Chapter 134: You are reliable

After spending some more time together and explaining how to handle Elara if she started crying, along with a few of her usual habits, Jean and Kai finally decided it was time to leave.

There was nothing much to worry about though since Elara usually was quite busy with her explorations. But at times she turns quite moody and irritable.

Fortunately, Elara had fallen asleep in Kai’s embrace shortly after breakfast. They had carefully transferred her to the crib, allowing her to continue sleeping peacefully.

Yet, despite having discussed their plans beforehand, neither of them seemed particularly eager to leave. Instead, they found themselves standing beside the crib, gazing at their sleeping daughter.

"It’s been a while since I’ve left her alone like this," Jean murmured, her eyes fixed on the little girl’s peaceful face.

Elara’s tiny fists were loosely clenched, and her breathing was slow and steady as she slept soundly in her crib.

"Hmm. You’re right. One of us has always been around her lately, so she might get anxious when she wakes up," Kai replied.

Although they wouldn’t be gone for more than an hour, Elara’s irregular sleeping schedule meant there was a reasonable chance she would wake up before they returned.

"But we can trust Mia and Mark to take good care of her," Kai added reassuringly.

Jean nodded. "You’re right. Sometimes, I think I’m starting to behave like you."

She glanced at him with a teasing smile.

"Overprotective and constantly worrying about her."

Kai shook his head with an amused smile before gently taking her hand.

"Come on. Let’s go."

...

Soon, they were driving away from the house, heading toward a secluded location.

Kai had already confirmed everything with the System. Thanks to the skill he had received, every meal he prepared helped Jean gradually recover her physical health.

Mentally, she appeared ready as well.

There was no point in putting it off any longer.

"Where are we going?" Jean asked as she watched them drive through the residential community where the mansion was located.

"There’s a park nearby. There shouldn’t be any cameras around, and hopefully, we won’t encounter anyone at this hour."

Most people visited parks either early in the morning or in the evening. It was already ten, and the sun was particularly harsh today, making it unlikely that many people would be out.

Before long, they arrived at their destination and stepped out of the car.

Standing at the entrance, Jean paused for a moment.

Kai remained beside her, giving her all the time she needed. He didn’t rush her or ask whether she was certain about her decision.

Eventually, she nodded.

"I’m ready. Let’s go."

...

Back at the house, Mark was keeping an eye on his niece through the baby monitor.

Fortunately, Elara was still sleeping soundly, despite Mia nearly causing a scene after almost losing the precious sugar dispenser.

"Kai would’ve taken a few inches off my height if I’d actually lost this," Mia muttered with a sigh.

She carefully placed the dispenser on a shelf before stepping away from it, as though putting some distance between herself and the object would somehow prevent another mishap.

Kai had entrusted it to her in case Elara woke up irritable. That little toy was one of the few things capable of distracting the girl when she was in a particularly difficult mood.

"Now, leave that alone and come sit here," Mark said, patting the stool beside him.

Mia joined him, turning her attention to the monitor as well.

For a while, they watched the peacefully sleeping girl in silence.

Then Mia smiled faintly.

"I’m happy for Kai."

Mark hummed in agreement.

"He finally doesn’t talk like a depressed salaryman anymore."

Mia nodded, her expression softening.

"I can see the light in his eyes again. And it’s brighter than it was when he first told me about the hunting opportunity he got back then."

She could still remember that day vividly.

Kai had approached her with the news that an organization had taken an interest in him and wanted to recruit him. They specialized in scouting young talents like him, and he had been brimming with excitement as he spoke about the opportunity.

It was the first time she had seen such genuine enthusiasm in his eyes.

"You tried to stop him back then, didn’t you?" Mark asked.

Mia nodded.

"That’s why we didn’t speak for almost a year. We only reconnected when we ran into each other at the station, and he apologized."

Mark hummed thoughtfully.

"He’s told me several times how bad he felt about yelling at you. He always says he was being a complete idiot for trusting strangers over a friend who had been there for him."

Mia shook her head.

"It wasn’t entirely his fault. Besides, you know I’ve never exactly been the most reliable person."

Mark frowned at her words.

"Who told you that?"

He turned toward her, his expression growing serious.

"Think about it, Mia. You had practically nothing when you graduated from university, yet you still managed to start your own salon. You’ve even supported several of your employees who were in much worse situations than you were. I’d say that’s more than enough proof of how responsible and reliable you are."

Mia stared at him for a moment, caught off guard by his earnest words.

A faint blush spread across her cheeks. She nudged her husband with her shoulder, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Thank you for saying that..."

Suddenly, she stopped.

A tiny cry rang out from the baby monitor.

Both of them immediately turned toward the screen.

Elara was awake.

Mia and Mark exchanged a glance, both alerted, before getting to their feet.

It was time for a good uncle and aunt to spring into action!

°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the read so far leave a comment or maybe a power stone. They both help as much as your presence. And yes, join the discord for more imagesm