Five days had passed since Lylia asked Hanz and Freya to look after Lumiel. During that time, she visited often—wanting to see the little light in her life, the family she had chosen.
Inside Hanz and Freya's home, laughter filled the room. Freya was playing with Lumiel's tiny hands, gently singing.
"La la la~ Let's play some more, Lumiel!"
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
"I'll go get it," Hanz said, getting up.
He opened the door, only to be met by two tall men in black suits. One of them asked coldly, "Do you know anything about a lost infant around here?"
Hanz's brows furrowed. "No, I haven't seen any," he replied cautiously.
But one of the suited men peered past him into the living room. He spotted Freya holding Lumiel.
"Is that baby yours?" he asked flatly.
Hanz froze for a moment before answering, "Yes, it is."
The man gave a blank smile. "Congratulations." Without another word, both men turned and left.
Hanz closed the door, his heart still pounding, and returned to Freya and Lumiel.
"Who was it?" Freya asked.
"I don't know. They said they were looking for a lost infant. Kinda strange if you ask me."
Freya frowned. "Let's just... not think about it too much."
Moments later, Lylia arrived.
"Hey, Hanz," she greeted, "where's Lumiel?"
"He's with Freya."
Lylia quickly stepped into the room. "Hi, Freya. Thank you so much for taking care of my little boy."
"It's no big deal," Freya smiled. "Just helping a friend."
Lylia knelt beside the sleeping Lumiel. "Mama's back," she whispered, gently brushing his cheek. "Were you a good boy to Hanz and Freya?"
"He's always sleeping," Hanz chuckled.
"He cries sometimes," Freya added, "but not too often. And he is so~ cute."
Lylia stared lovingly at the boy as warmth filled her chest. "He truly is an angel," she murmured.
Then Hanz remembered something. "By the way... Lylia, there were two guys in suits who came here earlier. They were going around the neighborhood asking about a lost, abandoned infant. Weird, right?"
Lylia's smile vanished. Her eyes widened slightly.
"I—uh... I don't know anything," she lied quickly. "That's a pretty weird question."
"I know, right?" Freya replied, laughing lightly.
As the couple chatted, Lylia's thoughts spun.
> Are Rick or Affia trying to take back Lumiel? After abandoning him so heartlessly… they think they can just show up and take him?
No. I will protect Lumiel. No matter who gets in my way.
Lylia clenched her fists, pushing the thoughts down.
"Hey, Freya, Hanz," she spoke up.
"What's up?" Freya asked.
"Do you need anything?" Hanz added.
"I actually came here to tell you something."
"Let's hear it," Hanz said.
"Tell us, tell us!" Freya chirped.
"I got accepted for the job," Lylia announced. "I start next week."
"Congratulations, Lylia!" Hanz grinned, but Freya beat him to the celebration—throwing her arms around Lylia.
"That's amazing! I knew you'd get it!" Freya said excitedly, shaking her friend back and forth.
"Freya—I'm getting a bit dizzy," Lylia laughed.
"Oops, sorry!" Freya pulled back.
"So... what are you going to do now?" Hanz asked. "Having Lumiel while working might be hard."
"I already spoke with the CEO," Lylia said. "I told him about my situation, and he actually said I could bring Lumiel with me—as long as he stays quiet. He even said it might boost morale if the staff can interact with him."
"That actually helps a lot," Hanz said, relieved.
Freya's face fell slightly. "Does that mean... you're taking Lumiel now?"
Lylia gave a gentle nod. "Yes. But you two can still visit anytime. I'm sure Lumiel would love to see you both often."
"Really?" Freya's eyes sparkled.
"Of course."
"Yay! Thank you, Lylia! I love you so much!" Freya shouted, hugging her again.
"Yeah, yeah, me too," Lylia chuckled.
From behind, Hanz grinned.
> Freya hasn't changed at all…
But Lylia… she's becoming a real mother.
He glanced down at the sleeping Lumiel.
> I'm excited to see how you grow up, little guy.
Don't disappoint your mother.