Ch. 1771..1780
Chapter 1771
Chapter 1771
"Lily..."
Lily flashed Maisie a gentle smile that conveyed everything without needing to be said.
"If you require assistance, just let me know. I'll do everything I can!"
"Thank you," Maisie replied, meeting Lily's sincere gaze.
"Why thank me? We get along well, and I'm happy to help!"
The two shared smiles.
Maisie poured a cup of coffee for Lily, and they settled by the floor-to-ceiling window, quietly admiring the distant scenery.
Spring had arrived in the city. The mountains in the distance had regained their lush greenery. Cherry blossoms along the streets resembled clusters of pale pink mist and swallows flitted through the willow branches joyfully.
Despite the arrival of spring, the frost in Maisie's heart proved resistant to thawing.
Lily turned to her, softly asking, "Maisie, are you truly never going to forgive him?"
Maisie fell silent, unsure how to respond to such a complex question.
Rather than recalling past times with Daniel or the love and hate they shared, what flashed through her mind were the days after losing her memory and reconnecting with him.
Scenes played in her mind-him appearing with a teddy bear at the kindergarten, a secret amusement park built just for her, covering her with his coat and whispering "I'm here" when danger loomed...
It was his attempts at household chores, the longing and nervousness in his kisses, the sense of peace when he stayed by her side day and night...
Maisie's heart stung, and she involuntarily closed her eyes.
"I'm not advising you to forgive him." Lily's voice was gentle. "I'm hoping you can forgive yourself."
"Lily..."
"No one can undo the past harm to you. What other way is there but to heal yourself? I know it hurts, but don't let that pain entrap you forever...
"Maisie, as women, we should treat ourselves better. Only by letting go can you move forward, right?
"As for Daniel or any other man..." Lily chuckled. "They're all fleeting! Let them do whatever they want!"
Maisie looked at her and giggled.
Perhaps she would never reach Lily's level of mindset, no matter how many years passed, but she admired this attitude.
"I understand." She held Lily's hand tightly. "I'll take care of myself, plan my next book, and strive for another success on the bestseller list!"
"That's the spirit!" Lily patted Maisie's shoulder, relieved to see her returning to her former spirited self.
The next day, Maisie's book publicity event took place at the largest bookstore in Cumulus City. Even before the start, the bookstore was packed inside and out with fans seeking her autograph. Renowned media outlets were present, securing their spots for breaking news.
The event progressed smoothly.
After numerous experiences, Maisie had mastered the art of interacting with her fans.
The atmosphere was warm and lively, with organizers considerately providing coffee and snacks for everyone.
The final segment was the Q&A session with journalists.
Seated on the stage, Maisie took a deep breath. This was her most dreaded part. She always had to prepare with the PR team in advance, listing potential questions and rehearsing the best answers. She was not adept at rote memorization, so she would get nervous and sweat profusely during previous events. Today, she silently prayed that the journalists' questions wouldn't be too off-the-wall.
At that moment, someone asked. "Ms. Squire, several remarkable scenes from your book, which have stirred quite a discussion online, are believed to be your personal experiences. What's your take on this?"
Chapter 1772
Chapter 1772
Maisie was taken aback. She didn't have the opportunity to respond before another journalist from a different media outlet stood up.
"We've heard that you had a relationship with Mr. Daniel Quimby. Do you still maintain contact to this day?"
"There have been sightings of you and Mr. Quimby entering and leaving a hotel. Can you confirm if this is true?"
Maisie's heart pounded as she clenched her fists. She glanced at Rachael, who nodded, giving her an affirming look. Lily had anticipated these questions.
Before the event, the PR team had prepared the best answers for each question, delicately skirting around the issues and redirecting the conversation toward her next book.
Maisie had memorized every word perfectly, but now, she didn't want to say a single word. The official responses weren't what she wanted.
Facing these journalists reminded her-were these the same faces from the boardroom pressuring Daniel to resign? Perhaps Daniel's situation was a thousand times more brutal than this...
Maisie collected herself.
In the silence of the room, all eyes were fixed on her.
