In other words, Rocky was asking Evan to leave.
Evan froze in place.
Right. Summervale is Rocky’s territory, and Nicole is his wife. It’ll be inappropriate if I enter their house.
Yet, he recalled he was here to wait for the news with Nicole. At this moment, Maya’s matter was of utmost importance.
“You can take care of her, and I’ll take care of my sons. When Maya is found, I’ll bring them back.”
Not expecting Evan to stay, Rocky grimaced.
If Evan comes in, he’ll realize that Nicole lives alone with her two daughters. Will that raise suspicion about the news that Nicole and I are a married couple?
Just as Rocky was lost in his thoughts, Kyle and Juan had pulled Evan toward the elevators.
“Mommy, which floor are you staying on?”
This was the first time the two boys had come to this house.
“Sixth.”
“Daddy, get in the elevator quickly.”
Rocky came back to his senses and hurried after them.
When the door was unlocked, they entered the house.
While they were taking off their shoes, Evan noticed that there were only three pairs of women’s house slippers; one pair of adult’s slippers and two pairs of children’s slippers. Nicole walked into her bedroom and took out two extra pairs of children’s slippers, which she had prepared a long time ago, for Kyle and Juan. She then turned to Rocky and Evan.
“Sorry. I don’t have any men’s slippers. I hope you don’t mind being barefooted.”
Evan raised a brow. How come Rocky doesn’t have house slippers here? Does he not live here?
Only then did he pay attention to the items in the house. Women’s products were everywhere, and there were no signs of a man living in the house.
They’re not staying together?
Is the couple living separately?
His curious gaze landed on Rocky, who mumbled an excuse, “We’ve just finished with the renovations, so she moved in here first.”
Then, as if he were the man of the house, Rocky sat down beside Nicole.
On the other hand, Nicole was in a daze as she held onto a cup of warm water. She was not in the mood to listen to their conversation. All she could think of was Maya’s chubby face.
In her mind, Maya was pouting.
She was smiling.
She was helping her with housework, her plump body moving around clumsily.
She was chomping on a piece of cake.
Her eyes lit up at the sight of drumsticks.
…
As the images kept flashing across her mind, Nicole could not stop the tears from streaming down her face.
Suddenly, she raised her head to look at them. “Do you think Maya might be hungry? Will she cry from hunger?”
For a moment, she thought she heard Maya wailing from hunger.
“Maya,” Nicole murmured in despair.
The next instant, she burst into tears. Tears were falling from her eyes like pearls escaping a broken necklace. At that moment, she did not care how terrible she might look to her children and the other adults.
Rocky hurriedly consoled Nicole, “We’ll find her. We definitely will.”
Evan’s heart wrenched in pain, and he turned to look out the window at the distant horizon. His fingers clenched into fists as he swore to himself, If we find Maya, I’ll bring her to eat KFC and desserts, or anything she likes.
…
“Darling, what’s your name?”
“I’m Maya.”
“Where do you live?”
“In an apartment. A posh apartment.”
The woman fell silent.
There are so many posh apartments. Essentially, she didn’t answer the question.
“What are your parents’ phone numbers? Why don’t I ask them to pick you up?”
Maya stuck out her tongue cheekily as she did not remember their phone numbers.
Her stomach was grumbling. So hungry.
“If you buy me drumsticks, I’ll tell you.”
The woman was at a loss for words again.
She propped her cheek on one hand and sighed while looking at the chubby girl.
Is this girl trying to mess with me?
She had just asked for strawberry cookies and lollipops with patterns. Now, she wants drumsticks.
You’re a missing child. Can you at least look the part?
“Pretty miss, you can buy me two drumsticks and a cup of milk tea. I can finish them.”
Maya held up two chubby fingers. Her eyes lit up as she licked her lips with a smile.
She looked adorable, and it melted the woman’s heart.
