Rena saw Alexis’ expression in the rearview mirror and smiled.

"Next fall,” she replied.

The light ahead had turned red, and Waylen stopped the car. He teased Rena, “I'm not getting any younger, Miss Gordon. If you don't marry me soon, I'm afraid | will end up an unmarried sad old man because no one will want me."

Rena wasn't fooled by him.

She rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Oh, please. A lot of women will want you.”

Without saying anything, Waylen looked at her with tenderness in his eyes.

Staring back at him, Rena inexplicably felt ill at ease.

He had looked at her like this many, many times, but still, she couldn't quite bear the emotions she felt every time he did.

In the evening, Waylen put Alexis to bed.

Then, he went to Rena, pressed her on the bed, and made love to her twice. After that, he held her in his arms and said softly, "'m going to Hondrau on business tomorrow. I'll be there for about ten days. | would really love to take you and Alexis with me, but she has school."

The idea of herself and Alexis coming with Waylen to Hondrau excited Rena.

But she didn't say anything. She didn't want to seem clingy.

Because he would be apart from Rena for a long time, Waylen couldn't help wanting to have her over and over. He didn't stop doing her until she begged him to stop.

When they were finally done, Rena collapsed in Waylen's arms and fell asleep.

When she woke up the next morning, Waylen had already set off for Hondrau. He left a white rose beside her pillow.

After lying in bed for ten more minutes, Rena got up and helped Alexis get ready for school.

Alexis was obedient. She dressed herself and brushed her curly hair.

Rena drove Alexis to school. It was the first time that Rena saw Leonel, the boy that Alexis had always been talking about. He was a very good-looking little lad. ©

Rena winked at Alexis.

Embarrassed, Alexis walked to class with her cheeks burning bright red.

Rena got back in the car.

She sent a message to Waylen that read, "| met Leonel today.”