Don't Cry, Tyler
Minutes later, Aidan returned, carrying the baby.
He approached, a shadow of sadness on his face. "Alison, I'm leaving Tyler in your care for now. I'll come back for him later."
Tyler?
The name Lucia had chosen it for the child?
"Alright, don't worry,” Alison nodded.
"Thanks," Aidan said, handing Tyler to her before turning to leave.
In the misty rain, his figure gradually blurred until he vanished completely.
Tyler suddenly wailed loudly, as if protesting.
Alison gently pressed her face against his and whispered, "Don't cry, Tyler."
She changed his diaper and fed him.
After half an hour, the little one finally fell asleep.
Only after Tyler was sound asleep did Alison hurry to Lucia's grave.
——
Jack insisted to take Alison to hospital.
After arriving at the hospital, the doctor gave her a cursory examination.
"It's just a minor injury. Don't need to have a hospital visit," the doctor said.
Alison fell in silent, blushing.
Jack, however, showed no sign of embarrassment.
"If something bad happens to my wife, I'll kill you," he warned.
The doctor's hand trembled as he hurriedly said, "Rest well, Mr. Winston. If you feel unwell, please come back to the hospital, Mrs. Winston."
——
Back home——
Lyla was wailing, leaving the nanny helpless.
Alison held one child in her left arm and the other in her right.
Jack headed to the study the moment they arrived at the villa.
He appeared only after the nanny had set the table.
"Why is it so bland?" He frowned.
"Ever since I gave birth to Lyla, my meals have always been this bland. Didn't you know?" Alison asked, looking at him.
"Sir, before, we cooked two portions, mostly two servings. I didn't know you'd be home for lunch today, so I bought just enough ingredients for one batch. That meant catering to the madam's preferences." The nanny explained. "Shall I fry you some eggs instead?”
He shook his head. “It's fine. I forgot that Alison can't have too much salt. This is actually better."
Fearing he would retreat to his study, Alison quickly chimed in. "Jack, I need to talk to you after dinner."
"Another day. I have urgent matters to handle today."
Alison bit down on her fork, bending it.
Sensing her anger, Jack picked up a chicken drumstick and placed it in her bowl.
"Eat up." He tried to soothe her.
"Want me to eat more so that Lyla and Tyler could get more milk? You don't even care about my feelings," she shouted, slamming her fork down on the table.
He paused only briefly before nonchalantly continuing to pick food and place it in her bowl.
Alison was unsure of how to handle him.
Recalling the dog the nanny had picked up a couple of days ago, she instructed, "Nanny, bring that dog in."
The nanny looked at Lyla and Tyler. "Well, that might not be the best idea."
"It's already been cleaned. The puppy seems very gentle. Bring it in.”
"All right then."
The moment the puppy entered, it bounded onto the floor and dashed straight to Alison's feet.
Alison's mood lifted instantly.
She picked up a few pieces of freshly carved chicken from her plate.
"Hungry? Eat,” she said softly.
She then bent down to stroke its fur.
"Good boy. It really needs some good food. Hmm, Jack, pick out a few more pieces.”
Jack was momentarily at a loss for words.
——
Lyla slept soundly after her meal, and Tyler had also drifted off.
Alison stood up and headed toward the upstairs study.
When her hand touched the study door, she hesitated.
Finally, she gently pushed it, finding it was locked from the inside.
What on earth is Jack up to?
KNOCK!
After knocking for ten seconds, the door finally creaked open.
Jack stood in the doorway, wearing casual loungewear.
"The study window was open. I didn't lock the door, but the wind blew it shut and locked it," he said lightly.
"What are you working on?" she asked, stepping into the study.
"What are you reading?" She picked up the book on the desk.
"Criminal psychology?" She frowned. "Jack, did someone at work break the law? Is that why you're studying this?”
“Just browsing.” He strode over to her and pulled her close.
He seated in the leather swivel chair at his desk.
Alison sat on his lap as he lightly messaged her shoulders.
"Are the kids asleep?" he asked.
"Of course. Why else do you think I came here?” She flipped through his book, waiting for him to explain his three-day disappearance.
“How about I hire you another nanny? Taking care of two kids alone must be exhausting,” he suggested.
"The nanny helps me occasionally."
"But she's responsible for cooking, laundry, and all the housework. She can't really help you much with the big stuff."
"No need. I can manage. But once Lyla learns to roll over, I might be overwhelmed. Just come home from work occasionally to help me out and give me a break.”
"I might be pretty busy lately. The company just took on a few big new cases. Except for Sundays, I'll have to work overtime every night."