The Runaway Groom

Lulu sat by Star's crib as Star slept quietly, feeling troubled even as she stared at Star's peaceful little cheeks.

She wanted to stay with Star as she grew up-to watch her take her first steps, learn to talk, go to school... eventually becoming an adult and building a happy life of her own. That was the only way she would find comfort, but now...

As she gently caressed Star's cheek, she mused, "How much longer can I still take care of you?"

Star would eventually grow up and not need anyone to take care of her, and Lulu only had that much time by her side.

Still, Lulu smiled. "But I'm satisfied being at your side now. Anything else can wait until later."

Time passed unhurriedly.

With Vivian gone, Lulu's life with Star was calm and peaceful.

However, Ken Dawson would come by occasionally, saying that Zachary sent him to check on Star. After all, Zachary stopped watching the security cameras since he could guess Lulu would be uncomfortable and had Ken take pictures instead.

"He's really creating extra work," Ken said with a chuckle. "You can do it for him, but he'd rather have me do his bidding."

Lulu pretended not to hear him and focused on taking care of Star for the sake of her peaceful life.

Ken teased, "Don't tell me that he's scared of you?"

Lulu ignored him, more or less knowing Ken these days.

The more one argued, the more he would have to say.

Ignore him, and he would find you boring and hold his tongue.

A month later, Zachary's project was done.

That meant Lulu had to see him frequently, since he would come home at night even if he had work.

Lulu also had to cook since Sue

Lambert had yet to return. With just

the three of them in the house,

anyone would mistakegelst

a

family of three... which they were.

However, neither Zachary nor Lulu would say anything even if they knew who each other were.

After dinner, Zachary suggested, "Why don't we have a drink?"

Lulu did not refuse him, since she had things to tell him too and did not know how to start. Alcohol might just loosen her lips.

Zachary took a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses, then placed one in front of Lulu and the other in front of herself.

He poured it for Lulu first, and she chugged it, putting it down and saying, "Let's have another."

Zachary stared at her. "Take it slow."

Lulu said nothing, and the second glass was a dull one.

Then, she slammed the glass heavily on the table. "When did you find out?"

Zachar poured her another glass before putting down the bottle.

"From the start. What, were you net

treating me like stupid? If I don't Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

all

know that much..."

As he looked up, his eyes seemed to well with attachment toward her but he repressed it as he said, "We've been together for a while. Even if your looks and voice have changed, you're the mother of my child."