Deanna was at a loss for words and didn't know how to respond.
If she said Lance didn't live in the manor, there was a room reserved for him. If she said he did, it would be hard to explain.
Faced with Old Hughes' piercing gaze, Deanna had no choice but to awkwardly change the subject. "I think we should discuss your friend's condition instead."
Old Hughes saw through her attempt and chuckled. "It seems I was right; you two are living together but not really together, huh?"
Deanna was speechless. Why was even Old Hughes so curious about her and Lance?
Just as she was about to say something, Old Hughes spoke again. "If Lance isn't being responsible, he doesn't seem like that kind of person to me. So, it must be your issue, Anna."
"It's my issue. I haven't made up my mind yet. And things between Mr. Mercer and me are not as simple as you think; there are many complications," Deanna said, feeling a bit resigned.
Seeing her troubled expression, Old Hughes didn't press further but couldn't help advising, "I don't know what's going on between you and Lance, but I believe one should live without regrets. No matter how big the problem, there's always a solution. Cherish the present, cherish those around you."
Deanna remained silent, looking out the window, but Old Hughes' words echoed in her mind.
Cherish the present, cherish those around you.
For some reason, she felt touched.
That evening, Lance returned to the manor after finishing his work. As he entered the gate, he saw the two little ones playing in the garden with two cats and Demon, while Old Ashley sat nearby.
The children spotted him and ran over joyfully.
"Uncle, you're here!"
"Where's your mommy?" Lance asked, ruffling their hair and looking around for Deanna.
"Mommy went with Old Hughes to save someone; she'll be back tomorrow," they replied sweetly.
"Back tomorrow?" Lance frowned.
Old Ashley explained, "Apparently, it's Old Hughes' friend who lives in Jando and is in serious condition. With the treatment time, they'll be back tomorrow."
"I see," Lance nodded, understanding but feeling a bit uneasy. He felt Deanna had deliberately not told him.
However, he quickly let it go. After what happened last night, it was normal for Deanna to avoid him.
Meanwhile, in Jando, Deanna followed Old Hughes to a large villa. As soon as they got out of the car, Old Hughes briefed her about his old friend. "My old friend's surname is Walsh. When you meet him, you can call him Old Walsh. He lives with his eldest son and daughter-in-law; they have a daughter about your age."
"I understand," Deanna nodded lightly.
As they spoke, the villa's door slowly opened, and a middle-aged man walked out with a respectful demeanor that clearly marked him as the Walsh family's butler.
Indeed, he was.
The middle-aged man smiled politely. "Old Hughes, Lord Walsh has been expecting you. Please forgive him for not coming out to greet you personally."
"No need for that; he's seriously ill and should stay in bed. Lead the way," Old Hughes waved dismissively.
The butler nodded and greeted Deanna with a nod before leading them inside.
In the living room, Deanna saw a middle-aged couple and a young man and woman sitting on the sofa. From their features, she guessed the young man and woman were siblings.
But didn't Old Hughes say the eldest son only had only a daughter?
Though puzzled, Deanna stayed quiet and stood beside Old Hughes. She was here to assist him with the treatment.
The butler respectfully announced, "Sir, Madam, Old Hughes is here."
The family turned their attention to Old Hughes and Deanna.
"Old Hughes, finally you're here," said Ernest Walsh, the eldest son.
Old Hughes nodded. "Where's your father?"
"He's in his room. He'll be thrilled to see you. I'll take you up," Ernest said, gesturing for them to follow.
Old Hughes turned to Deanna. "Come with me."
Deanna complied without hesitation.
Ernest looked curiously at Deanna and asked, "Old Hughes, who is this?"
"This is the doctor I found for your father."