"I'll address the first question first." Her voice was gentle yet carried unusual determination. "All the events in the book are purely fictional for the sake of the story's completeness and dramatic effect. There's no personal experience behind any of it. You're reading too much into it."
"Well..." The journalists exchanged looks, showing puzzled expressions.
Rachael was also surprised. This part didn't seem to be in the prepared answers.
Maisie continued. "Next. Since it's not based on personal experience, it's even more improbable for it to have anything to do with Mr. Quimby."
A journalist sneered. "Ms. Squire, can you be honest with your book fans?"
"I am telling the truth. These matters have nothing to do with Daniel Quimby!" Maisie stared coldly at the journalist. "I know what's been circulating online recently.
"I don't know who's spreading rumors, but Mr. Quimby is a good person. He shouldn't be entangled in this kind of gossip! He and I are also good friends... He's taught me a lot and has strongly supported me." The journalists' expressions seemed to change.
"Ms. Squire, but the sightings of you entering a hotel-"
"So what? Just because a man and a woman go to a hotel, does it automatically mean they booked a room? Isn't a hotel also a place to have a meal?"
As Maisie said that, a low chuckle rippled through the crowd.
"I had a meal with Mr. Quimby. Is it really that intriguing?"
"But-"
Maisie straightened up. "Furthermore, even if I were in a romantic relationship with Mr. Quimby, what's wrong with that? We're both unmarried, single individuals. Why can't we be together?" The room erupted into murmurs.
"I hope you'll take every word I say seriously and report it truthfully." Maisie's determined gaze swept across the audience. "I know you have various motives, wanting to write sensational stories. But Mr. Quimby isn't a tool for your sensationalism. I've clarified everything today, and if there are further rumors, I will take legal action!"
Chapter 1773
Chapter 1773
The journalists collectively froze. They exchanged glances, hesitant to utter another word. They had assumed Maisie to be soft and easily intimidated, unaware of her underlying determination. After a few seconds of tense silence, voices suddenly erupted from the crowd of book fans.
"Yeah! This is her private life! You journalists are prying too much!"
"Regardless of what Maisie does, we'll support her!"
"Her words are comforting and powerful. Even if those events were her personal experiences, as fans, we'd only empathize with her!"
"Exactly! Journalists should stop asking these boring questions!"
"Organizers! Anyone there? How did you let these kinds of journalists in? We demand they leave!"
A commotion ensued in the audience, with journalists wearing uneasy expressions and event organizers struggling to maintain order.
Fortunately, it didn't escalate into a major uproar, and the event concluded in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Maisie left the venue, waiting by the roadside for Rachael to bring the car when she spotted a familiar figure.
She froze.
Although it had only been a few days since this man was absent from her life, it felt like ages. As he strode confidently toward her, her heart still thumped.
Daniel stood before Maisie.
Today, she wore a simple yet elegant dress with a coat from head to toe.
He smiled, recalling how she used to dislike dressing up. Her life was simple. Even when they were together, she never spent much on clothing or accessories. Her clothes were the cheapest basics, her cosmetics were just low-priced face cream from the supermarket, and her jewelry...
Daniel's thoughts halted.
She did have jewelry, and she had bought it herself. Once, when she had some free time at home, she had submitted an article to a magazine. It had been accepted, and after being published, the magazine sent her a payment. She had used that money to buy a pair of couple rings.
They were made of silver in the simplest design. The earnings from her short article hadn't been substantial, but she had spent all of it on these rings.
Perhaps that had been her only extravagant moment.
However, she had kept those two rings to herself, never daring to tell him.
Daniel would never know how much the former Maisie had wanted to marry him and be by his side forever.
"Why are you here?" Maisie's gentle voice pulled him back to reality.
Daniel looked at her, smiling softly. "I... I knew you had a book presentation, so I waited here for you. Also... I heard about what happened inside and wanted to thank you."
"No need to thank me." Maisie lowered her gaze. "Saying that is also good for me. I'm not helping you. I'm helping myself."
"Yes, yes..." He hurriedly nodded in acknowledgment, then chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Rest assured, I haven't deluded myself. I do have some self-awareness. But I truly didn't expect you to defend me in front of so many people."
