A Love Trap

"Okay, okay. Great-grandpa knows it. Thank you for your reminder. You take care as well."

Both kids agreed at once.

Ashley and her kids finished their breakfast in silence.

This was the life she wanted most—quiet and peaceful, where the family gathered together and shared meals around the table.

Her dream had finally come true.

At least she could get together with her family every day. It made Ashley the happiest, most fulfilled person in the world.

However, once in a while, the thought of her biological parents still came to her and she would sometimes feel bad about it.

She did not know how they lost her. Nor was she sure whether or not they abandoned her deliberately.

Ashley hoped in her heart that the former one was the truth.

She wanted to believe that she was lost rather than abandoned.

Noticing that Ashley had fallen into a bad mood, Andrew squeezed her hand to comfort her.

Andrew's warm hand made her snap back to reality. As she looked at Andrew and her two children, a bright smile replaced the gloom on her face.

"I'm fine."

Ashley had been persistent in looking for her family in the past.

But now, she was content with her present life which she loved and enjoyed.

After breakfast, Ashley and Andrew took the kids to school.

It was the first day of September when the new semester began. Apparently, each school would become a sea of excited children.

was in fifth grade, so Ashley planned to take him to his

come with us?" Fabio asked as

stay at home. I'm already too old to do

you're not. You're still young," Fabio

really elated

loved his

over the Lu Group, he had

Chant had been living a Buddha-like life.

his age of over seventy years did not show any signs of serious issues. He was as hale and hearty as

Great-grandpa will be here when you get

"Okay."

got into the car and

of a primary school. Thankfully, it did not draw much attention this time.

Ashley did not want to sow any seeds of unrealistic

chose a low-profile car to drive the

Ashley and her family sat in the back. The car was big enough

here we are. Let's go see Richard's new

expected, the school was crowded with parents and students on the first day of the new semester.

of students huddled everywhere, chatting with each other about what they had

laughter rang in every corner of the

a place full of vibrant, youthful energy. Even Ashley could not help being touched by the carefree mood

friendships forged here were the most

you for any other interests besides making friends.

eyes met, and then they exchanged a few words before arranging their seats. Ashley liked this sort of pure

reached out her left hand to Richard while her right hand held

enough to

could reach Richard's hand, a big, callused

only needed a mere touch to know who

the next moment. She was supposed to accompany Richard for his school registration.

really appropriate to leave Richard