He paused in the middle of the stairs.

A hint of mischief glinted in his eyes.

Continuing to make his way down the stairs, he said slowly, "You didn't call me old when I carried you around all the time. We were in the car last time and you were sitting on my lap, and the car started shaking pretty soon."

Laura's face burned hot with embarrassment.

She hurriedly covered Leyla's ears. "What are you saying? There's a child right here!"

"It's not like she can understand me. She's still so young.”

Edwin walked over and sat down beside her, picking up his niece in his arms. He and Laura had been married for so many years now. She knew him Like the back of her own hand. Edwin hadn't said a word, but she knew Dylan occupied his thoughts.

Laura said nothing and instead focused on thinking about their son's birthday celebration.

As they were both lost in their own heads, Edwin broke the silence.

"Olivia came and told us about Dylan, but she didn't say anything about the death of Raphael's mother. Her secretary called and informed me that Olivia had gone to the hospital with Leyla. She came there to let Raphael's mother see Leyla before she passed away."

Laura was stunned.

There was a long stretch of silence before she murmured, "She didn't say anything about that."

Edwin stroked her hair and sighed, "I think Olivia has completely moved on. Mom and Dad are not in Duefron, so you and I would have to attend the funeral. If only for Leyla's sake."

He lowered his head and planted a soft kiss on Leyla's face.

Laura looked at him with wide eyes, almost in disbelief.

He smiled gently at her. "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Laura hesitated for a moment, but decided to muster her courage and tell the truth. "I was just surprised. I didn't think you would say that. You're being so generous to them, Edwin."

“Why is that surprising? Am I not generous enough to you?" he teased.

"When you heard that Dylan was still alive, you were even more excited than Olivia. And don't even bother denying it. You and I both know I know you better than that. Care to explain that to me?"

Laura zipped her mouth, not daring to provoke him anymore.

Edwin watched her lower her head quietly. After some moments, he said softly, “The truth is, I'm also really happy that Dylan is still alive."

Laura was momentarily shocked at his honesty, but then nodded, tears filling her eyes.

Edwin put the pamphlet on her knees aside and held her in his arms.

Squashed in between them, Leyla struggled and let out dissatisfied sounds of complaint.