Chapter 193: Just Fine (Part 2)
Jack was bursting with impatience.
Upon hearing Aimée’s words, he snatched the phone and asked into the receiver, “Alison, where are you?”
Alison took several deep breaths before saying, “Jack, I’m outside the restroom door. Come over.”
“Wait for me,” Jack replied before hanging up. He tossed the phone back to Aimée, then strode into a nearby passageway.
“Aimée, keep an eye out. Don’t let anyone spot me.” With that, he disappeared down the passageway.
Aimée stared blankly at his back, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She shook her head and turned back toward the wedding venue.
Their absence was bound to cause an uproar. Since Jack had gone to meet Alison, it was up to Aimée to keep things under control.
She believed Alison would give up Jack because she couldn’t bear to part with her daughter.
Jack sprinted down the restroom corridor and spotted Alison. He called out, “Alison!”
Hearing his voice, Alison felt slightly relieved, grabbed his hand, but then pushed him away. “Jack, go to the restroom.”
“Huh?” Jack was confused.
“Hurry up!” Alison said anxiously, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Alison, what’s wrong? Why send me into the restroom?”
“Ethan’s in there. He’s been in there for a while and hasn’t come out yet. Hurry up and get him out,” Alison explained.
“Oh.” Jack strode toward the men’s restroom.
As the door swung open, Alison glimpsed Ethan’s figure perched on the bathroom windowsill.
Seeing her son safe at last, she exhaled in relief.
Her legs gave way, and she nearly collapsed. She quickly stepped back and leaned against the wall for support.
By then, Jack had already emerged, holding Ethan.
Noticing her pale face, he asked urgently, “Alison, what’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing. Ethan’s long stay inside truly scared me.” Alison forced a smile.
Ethan squirmed in Jack’s arms, trying to lunge toward Alison.
“Ethan, stop it. Look at Mommy. She doesn’t look well. She’s tired. Let Daddy hold you.” Jack said.
“Okay.” Ethan nodded, his expression tinged with frustration. He hesitated to say something, but held his tongue.
“Alison, let’s talk outside,” Jack suggested, realizing how irrational it was to agree to marry Aimée. He didn’t want to play along.
“Fine.” Alison kept her head down, unable to meet Jack’s gaze.
So many words crowded her mind, she had to share them now.
Amidst the bustling wedding, Jack led Alison out the back door of the hotel.
He set Ethan down on the lawn and went over to a nearby vendor.
He picked out a kite and handed it to Ethan. “Ethan, go fly your kite. Daddy and Mommy need to talk.”
Ethan’s face lit up with a smile as he asked, “Daddy, do you still like Mommy?”
Jack nodded earnestly, his gaze tenderly fixed on Alison. “Yes, Daddy loves Mommy.”
“Then I’m off to fly the kite!” Ethan exclaimed, running away. He had something even more important to do.
He ran happily across the lawn with his kite, glancing back to call out to Alison, “Mom, don’t worry about me. You and Daddy talk it out.”
Alison’s gaze never left Ethan, ignoring Jack.
Jack shifted his body, blocking Alison’s view of Ethan. “Alison, can you look at me?”
“Jack, don’t block me. Let me watch him.” She waved her hands anxiously; her nerves were already frayed from Sophia’s disappearance.
Jack finally lost his patience. He refused to believe her eyes were only for her son.
While her gaze was still fixed on Ethan, Jack suddenly pulled her into his arms.
Not far away, someone had already noticed them.