"Is that so?" Maisie looked at him.
Her eyes remained crystal clear, but the spark within them seemed dimmer.
"Why would you think I wouldn't stand up for you?" She half-smiled. "Remember how much I loved you before? You didn't forget that, did you?"
Chapter 1774
Chapter 1774
"Maisie..."
"I should indeed forgive myself," Maisie uttered, her gaze averted as if looking at something beyond. "And to do so, I must confront the past."
She enunciated each word deliberately. "Daniel, I did love you. It was a love that gave everything, even risking my life.
"I initially stayed with you because of money... I constantly reminded myself that I didn't mean anything to you and that you would leave me sooner or later. But I couldn't control falling for you.
"After recalling those things from the past, I also hated you. But I seem to understand something these days-I hated you because I still loved you. Yet, the opposite of love isn't hate. It's forgetting. So... I genuinely intend to forgive myself."
Daniel stood in silence.
A breeze swept by, causing cherry blossom petals from the tree behind Maisie to drift, landing gently on her hair and shoulders.
Although she stood right in front of him, he felt as though they were worlds apart.
In the chilly spring, he realized there wasn't just sunlight but also a coldness in the air.
Daniel forced a smile, unsure of what to say.
"I'll forgive myself," Maisie declared, looking into his eyes. "And you should also forgive yourself. Let's both forgive each other and start anew in life, alright?"
"Are you planning to completely forget about me?" he asked.
Maisie lowered her head, remaining silent.
Daniel's heart twisted, feeling as if a knife had been plunged into it. Eventually, he nodded, smiling at her.
"Alright, I understand," he murmured softly. "I won't disturb you anymore. You can start your new life. But before that, I have to tell you..."
Daniel took a deep breath, slowly revealing, "I wasn't the one who orchestrated that incident."
"What?"
"You always thought I sent someone to find you, forced you to terminate the pregnancy, and eventually pushed you off the staircase...
"Maisie, I didn't do that. I investigated those people back then, but you were in a critical condition in the hospital. After you were discharged, you were in such a state that I was busy taking care of you, so I delayed this matter...
"I've found out everything now." His gaze was resolute. "Maisie, trust me, I'll bring justice for you and the child!"
A few days later, Daniel took swift and decisive action against his fourth uncle, Chace Quimby, and his family at the Quimby Group's board meeting. He presented evidence of their economic crimes over the years, clearly stating each point, leaving no room for rebuttal.
Their children were involved in various commercial cases, enriching themselves using the company's funds.
Daniel had ample evidence, not just physical but also witness testimonies. He had already informed the police in advance.
After presenting these pieces of evidence, cold steel handcuffs were already clasped around Chace and his wife, Nadine's wrists.
The boardroom briefly spiraled into chaos.
Under the weight of irrefutable evidence, Chace and Nadine turned pale, nearly fainting in the meeting room.
Daniel sneered. His people had already taken control of the venue and brought in Camila, who was equally pale.
"You..." Chace widened his eyes. "How could it be you? You..."
"Uncle Chace, Aunt Nadine." Daniel smiled. "Your daughter is more capable than you both, with a stronger backbone. I brought her here to witness both of you admitting your crimes!"
Camila looked at her adoptive parents. As their eyes met, all she saw was their anger and coldness, not a shred of concern for their daughter.
Chapter 1775
Chapter 1775
"What did you tell Daniel, you wretched girl?"
Chace struggled to break free from the police and almost lunged toward Camila, his anger echoing like thunder.
"You orchestrated everything! It has nothing to do with me or your mother! Admit it, or face dire consequences!"
Camila met his gaze, observing the fury in his eyes as he portrayed himself like a clown before everyone. He accused her of the crimes, denouncing her as unworthy due to her status as an adopted child and contending that she lacked the Quimbys' supposed good genes.
Finally, he exclaimed, "It was all arranged by her! Daniel, believe me! Camila is just an outsider! She incited us to evade taxes, create fake accounts, embezzle public funds... It was all her doing!"
