<b>Chapter </b>424


    Little Ike looked to be around three or four years old, dressed in trendy clothes, and with a face so adorably sculpted it could melt hearts. He looked up at me with those big, innocent eyes, and I couldn’t help but feel a tug at my heartstrings.


    I was slightly puzzled and gently patted his tiny head, “Auntie?”


    “Yes, Auntie! My name’s Ike Taylor. You can just call me Ike!”


    The little guy introduced himself with a soft, youthful voice, looking every bit the picture of sweetness.


    I couldn’t help but chuckle softly, squatting down to his level and saying gently, “Alright, Ike, but…”


    I paused, turning to Gregory, “Ike is your nephew?<i>”</i>


    “Edith’s son.”


    Gregoryzily lifted his gaze, speaking in an indifferent tone, “She’s off to Europe for a trip tonight. Ike has school, so I’m stuck looking after him for a while.<b>”</b>


    “Really?” I nced at his legs, questioning, “Are you sure… you can handle a kid?”


    Ike then hugged my neck, peppering my face with kisses, his voice muffled, “Auntie, you can y with me!”


    I must admit, I waspletely won over by his charm, but still, I turned to Gregory, asking again, “Auntie?”


    Gregory seemed unfazed, “Kids, they like to say whatever.”


    I held Ike’s tiny shoulders, correcting him, “Ike, can you call me ‘Jane‘? Auntie is not something you can just call someone.”


    He tilted his head, confused, “Why?”


    “Well…”


    I pondered how to exin this in the simplest terms, “Auntie is like your uncle’s future wife. Your uncle and I are just…”


    1/4


    <b>09:30 </b>1


    “I get it now!”


    Before I could choose my words carefully, Ike jumped up excitedly, pping his chubby hands, “Then you are Auntie! Mommy said if two people like each other very, very much, they can be husband and wife. So, that means Uncle really, really likes you…”


    He was cut off mid–sentence by Gregory, who quickly covered his mouth.


    “Kid, what do you know about liking someone?”


    Ike red at him, “Uncle, I know!”


    Gregory chuckled, “Oh yeah? Exin.”


    “Like, Ike really, really doesn’t like you!”


    Saying so, Ike cuddled into me like a ko, pleading softly, “Auntie, I like you. Can I go home with you?”


    My heart melted, but it didn’t seem right to take someone else’s child home.


    I thought for a moment, then declined gently, “Sweetie, I’m staying in a hotel right now. It’s not as convenient as a home, you know.”


    Gregory frowned, “Why don’t you stay at the Elmwood Vis apartment?”


    I made up an excuse on the spot, “Forgot the password.”


    The Elmwood Vis apartment, the one he gifted me two years ago.


    Because of what happened two years ago, there’s been a distance between us, and I felt guilty.


    Therefore,ing to Vista Town this time, I never considered staying there.


    Gregory snorted, “You forgot your ow.n birthday too?”


    I coughed lightly, admitting, “It’s more like, I thought it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to stay there.”


    Gregory smirked, “What’s inappropriate? Any of the gifts you’ve given me before wouldn’t be cheaper than that apartment.”


    That reminded me of old times.


    Whenever I found something nice, I’d share it with him first.


    214


    09:30 1


    Not to mention his birthdays or the holidays, I’d always empty my piggy bank and even ask Ramona for some extra cash.


    With that thought, I suddenly felt justified. He owed me, after all.


    Before I could respond, he mocked again, “Or is it that you have too much money and insist on staying at a hotel? Give me the excess cash; I’ll spend it for you.”


    “In your dreams.”


    I red at him, then pinched Ike’s chubby cheek, “You cane and y at my ce. It’s just below your uncle’s house. I’ll move there this afternoon, and you’re wee anytime!“.


    Ike nted a kiss on my cheek, chirping, “Okay, prettydy!”


    Gregory’s face darkened as he gritted his teeth, “Ike!”


    Ike looked baffled, “What’s wrong, Uncle?”


    Gregory frowned, schooling him, “Who taught you to keep kissing girls? That’s not allowed!”


    “Uncle, haven’t you ever kissed a prettydy?”


    Both Gregory and I felt a bit awkward at that moment.


    Thankfully, Ramona chose that moment toe out. Despite her age and asional confusion, she always maintained an air of elegance.


    Just out of bed, her hair was meticulously done, and she wore a hand–stitched dress that seemed to defy time itself.


    It seemed she could always/recognize Gregory and me, greeting us warmly, “Lilliana, you’re here. And Greg, what brings you here so early?”


    “Just checking in on you.”


    Gregory patted Ike’s head, instructing him, “Say hi to great–grandma.”


    “Great–grandma!” Ike, far from shy, greeted her loudly, immediately making himself endearing.


    Ramona smiled kindly, “Ah, such a sweet boy!”


    Gregory then exined, “He’s Edith’s kid.”


    “Edith?” Ramona had forgotten.


    But Gregory didn’t want to burden her with memories, instead focusing on her well–being, “How have you been these past few days?”


    “Just fine, just fine.”


    Seeing both of us there made Ramona very happy. “Lilliana even found a doctor to help with my health.”


    After a bit more conversation, Ramona suddenly turned to Gregory, “Greg, when are you nning to marry our Lilliana?”Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.