Janey's joy spread like wildfire.

Raegan gently squeezed Janey's cheek and asked, "Janey, would you be happy if your daddy lived with us all the time?"

"I would love that!" Janey beamed. "I wish daddy could always be with us and never leave."

Raegan saw the genuine affection Janey had for Mitchel. But was this affection born out of a longing for a father figure, or was it the natural bond of kinship?

Raegan bent down to Janey's level and asked, “Janey, do you Like Mitchel because he's your daddy, or because you genuinely like him as a person?"

Janey, puzzled by Raegan's question, offered her own understanding.

“My teacher says people have auras. If you like someone, it's because you can feel they like you back. I feel daddy loves me just as much as I love him."

Raegan was surprised. It seemed even a child not yet five had deeper insights than she did.

After Annis took Janey outside to play, Raegan's mind was still racing. She knew her heart was unsettled because of Mitchel. She remembered the question Mitchel had asked at the door of her villa last time, and she decided she wanted to answer it tonight.

She didn't want to push him away anymore. She wanted to give them a try. For Janey, and for herself, it was time to move on from the past.

Raegan got busy with dinner preparations once again. By the time she finished, it was nearly seven in the evening.

Raegan laid out the dishes on the automatically heated table, ensuring they wouldn't cool down within an hour.

After that, Raegan and Janey sat down, waiting for Mitchel's return.

For a brief moment, Raegan felt as if she had been transported back in time. She used to wait for Mitchel like this five years ago. And now, they had a daughter together.

As time slowly ticked by, Janey's stomach started rumbling. With a pout, she looked up at Raegan and asked with a hint of sadness, "Mommy, when is daddy going to be home?"

Raegan, feeling a mix of helplessness and impatience, responded, "I'm not sure, sweetie. Give me a sec to call him and find out where he is."

Picking up her phone, Raegan dialed Mitchel's number.

The phone rang and rang, but there was no answer.

A sinking feeling started to settle in Raegan's heart. She somehow sensed Mitchel might not show up tonight. But why? If he knew he was going to be late, why hadn't he given her a heads-up?

“Why didn't daddy pick up the phone?" Janey couldn't hide her disappointment when she noticed Raegan's concerned look.