Despite her mental preparedness, Camila felt a chill in her heart as her adoptive parents threw her out like a shield before the onlookers.
Unable to contain herself, she rushed to grab a document from the table and aimed it at Chace, plunging the meeting room into more chaos.
Security guards attempted to intervene, but Daniel signaled them to halt with a cough.
It wasn't until Camila and Chace were injured from the confrontation that Daniel slowly approached.
In a sorry state, both of them prostrated before him like defeated prisoners, devoid of any dignity.
Yet, Chace remained defiant. "This wretched girl... This treacherous wench!"
Camila spat at him.
Chace attempted to slap her, but before his hand could reach her, Daniel stepped on it.
"Ah!"
Daniel sneered. "Uncle Chace, your dog-eat-dog show is over. Now, you and Aunt Nadine should go where you belong!"
The police pulled them up from the floor, dragging them out.
Nadine had already turned pale while Chace continued his desperate struggle.
As he was being taken away, he shouted back, "Daniel, there's something you don't know, right? Heh! That woman you once took care of, this wretched girl is the one who caused her suffering! She killed your child too..."
Daniel's gaze darkened, a hint of killing intent surfacing on his face.
It turned out the whole world knew, except him.
Chace's cries grew fainter, gradually disappearing at the end of the corridor. Camila looked coldly in the direction they were taken with a faint, eerie smirk.
Daniel was resolute in his actions. After dealing with the two elders, she was next.
At that moment, Camila seemed somewhat resigned to her fate. She glanced at Daniel and smiled. "Daniel, could we find a place to talk privately?"
Daniel took Camila to a small meeting room. Instead of calling it a meeting room, it felt more like an interrogation room, even colder than one.
Daniel sat on the couch while Camila didn't even have a chair, kneeling on the floor. His gaze was icy, scrutinizing her. He could not fathom the deep-seated grudge between them that warranted her lifetime of revenge.
Chapter 1776
Chapter 1776
"Why?" Daniel's voice was low. "Why did you bribe Owen? Why harm Maisie?"
Camila smiled, a sense of indifference resting upon her pallid face.
There was a saying, "A person becomes invincible when they desire nothing."
When someone reached a point where they no longer yearned for anything, that was often when they were the most powerful.
Just like Camila at that moment she felt like she had lived for decades, and this was the only moment she truly felt unburdened.
Daniel's gaze was as sharp as a blade. It was the first time she had ever dared to meet his eyes like that.
Camila spoke softly. "Daniel, it's because I hate the Quimbys."
Daniel squinted. "What?"
Seeing Camila still hesitant, he waved his hand, signaling his men to leave the room. It was just the two of them now. The room wasn't large, yet it felt vast and quiet. Even their conversation echoed. Camila took a deep breath, paused, and then revealed everything.
She hated the Quimbys for raising her but not loving her properly, for growing up in an environment of extreme insecurity.
Since her younger siblings were born, her parents never showed her a kind face again. Even when they smiled at her, it was only when she was around her siblings.
From her earliest memories, she had to help her younger siblings with their bottles and diapers, make them laugh, and prevent them from crying. Otherwise, she would receive her parents' disapproving looks and days of indifference.
"I've always been good at reading people's expressions." Camila chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Daniel, have you ever studied micro-expressions? I have... I did everything to please my parents, almost giving my all. But why didn't it earn me their affection?
"I was brought from the orphanage. I have no family in this world except them! Why do they treat me this way?"
Daniel gritted his teeth, a dark glint passing over his eyes.
From what he could remember, Camila did have a difficult time in Chace's place and barely had any presence in the entire family. Even after joining the Quimby Group, her younger siblings had managed to get ahead of her.
"Why?" Camila protested. "They bought their way into universities one by one, but I worked hard for my education, excelling in top schools. Is that all worthless in the Quimbys' eyes?
"I also wanted to be a good person, Daniel! But did the Quimbys give me a chance? In the company, every mistake was on my shoulders. If I achieved something, it would be attributed to the biological Quimbys... It's so unfair!"
She looked up-the smile on her face seemed to mock herself and the world's injustice.
Daniel's expression grew darker. "I haven't heard about any of this."
