Chapter 173

After that day, Milo never brought up separating me from my daughter again. I wasn't sure if he had given up on the idea.

My daughter stayed with me, and Avery and Natalia took turns caring for her, so I didn't have to worry too much.

Edward hadn't come to see me since I had the baby, but I was sure he knew about it.

A month flew by quickly. When Theo came to pick me up from the hospital, he asked, "Have you decided on a name for the baby?"

I nodded, looking down at my daughter, who had grown a bit.

Her features were starting to resemble his.

"Her name is Liliana Lynn."

I didn't want her to carry either the Brown or Scott name. I wanted my daughter to have no ties to my past.

Theo gave a knowing smile. "Let's go register little Liliana's name then."

After registering her name, Theo drove me home. Before leaving, he advised me to think carefully about how to deal with Edward.

"I'll help you with the resignation," he offered.

But I refused.

"No, I want to try handling it myself. You're right, I need to figure out how to deal with Edward instead of just avoiding him."

And also my issues with Raymond.

I couldn't keep running forever.

Why should I keep running?

I wouldn't let him get away with it.

Theo seemed to have expected my response and nodded lightly. "As I said before, be cautious. If you encounter something you can't handle, remember you can always turn to us. The Reyes Family will always have your back."

I couldn't help but think of Milo's warning.

He was probably even more disappointed in me now.

"What about Milo? What's he been up to lately?"

After saying it once, calling him that didn't feel as awkward.

Theo shook his head. "I'm not sure. Sometimes I can't reach him either. Ever since you had the baby, we've been out of touch on and off. But he's alive, that's for sure."

I needed to tell Milo that I wanted to keep my daughter with me. He'd probably scold me again.

"I'll find some time to contact him."

Theo left, and Avery was still at work, so it was just me at home.

My daughter seemed to be in a deep sleep. I changed her clothes, and she didn't even stir.

I sat on the couch, swiping my fingers across my phone screen, and then... I called Milo.

He answered quickly.

"I'm out of the hospital. When can we start training?"

There was a long silence on the other end before he asked, "Aren't you planning to keep the baby with you?"

"Just for a few months. It won't stop me from bonding with her."

I had made up my mind. Even if Edward had found me, I wouldn't give up on training.

I needed to learn how to protect myself. Even if I didn't become an expert, it was better than nothing.

Milo's voice was very low. "I thought you wouldn't come."

So that's why he hadn't contacted me for a month?

"Milo, you underestimate me. I won't pass up a chance to get stronger."

"But I don't have much time. I can't train for a year or two like we planned. How should we arrange it? I'll follow your lead."

For once, Milo and I had a calm conversation.

For the first time, there was no quarrel between us.

That evening, Avery came home.

"Edward came by after you were discharged. He said he wanted to check on you. He sure knows how to pick his moments, showing up right after you left the hospital. What's he up to?"

I was making some formula for my daughter and responded casually, "I don't care. He's definitely up to no good."

Not long after, there was a knock on the door. I assumed it was Natalia dropping by and didn't pay much attention, heading back to the bedroom to take care of my daughter.

But then I heard Avery's wary voice at the door.

"What are you doing here?! Are you following me?"

I quickly came out of the bedroom with my daughter in my arms and saw Edward standing at the door.

"Sorry, I needed to know where Caroline lived, so I had to use some underhanded methods."

Edward stood in the doorway, blocking it from closing.

"Why are you here, Mr. Lopez?"

Since he had found my home, I might as well hear him out.

I needed to learn how to deal with people like him.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing."

He said it so casually, as if it was just a normal greeting.

"Being a single mom isn't easy. If you need any help, you can come to me. I won't be leaving anytime soon."

Avery looked defensive. "Mr. Lopez, stop pretending. Caroline doesn't need your help."

I remembered a year ago when Edward had said similar things to me. Back then, even though I was wary of him, my heart had started to lean towards him.

If he hadn't teamed up with Emily to use me, he might have become my second choice.

I wasn't necessarily tied to Raymond.

"It's not up to you to decide if she needs help. I want to hear it from her."

Edward always had this calm demeanor, just as annoying as Raymond's cold indifference.

"Instead of asking if I need help, you should tell me what kind of help you can offer."

I handed my daughter to Avery and whispered, "I'll talk to him. Can you feed her for me?"

It was merely mutual exploitation; anyone could play that game.

Edward kept coming to me. If I kept avoiding him, I'd miss out on opportunities.

"Ms. Scott, you have gotten smarter."

Edward leaned against the doorframe, his eyes holding a misty smile.

"I think I like you even more now."

Words of affection that came too easily were never trustworthy.

"Let's be straightforward. What can you offer me, and what do you need from me? We know each other well enough. There's no point in pretending anymore."

I thought Edward would propose a deal, offering me something I needed to tempt me.

We had already torn off the masks. There was no need to put them back on.

His smile faded a bit, making his strong features look softer.

Looking closely, he really did resemble Raymond.

It was only because he disguised himself as a gentle gentleman that people overlooked their similar looks.

Just a coincidence, I quickly dismissed the thought.

"The truth is, I want you to stay by my side. I can wait as long as it takes."

I couldn't trust Edward's words, even less than Raymond's.

"That's not believable at all. And by the way, Caroline is dead. You should know my name now. I'm Lucy."

His confession now made no sense.

Was he trying to use me? I had no value left to be used.

But I needed to use him.

"No problem. I'll wait as long as it takes."

His gaze deepened.

"If you still don't trust me, we can get married. Your child needs a father. If you're worried I'll go back on my word, we can sign a prenuptial agreement that favors you completely."