Chapter 94

Rachel was taken aback. She didn't understand why Lorraine would say such things.

Matthew was equally shocked. "Why do you say that, Lori?"

Lorraine replied dejectedly, "At Granny's, the household staff said Dad went to prison because of Mom. If Ms. Carter becomes my mom, Dad will go to prison again."

Rachel felt a pang of sympathy. Lorraine, though young, already harbored a distorted view of motherhood.

Rachel patted Lorraine's head, softly comforting her. "It doesn't work like that. It's hard to understand because you're still young, but I promise your dad won't go to prison again, no matter what."

Lorraine looked worried, muttering, "B-But... I'm afraid Dad will be sent back to prison." Tears glistened in her eyes.

Rachel smiled and coaxed, "I promise your dad won't go back to prison. Trust me, okay?"

With watery eyes, Lorraine studied Rachel intently, as if assessing her sincerity.

After a long moment, Lorraine remained restless. She held out her chubby hand. "Pinky promise?"

Rachel giggled and extended her own hand. "Alright, pinky promise."

They linked pinkies, singing in unison, "Pinky swear, hold it tight, never break it day or night."

Matthew sniffled as he drove, surprised by Lorraine's depth of feeling. Her words, despite her age, nearly moved him to tears. He felt a profound sense of protectiveness towards her.

The car wound its way through the city's concrete jungle. Matthew, however, felt a surge of happiness. The cold buildings seemed, to him, like loving castles, each one sheltering a precious little girl like Lorraine.

The car slowed, eventually stopping at the village entrance.

Rachel was puzzled. "Why did we stop here?"

Matthew chuckled. "Are you coming to my place? It's just down the road. Fair warning: my parents are quite hospitable."

Rachel considered this before replying, "Maybe next time." She felt their relationship was progressing too rapidly. It had begun with a blind date arranged by Fred, culminating in Matthew's announcement as her future husband at the Carter residence's birthday party. The relationship felt externally driven, and truthfully, they weren't ready for marriage. She barely knew Matthew's preferences. She wanted to proceed slowly.

Matthew nodded. "Alright, I'll walk home from here. You should head back now."

He got out of the car and lifted Lorraine from the back seat.

"See you tomorrow," Rachel replied, getting into the driver's seat and driving away.

Matthew walked home with Lorraine on his back. He encountered familiar faces, but they pretended not to see him, so he didn't bother greeting them.

Several middle-aged women gossiped nearby.

"I feel bad for him. After three years in prison, he lost his company and wife."

"Being a single father, he'll have a hard time finding another wife."

"A luxurious car's been parked at his house lately. Did he meet someone influential?"

"How could an ex-convict know anyone influential? I heard he's working as a chauffeur."

"They say ex-cons always end up worse. Keep your children away from him."

Matthew remained unaffected, pretending not to hear.

Lorraine pouted. "Buy me honey tomorrow, Dad."

Matthew was curious. "You want to eat honey?"

Lorraine shook her head. "I want to give it to those people."

Matthew furrowed his brow, bewildered by her unconventional logic. "Why give them honey?"

Lorraine giggled. "It's a secret. I have to whisper."

She leaned close to his ear. "Once they eat honey, their mouths will be sweet, and they won't say bad things about Dad."

Matthew's heart melted at her childish words. He kissed her cheek. "Sure, I'll buy you honey tomorrow," he said, laughing.