"Yeah, you're in a high position!" Camila laughed, tears streaming down her face. "You're like a god in the sky. Of course, you can't see the suffering on the ground.
"Besides, back then, you were always busy with Maisie. You could easily drop many company matters. How would you know what I've been through?
"My younger brother stole my proposal." She continued. "I stood outside your office that day, hoping you'd say something fair. I've respected you since childhood. I believed you'd handle this fairly... but I stood there all afternoon, and you didn't even glance at me!
"Do you know how many sleepless nights and how much effort I put into that proposal? How could the Quimbys take credit for my hard work so shamelessly?
"If the Quimbys don't give me justice, then I'll have to seek justice for myself!"
Chapter 1777
Chapter 1777
"Justice?" Daniel's gaze sharpened, resembling that of a hawk, as he glared at her. "Your so-called justice doesn't involve confronting your adoptive parents or your younger siblings. Instead, it targets Maisie! "The object of your revenge isn't someone stronger than you-it's aimed at the weak!"
While Daniel had a policy of not harming women, he was pushed beyond his limits this time.
He understood that what Camila mentioned was merely a trigger. Over the years, the Quimbys owed her for not showing adequate care and love. As the leader of the group, he couldn't attend to such trivial matters.
However, Camila attributed all these grievances to Maisie. She didn't dare retaliate against Chace and Nadine due to her last shred of hope for family. Going against her younger siblings risked her adoptive parents' wrath. She could only look up to Daniel and dare not do anything else.
But when she witnessed someone as vulnerable as Maisie being cherished by Daniel, all the resentment accumulated over the years erupted like a volcano. Her jealousy, akin to scorching magma, burned away her reason.
"Why?" Camila fearlessly met Daniel's gaze. "Why can she live so well and not me? Her family is even more unfortunate! She has a mother and brother who leech on her, a worthless brother-in-law, and a weak sister. They all rely on her alone! Even with all that, why does she get to live better than me? Why?!"
"You're utterly unreasonable!"
Daniel stood up, his iron grip tightening around Camila's neck. His veins bulged, eyes filled with intense hatred to tear her apart!
Yet, he couldn't bring himself to kill her.
Camila chuckled. "Kill... me!"
She stuttered, "If you dare... just kill me!"
"You think I dare not?"
"You... wouldn't!" Camila struggled to breathe-her hands desperately clutched Daniel's wrist, and her eyes almost popped out.
"Daniel, you wouldn't... If you kill someone, you'll pay the price... Heh! If you end up in prison, Maisie will... suffer outside! Could you let that happen? Hahaha..."
Daniel tightened his grip but couldn't follow through. He felt like he had walked into a dead end, trapped between advancing and retreating.
Suddenly, the door flung open.
Startled, Daniel turned and saw Maisie standing at the doorway. She was trembling all over, almost unable to stand, and her face was extremely pale. Despite that, her eyes radiated unparalleled strength. Daniel abruptly let go and then looked at the bodyguards. Some tried to stop Maisie, but she swiftly drew a gun from one of the guards and pressed it against Camila's head!
"Maisie!" Daniel was shocked.
Maisie's hand trembled, tears streaming down her face.
"Maisie, don't..."
Daniel rushed to her and held her tightly, meeting her ice-cold hands as he fumbled.
"I want... to kill her." Maisie's voice trembled.
"I know..."
Maisie was hysterical, struggling like a mad woman. "I want to kill her myself"
"Maisie!" Daniel firmly held her hand, preventing her from pulling the trigger.
The room was filled with Maisie's screams and cries.
Daniel felt like he was back in those days when Maisie was hurt physically and mentally, barely herself.
His heart felt like it was breaking.
"Maisie, calm down..." Daniel kissed her hair, trying to soothe her. He softly spoke in her ear. "Your hands are clean. It's not worth it for someone like her!"
Maisie's grip loosened, and the gun fell to the floor. She seemed drained of all strength, collapsing in Daniel's arms and sobbing inconsolably.
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Chapter 1778
Chapter 1778
"I'm sorry," Camila said softly as she struggled to get up from the floor.
