Deanna's grandmother's question echoed in her mind, but she didn't know how to answer.
She took a sip of water, lowered her eyes, and whispered, "I have no thoughts, just let it be."
With that, she ended the conversation, stood up, and left a remark before heading to her room.
"Grandma, rest early."
Old Ashley watched her granddaughter avoid the topic and shook her head helplessly but didn't call her back.
The next day, Deanna had breakfast with the kids and then took them to school.
As they were about to get out of the car, Chloe grabbed her arm and, with a mature demeanor, said earnestly, "Mommy, if Uncle apologizes to you, please forgive him. Maybe his way of apologizing is wrong, but he doesn't have a girlfriend and doesn't know how to make girls happy. So let's not be too demanding, okay? I want you and Uncle to get along."
Hearing this, Deanna found it both amusing and exasperating.
"Who taught you this nonsense?"
"No one taught me. I read it online myself."
Chloe proudly lifted her little chin.
Deanna found her daughter irresistibly adorable.
She reached out and ruffled the little girl's hair. "Alright, adults' matters are not for kids to worry about. Go to school now, or you'll be late."
The kids pouted, sensing her evasion, but didn't say anything as Deanna hurried them out of the car.
At that moment, Deanna's peripheral vision caught sight of Lance's parent hiding among the crowd at the school gate.
She frowned slightly but quickly looked away, pretending not to see.
That afternoon, while Deanna was at home making medicine, she received a call from Landon.
"Are you free tonight? I need your help with something."
"What is it? If you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend as a shield, I refuse," Deanna replied without looking up.
Landon was silent for a few seconds. "That was ages ago. Why do you still remember?"
"Because it taught me a hard lesson."
Years ago, a naive Deanna had been tricked by Landon into pretending to be his girlfriend to deal with his ex-girlfriend's harassment. It almost got her into trouble.
Hearing Deanna's cold tone, Landon sounded a bit embarrassed. "Don't worry. This time it's not about pretending to be my girlfriend. I just need you to be my date for an evening event."
"What's the difference?"
Deanna couldn't help but retort.
Landon was momentarily speechless again. "Of course there's a difference. Anyway, it's settled. I'll pick you up tonight. I'll send over a dress later."
Despite wanting to refuse, Deanna eventually agreed.
After all, Landon had helped her many times.
That evening, Deanna was dressed up and sitting in the living room, waiting for Landon to pick her up.
But instead of Landon, Lance arrived with the kids.
The three of them were stunned by the sight of the beautifully dressed Deanna in the living room.
"Wow, Mommy, you look so pretty today," Chloe exclaimed as she ran towards Deanna.
Gregory also hugged Deanna eagerly. "Mommy, are you going on a date dressed so nicely?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Lance behind him.
Lance frowned upon hearing Gregory's words.
A date? He wouldn't allow it!
Deanna seemed oblivious to Lance's strong disapproval and explained to the kids with a smile, "Mommy promised Landon to be his date tonight. While I'm away, you two need to be good and finish your homework, okay?"
"Okay," the kids replied obediently.
Lance's frown deepened.
"Gregory, Chloe, go to your room and do your homework."
He intended to send the kids away so he could talk to Deanna alone.
The kids exchanged knowing glances and giggled before heading to their room hand in hand.
Soon, only Lance and Deanna were left in the living room.
Deanna ignored Lance's presence and picked up her phone to message Landon.
"How much longer until you arrive?"
"Almost there. Just one more block away from your house. You can come downstairs and wait for me."
Landon replied quickly.
Lance watched her and, although he didn't know who she was texting, instinctively assumed it was Landon. He spoke disapprovingly, "I hope you don't go tonight."
"Why should I listen to you?" Deanna looked up at him, put away her phone, picked up her handbag, and tried to leave.
Lance immediately grabbed her wrist. "Don't go."
Deanna laughed at his words.
"In what capacity are you stopping me, Mr. Mercer?"
She turned her head to look at him.
Lance pressed his lips tightly together, unsure of what to say.
Even so, he didn't let go of Deanna.