All his clothes and belongings, along with the toys and gifts Serafina and Soren had given him, barely filled one suitcase.
Thirty minutes later, Alexis reappeared before Lucy, fully dressed and wheeling the suitcase. Lucy, stood up and took the suitcase from Alexisâs hands. âIâve made arrangements for the adoption.
procedure. Iâll make sure Alexis has a proper family.â
She paused briefly before continuing, âBut Iâll probably change his surname to avoid unnecessary complications. Heâll be called Alexis Staber.â
Cherise nodded. She understood. Lucy was a single woman. If Alexis did not have her surname, it would lead to speculation and gossip.
âIâm fine with that!â Alexis chimed in before Cherise could speak. âIâm happy with whatever my mom names me!â
Cherise did not know what to say. She could not help but wonder if this kid was too clever for his own good. However, from the look in Alexisâs eyes as he watched Lucy, Cherise could tell that he truly liked her.
After seeing off Lucy and Alexis, Cherise found herself pondering silently. Lucy, Alexis.
When I named Alexis all those years ago, did I choose this name because I hoped he would be like Lucy? Did I choose the name because its meaning reminded me of Lucy?
She scratched her head, realizing how troublesome it was to lose her memory. Otherwise, she would not have been perplexed about why she gave Alexis that name years ago. How she wished she could remember everything about her past immediately.
But as she recalled how she remembered something about her past that day because Damien kissed herâ¦
Her cheeks turned red.
Not long after Lucy left, Damien returned home with Beckham. Accompanying them was Damienâs close friend, Lennon.
As they settled around the table, Lennon was surprised to find his plate of pierogi only half the others.
He furrowed his brow and looked at Cherise with discontent. âCherry, even if yo me coming here for dinner, thereâs no need to treat me like this, isnât there?â
Cherise glanced at the plate of pierogi before Lennon and realized it was the one Lucy had eate earlier.
After Lucy left, Cheriseâs mind was so occupied with Lucy that she forgot to bring a new pierogi for Lennon.
She smiled awkwardly, saying, âUm, Iâll ask Frances to get you another plate. My friend, Lucy, came see me just now and sat on your spot. She ate half of the pierogi, and I forgot to bring you a new Cheriseâs words instantly silenced the entire dining room.
Lennon pursed his lips, carefully guarding his half-empty plate. âThat wonât be necessary. Iâll just eat this half.â
The air became strangely still.
Cherise waved at Frances awkwardly. âCan you get Mr. Belcourt a new plate of pierogi.â After all, it was not right to let guests eat leftovers from oneâs friends.
Lennon pressed his lips together and replied hoarsely, âI said, thereâs no need to change it. Iâll eat this.â
Cherise bit her lip, glancing at Lennon in confusion before looking at Damien. Damien returned her gaze and shook his head. But this only deepened her confusion.
Why did he shake his head? Was it because it was something acceptable? Did I make Lennon angry that he said those words?
But it makes sense. He came to his friendâs house for a meal, only to find the friendâs wife had served you someone elseâs leftovers. I would feel uncomfortable too.