Maisie locked eyes with Camila, finding only coldness within them. There was no trace of remorse accompanying her apology-the words "I'm sorry" felt more like a colossal joke.
Camila's lips were ashen as she continued. "Regardless of your perception, I truly wanted to apologize. I acknowledge that I've disrupted your life. If not for me, you wouldn't have experienced so much pain. "But... was it genuinely me who dismantled your life?"
Maisie froze, and her heart clenched abruptly, a suffocating feeling rising from within.
The police, accompanied by a lawyer, arrived and escorted Camila away.
A semblance of calmness returned.
Daniel carefully held Maisie in his embrace. As he prepared to exit the room, his gaze lingered on the lawyer, his voice carrying weight. "You know what to do, right?"
The lawyer nodded. "Mr. Quimby, I'll adhere strictly to the standard legal procedures. I won't interfere with anything else!"
Daniel breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't want to see Camila again, and there shouldn't be any parasites like this in the Quimby Group."
"I understand!"
The lawyer had been Daniel's confidant for years, their connection strong enough for unspoken communication. Daniel felt reassured entrusting the case to him.
His concern now rested with Maisie.
She appeared frail. Even with his support, she moved with dragging steps and stumbled.
Daniel simply lifted her.
Maisie resisted briefly but eventually surrendered, allowing him to hold her as tears covered her face. Exhausted, she closed her eyes, leaning against his chest.
His chest retained the familiar warmth she knew, his heartbeat strong and steady.
Maisie's heart was in turmoil. Clutching his collar, she softly called out after a while, "Daniel..."
"Yeah, I'm here," Daniel whispered in her ear.
"I want to go home."
"Okay, I'll take you back." Daniel placed her in the car, fastened her seatbelt, and removed his coat to cover her.
He drove steadily, and drowsiness slowly enveloped Maisie. It felt like she had a long dream where she went back to the first time she met him.
Back then, he asked her, "Would you be willing to stay with me in the future?"
Maisie's heart raced.
In her dream, she was very clear-headed. She saw her future, Daniel's coldness, and those unpleasant endings. She wanted to refuse, but no sound came out when she opened her mouth. Daniel looked at her and asked again, "Are you willing to follow me in the future?"
She saw many sweet scenes, his affection for her, letting her have the entire world.
She opened her mouth, her heart already having an answer. Regardless of what happened, her love for him remained unwavering.
"Do you... want to?"
"I...
"Yes." With her eyes tightly shut and brows furrowed, Maisie shifted uneasily in her car seat. "I do..."
"Maisie?" Daniel wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Maisie, what's wrong?"
Chapter 1779
Chapter 1779
When Maisie opened her eyes and found Daniel, the dream and reality merged abruptly, memories flooding back like a tide. Tears burst forth like a broken dam, and she threw herself into his arms, wailing. Daniel paused before gently patting her back, coaxing, "Cry it out... It'll all be okay."
After shedding her tears, she could bid farewell to the past. No memory-erasing drugs were necessary to say a final goodbye to those painful memories.
Daniel smiled bitterly.
Despite the chilly early spring night, the small car space became warm due to his embrace.
After a while, Maisie cried herself to exhaustion and dozed off.
The next day, she woke up in an unfamiliar room.
Someone's warmth seemed to linger beside her.
She blinked, surveying the room. It was elegantly decorated in the simple cream tone she liked, and the furniture had sleek lines, exuding sophistication.
A photo caught her eye on the bedside table. It was of a girl grinning brightly-herself.
Maisie picked it up, caressing the frame involuntarily.
In the picture, the towering mountains, lush trees, azure sky, fluffy white clouds atop peaks, and sunlight bathing the land created a serene and beautiful scene.
A carefree smile adorned her face in the photo. It was her only trip with Daniel to the highest mountain in Eropah. She loved the story about the girl on the mountain, so she had always wanted to visit.
Daniel had asked her what she wanted as a gift on her birthday that year. Cautiously, she had made that request, thinking he might not agree. Surprisingly, he had readily consented. After setting aside all his business affairs, he spent a long time touring Eropah with her.
