Chapter 517 Tradition

“Of course not!” Chandler answered without hesitation.

“You weren’t trying to harm this baby?”

“This is my child. Why would I want to harm them?”

Meryl gazed deep into Chandler’s eyes, searching, but found nothing but sincerity there.

“Then why… lately, you’ve been so insistent about… wanting me?”

Meryl had wondered if he was trying to make her miscarry.

Chandler sighed, “Meryl, I’m head over heels in love with you. Sometimes I lose control. I’m sorry about that. I’ve been doing some soul searching lately.”

Meryl’s fingers curled inward, remembering how Chandler hadn’t touched her for a while now.

“Chandler, I might be leaving for a while,” Meryl said.

Chandler froze, his eyes falling on the suitcase. “What’s going on? Where are you going?”

“I’m planning to study cello with Mr. Herty.”

Chandler had heard about Harvey’s orchestra and its isolated training program. With everything else going on, it totally looked like she was storming off in a huff.

“Meryl, you…”

“I’m not angry,” she said casually. “It is an amazing opportunity. Mr. Herty doesn’t take on students easily. I’m honored to be his apprentice.”

Chandler rubbed his temples, a headache building. He stared at Meryl’s face, searching for any telltale sign, any flicker of doubt or hesitation. But Meryl’s expression was smooth, betraying nothing.

His suspicions gradually faded. After all, improving herself was a good thing. Chandler had no reason to object. Of course he’d respect Meryl’s decision. If her goal was self-improvement, he wouldn’t dream of holding her back.

A pang of sadness tugged at his heart, but he quickly pushed it aside. Meryl, for her part, didn’t see the distance as a problem. If Chandler truly cared, their relationship wouldn’t be affected by her joining the orchestra. If a man wanted to see you, he’d find a way. He’d make time. But if Chandler’s heart weren’t in it, then even if they were together every day, it would all be a sham.

Chandler was silent for a few seconds, then said, “What do you need? I’ll help you pack. The weather’s been changing; make sure you take some warm clothes.”

The orchestra had weekends off, so Meryl could come home then. Besides, he could see her. Seeing each other wouldn’t be an issue. Chandler silently opened the wardrobe and carefully packed Meryl’s things one by one.

Watching him, Meryl felt a wave of emotion she couldn’t quite put her finger on. His care for her was subtle, like the gentle rain nourishing the earth. She had expected him to oppose her joining the orchestra fiercely, but instead, he was letting her do as she pleased, indulging her whims.

“What about Dylan?” Meryl asked.

Chandler smiled and ruffled her hair. “You just focus on what you want to do. I’ll handle Dad.”

The Anistons had a tradition – when a woman became pregnant, she was expected to return to the Aniston Villa to see out her pregnancy. Meryl had only been at the Villa for a few days, and now she was leaving. This clearly went against the grain. With Meryl staying at the Aniston Villa, running into Dalton was bound to happen. And with him being so busy with work, well, it was like handing Dalton an opportunity on a silver platter. It was probably for the best that Meryl got away for a while.

Early the following day, Chandler personally saw Meryl off. As she wheeled her suitcase out the door and towards the car, they bumped straight into Dylan, who was in the living room fussing with a vase.

Dylan’s eyes narrowed, his gaze falling on the suitcase. “What’s all this?” he asked.