Raymond felt a whirlwind of emotions stirring inside him.
He walked over to William and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. "Thanks, man."
The two men stood there in silence for a while.
After a long pause, William finally spoke, his voice tinged with reluctance and resignation. "Raymond, I've decided to step back. I won't compete with you for Melinda."
Raymond didn't say anything, but his gaze was resolute.
He would never let her down!
Melinda had no idea what had transpired in the office upstairs. As she left work, she saw the two men walking towards her, silhouetted against the light, and she couldn't help but be stunned.
The Thomas family genes were something else! Look at these two—broad shoulders, narrow waists, and long legs, the perfect proportions.
Especially Raymond, who was a bit taller, exuding an aura of dominance that was impossible to ignore.
Melinda quickly averted her gaze, not daring to look any longer.
But her heart started racing uncontrollably. What was happening? She tried to ignore her body's reaction.
Originally, William had invited Melinda to dinner, but Raymond insisted on tagging along, turning it into a dinner for three.
Melinda had initially planned to go with Sam.
"Don't worry! I just had Stuart take Sam to my place. He's already there playing."
Why did Sam end up at William's place?
William didn't dare admit that he was afraid Melinda would refuse and that they wouldn't even remain friends, so he used Sam as a shield.
Was this another tactic?
After dinner, William took Melinda back to his place, with Raymond following along.
In the 5,000-square-foot apartment, Sam was nowhere to be seen on the first floor. Melinda anxiously asked, "William, where's Sam?"
"He should be playing in my room."
William smiled and started leading Melinda towards his master bedroom on the second floor.
"Wait here, I'll go get him."
Hearing it was the master bedroom, Raymond's brows furrowed instantly, and he stopped them without hesitation.
William, however, seemed to enjoy the drama, winking at Melinda with a playful smile. "Melinda, want to see where I sleep? I guarantee it'll be eye-opening."
Raymond shot William a sharp glare, his tone full of disapproval and warning. "What's there to see? Don't cause trouble."
Melinda stood by, puzzled by their argument. What was going on? She decided it was best to stay silent.
Raymond took a long stride and headed upstairs.
Melinda watched his back, then looked at William, ultimately choosing to stay in the living room and wait.
Feeling something was off, she curiously asked, "William, are you hiding something from me?"
"No, it's just... I've realized being good friends is pretty nice. Don't you think?"
William blurted out, then quickly coughed to cover his nervousness, smiling. "I understand your concerns. A single mom remarrying, worried it might not be good for the child."
Melinda smiled slightly, not saying more.
Soon, Raymond came downstairs with Sam in his arms.
As soon as Sam saw Melinda, he happily called out, "Mommy!"
Melinda joyfully reached out to take him, but Raymond, holding Sam, walked straight out without looking back. He nodded slightly to William as a farewell.
William stood at the door, watching them leave. The scene looked like a family of three, and he sincerely hoped Raymond could marry Melinda.
Raymond drove while Melinda sat in the back with Sam.
He glanced at her through the rearview mirror. Every time their eyes met, it felt like sparks flying, making it hard for both to stay calm.
"Are you okay?" he couldn't help but ask.
Melinda was slightly taken aback. "What's wrong with you?" Her voice was soothing.
He didn't say more, just drove silently, letting Melinda rest against the seat.
After dropping Melinda and Sam home, Raymond didn't leave but stayed at her place.
"Sam needs a bath."
Melinda thought if she ignored him, Raymond would eventually leave.
But she underestimated his patience. After putting Sam to bed, she found the living room empty and assumed Raymond had left.
Returning to her room, she was shocked to find Raymond asleep on her bed.
And he was sleeping soundly. Melinda wanted to kick him awake.
But seeing his tense brows and restless sleep, she suddenly felt a pang of sympathy.
She quietly closed the door...
In the morning, Sam was the first to wake up.
He rubbed his sleepy eyes, seeing his mom peacefully beside him, his big eyes full of curiosity.
Then, as if remembering something, he smiled and quickly got out of bed, tiptoeing to open the door.
On the couch, a tall, handsome figure came into view—it was Raymond.
Sam's eyes lit up, and he cheerfully called out, "Mr. Thomas, good morning! Did you stay over last night?"
Raymond turned, a gentle look in his deep eyes.
He smiled and softly said, "Yes, is your mommy still asleep? Let her rest a bit more. I'll take you to school."
Sam was thrilled, bouncing to the bathroom to wash up, then quickly changed into his uniform.
He grabbed his backpack and stood expectantly by Raymond.
Raymond affectionately ruffled his hair, picked up the car keys and breakfast from the table, and said, "Let's go, we'll eat breakfast in the car."
Just then, the bedroom door opened, and Melinda groggily walked out.
She saw Sam and Raymond leaving and paused, then realized what was happening.
She walked to the dining table, seeing the breakfast, feeling a warm surge in her heart.
Her resolve from last night was futile. She couldn't stay away from Raymond, but what could she do? She was getting used to his presence.
Melinda sighed and sat down to eat breakfast.
Suddenly, her phone rang. It was the dealership calling to say her license plates were ready. She decided to ask Delilah to go with her.
Just as she hung up, she heard the door unlock.
Melinda turned to see Raymond walking in.
She was surprised and said, "Why are you back? I took half a day off to go to the dealership."