It was probably the most vibrant moment in her life, much like the sun that day.
Maisie sighed softly and placed the photo back.
At that moment, Daniel walked in. Seeing her awake, he sat beside her with a smile that hinted of appeasement.
"This is my own home," he said softly. "I don't think you've ever been here."
"Yeah." Maisie nodded. "You never brought me here."
Daniel coughed, unsure how to respond.
Maisie whispered, "Previously... I always considered that little villa as our home."
"Me too!" Daniel hurriedly replied. "Maisie, I... I brought you here yesterday because I didn't have the keys to your new home. I thought you wouldn't want to go back to that small villa or the hotel. But you slept deeply in the car, and I wanted you to have a good rest, so..."
Daniel explained incoherently like a guilty child.
Suddenly, Maisie felt a pang of sadness. He had been such a proud person.
"Maisie, I didn't mean to bring you here... Last night, I lay beside you for a while. I was afraid you'd wake up and be scared of the unfamiliar environment, so... I stayed with you for a bit. When I saw you fast asleep, I went to the guest room. I'm telling the truth!"
Maisie silently looked at him. The heavy stone lodged in her heart seemed to shift slowly, allowing a breath of fresh air. Yet, she remained silent, making Daniel somewhat anxious.
"Maisie..." He looked at her with questioning eyes. "Do you... want something to eat?"
Maisie looked up and gently nodded.
Chapter 1780
Chapter 1780
Daniel's relief manifested in a warm smile. "I'll go make it then!"
Maisie softly interjected, catching him off guard, "Let me do it. I think... you haven't been in the kitchen much, so let me handle it."
Daniel was momentarily stunned. He hesitated before allowing Maisie to head to the kitchen. She expertly tied on an apron, checked the fridge, gathered ingredients, and began bustling around the stove. Daniel stood awkwardly by the kitchen door. Despite being a grown man, he felt unsure. He didn't know whether to offer help or how to assist, yet he cherished this moment deeply.
In no time, Maisie prepared breakfast-soup, warm milk, chicken sandwiches, sausages, and eggs. It mirrored every meal she had cooked for him before.
"What are you standing there for?" Maisie handed him cutlery. "Sit down and eat."
"Mm..."
"Your stomach's weak. Start with some soup," she said softly. "If we have time, I can bake you some bread. I remember you liked sweet ones, but they're too sugary and bad for your health. I'll make a low- sugar version that you quite like."
"Yes, of course, I like it!" Daniel laughed childishly and blurted, "There's next time if we don't have enough time this time!"
After saying that, he paused, thinking he said the wrong thing, and chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Maybe... there won't be a next time."
After a moment of silence, Maisie replied, "Next time, I'll bake it at home and bring it to you."
"What?"
She glanced at him, then lowered her head. "Hurry and eat. Don't let it get cold!"
Daniel was taken aback for a moment. He suddenly grinned foolishly, feeling his appetite surge.
Although they didn't say much, the atmosphere resembled that of an old married couple who had spent years together. One understood the other's taste, and the other knew one's habits.
Time flowed quietly at that moment, morning light streaming through the window onto the dining table. They sat facing each other, quietly having breakfast.
This was what Daniel had been longing for.
His nose felt a bit tingly. He occasionally glanced at her and then laughed to himself.
After a while, Maisie spoke first. "Daniel, do you have time later?"
He didn't hesitate. "Yes!"
"Can you take me back... to the old house?"
He paused but heard her murmur, "I want to bring flowers for Curtisa.
"I think I've... let it all go already... I hope Curtisa can, too."
Maisie exhaled deeply, looking up at him. She wore a smile, clean and unburdened.
"You know, I kept having the same dream-a child crying, coming from that house. Later, I thought maybe she was blaming us for not protecting her.
"So, I want to tell our daughter that her dad didn't abandon her or cause her death... Her dad has always been seeking the culprit. I also want to tell her that her dad is a very responsible man. All these things happened by chance."
"Maisie..." Daniel held her hand, his voice slightly choked. "Our daughter won't blame us. I believe that one day, she'll come back to us."