Chapter 30
"Mommy, why aren't you coming in?" Nina, sharp-eyed as always, was the first to spot Emily standing outside the yard in a daze and shouted to her at the top of her lungs.
Hearing the voice, Emily snapped back to reality.
She quickly scanned the surroundings, making sure no suspicious people were lurking outside the small yard, before walking through the gate.
She crouched down, her eyes full of worry, and asked Nina seriously, "Did you see any suspicious people today? Or have you noticed anything unusual lately?"
Nina tilted her little head and thought carefully, then shook her head. "Mommy, did you see something wrong? It's been really quiet outside the yard lately; there's nobody around at all."
The place they were living now was on the outskirts of Emerald City, usually deserted.
Emily's uneasiness eased a little. Seeing how certain Nina sounded, she didn't press further.
Just then, Aiden heard the commotion and came running out, acting all cute with Emily. "Mommy, you're finally back! I think I asked you something last night, but I can't remember what it was now."
Looking at Aiden's confused expression, Emily nodded and patted his little head. "I had something to deal with last night, so I left you two with William to look after. Were you both good last night?"
She smoothly changed the subject.
Kids being simple-minded, they immediately followed her lead and started chatting.
Seeing that both children were fine, Emily's anxious heart finally settled down a bit.
First, something had happened with Amelia, and now she was really afraid the two kids might run into some danger too.
"You two play by yourselves for a bit, okay?" After settling the children, Emily turned and took the medicine kit to change William's bandages.
"I really have to thank you again for last night. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known who to leave the two kids with," she said sincerely while changing his dressing.
William just nodded calmly and asked with some concern, "Did you handle everything from last night?"
"Pretty much," Emily's answer was somewhat vague.
Seeing this, William didn't ask more and brought up something else instead. "About sending the two kids to kindergarten—what are you thinking?"
A flash of surprise crossed Emily's eyes, clearly not expecting him to bring it up on his own.
Though given how small the yard was, it wasn't surprising he'd overheard her conversation with Willow.
"I haven't decided yet." Emily frowned, feeling a bit troubled.
"Although this kindergarten is the top one in Emerald City, the kids there are all from wealthy families. I'm not worried about Oscar, but Nina has such a simple personality—I'm afraid she might not adapt well to that kind of environment."
Their time together had made her feel William was like a trustworthy family member, so she was willing to confide in him.
Besides, she really couldn't make up her mind right now and needed someone to help her think it through.
"Your concerns make sense," William said thoughtfully, "but at a school like that, being exposed to kids from different backgrounds would also be good training for Oscar and Nina. Looking at the long term, it could help them build connections too."
Emily couldn't help but laugh softly.
They were just a bunch of kindergarten kids—what connections could they possibly make?
Still, she nodded seriously. "But you're right too. The best kindergarten means access to the best educational resources."
William unconsciously touched his nose. "So I think you should go for it."
Emily noticed this little gesture but didn't think much of it, just taking it as one of his habits.
At the moment, her attention was completely drawn to what he was saying.
He was right—the best educational resources could only benefit the children's future.
But with her current situation, could she really afford the long-term tuition for both kids there?
She furrowed her brow, lost in thought.
At this point, William's vision had recovered a bit more.
He looked at her steadily, and seeing her so troubled, he spoke up, "If you're willing to take care of me until I recover, then I can cover all the tuition for both children."
This was something William had thought about for a while. Even if Emily wasn't the woman he was looking for, he was genuinely grateful for her attentive care during this time.
But Emily waved her hand, her tone unusually firm. "I'll send the kids to that kindergarten, and I'll figure out the tuition myself. I'm taking care of you because you're paying me—we have a business arrangement. There's no need to bring the children into this."
Seeing her resolute attitude, William said no more and just nodded along with her.
However, what he'd decided to do in his heart, Emily couldn't stop.
After thinking it through, Emily walked to a corner and called Willow. "Ms. Reed, does your offer from before still stand?"
"Of course, Ms. Johnson." Willow's voice was warm and friendly.
"If you've made up your mind, you can bring the children tomorrow to complete the enrollment procedures. Our opening ceremony is in a week, so you can start preparing some supplies for the kids." Willow patiently explained everything, and Emily took it all in.
This was the first time the two children would be going to kindergarten, and her first time sending kids to school.
With Willow's detailed guidance, she could naturally prepare more thoroughly.
After hanging up, Nina poked her little head out from somewhere, looking at her expectantly. "Mommy, are we going to kindergarten tomorrow?"
Emily nodded, took her little hand, and said seriously, "Nina, you and Oscar have grown up now. You're old enough for kindergarten. Tomorrow we'll go register first and get ready."
Seeing Emily's no-nonsense expression, Nina knew there was no room for negotiation and obediently nodded, accepting the arrangement.
With the children's schooling settled, a weight was lifted from Emily's heart.
Now she just needed to work hard and earn money step by step, and she could keep both children living well.
The next day, Emily took both children through all the pre-enrollment procedures as planned, then treated them to burgers and fries, making them beam with joy.
Of course, Emily didn't forget to bring a portion back for William too.
After returning home, Nina and Aiden both stuck close to Emily, acting cute and cuddly.
William watched this scene and couldn't help but smile.
"Oh, by the way, we ran into a kid today who looked a lot like Oscar," Emily mentioned it seemingly casually, and William immediately perked up his ears, listening to her speak without showing any reaction.
"Really? There are plenty of people who look alike in this world. What a coincidence."
Hearing this, Emily curved her lips and asked meaningfully, "Is that so?"