacking.
Due to jet lag, Sheryl had fallen asleep. Whereas the two adults were still up and exhausted. But since they didn't feel like moving, they ordered takeout and lay on the sofa to talk.
"Now that you're back here, have you thought of how you're going to face the challenges before you?" Anne said, glancing at Charlotte.
Charlotte looked out of the window. After a long time, she replied, "For Sheryl, I can face anything."
Seeing the determination in Charlotte's eyes, Anne got a sense that Charlotte was no longer the Charlotte she met half a decade ago.
"By the way, I have news for you. The Emerson family is holding a banquet next Friday. It's going to be grand. All the prominent figures of River City are invited."
Emerson family. It was something she hadn't heard in a long time.