Chapter 5

Claire found a house for Elizabeth and Henry that was 250 square feet. It had a living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a balcony. The place was simple but okay.

“What do you think?” Claire asked, happy with her find.

Elizabeth nodded and asked Henry, “Do you like it, Henry?”

Henry pouted and looked a bit sad. “Mommy…”

“What’s wrong? Are you sick?” Elizabeth asked, worried and crouching down.

“No,” Henry said, snuggling into her. “Mommy, Baby wants a Daddy…”

Henry had been asking for a dad ever since they got to Riverside Town. Even though he was smart, he missed having a father.

“Good boy. Aren’t you sleepy? Mommy will put you to bed, and we’ll eat when you wake up, okay?”

Elizabeth loved her son more than anything, so she stayed calm with him.

Henry rubbed his eyes. “Will Daddy be here when I wake up?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth forced a smile.

“Alright… then I’m going to sleep.” Henry danced happily.

Elizabeth picked him up, took him to the bedroom, and gently put him to bed before closing the door.

“Liz, Henry really wants a daddy. Please find him one,” Claire said, feeling sorry for Henry.

Elizabeth sighed and smiled sadly. “No man would want me.”

Four years ago, she had told people she was with an older man. Who would want her with that past? She couldn’t shake her guilt.

While Elizabeth worked in the kitchen, Claire grabbed some yogurt and plopped on the couch, turning on the TV. The news anchor was talking about local business news.

“It’s announced that the heirs of the Anderson family and Bennett Group will be engaged next Tuesday, a big event this year. Amelia, heiress of Bennett Group, is popular after joining the entertainment industry. Her fiancé, Alexander, keeps a low profile despite being president of Evergreen Broadcasting…”

Claire turned off the TV, annoyed. “That idiot Amelia is everywhere! Making a big deal over a wedding? Who does she think she is?”

Elizabeth smiled weakly while chopping vegetables. “She’s a star, and now she’s marrying into money—of course, she’s making a fuss about it.”

Elizabeth didn’t expect Amelia to be marrying Alexander instead of Robert, considering how close they were back then.

“Pfft!” Claire cursed again. “Popular? She wouldn’t be known if she hadn’t hooked up with the Anderson family. And that Alexander? He must be blind to marry someone like her. We’ll see him regret it when all his money is gone!”

Elizabeth laughed, holding her stomach. She put a plate of fruit in front of Claire. “Relax. Why stress about it? It’s her choice who she marries… but who is this Alexander? I haven’t heard of him before.”

“I’m not sure, but people say he’s important in the Anderson family but stays out of sight. Even the media doesn’t know what he looks like.” Claire clicked her tongue. “He must be some old guy—ugly and hidden away.”

Elizabeth nodded and ate a piece of fruit. “Wait, didn’t the news say he’s the president of Evergreen Broadcasting?”

“Evergreen did just buy Anderson Group… I just hope he’s not the new president too.”

She’d be devastated if that were true.