Ash seemed a little puzzled by the term.


    Cole cleared away the empty fruit tter in front of him and handed him another orange. "It''s like the rtionship your mom and dad have."


    The child''s face lit up with understanding, and he smiled sweetly. "Then, will you guys have a baby in the future?"


    The question caught Cole off guard. He nced at Kieran, who hadn''t said a word. Thetter had already set down the file in his hands. "Why do you ask?"


    Initially, Ash had been a bit wary of Kieran, but after learning about his rtionship with L, he didn''t think he was that scary anymore. Kieran had even softened his tone and appeared more patient.


    "My mom and dad haven''t been home in two years. when I asked Grandma why, she said it was because mom had a baby, and it''s hard for her to travel." He tilted his head, struggling to find the right words.


    "I have a little brother now. When I talked to Dad on the phone, he said my brother was really cute and that he''de to get me when he''s older, so I could live with them. But I know they won''te for me. It''s okay though, because I''m happy with Grandma. And now I''ve met L. So, it''s not too bad."


    He was only six, but the wordsing from him seemed so mature. Cole went quiet after hearing that. Kieran''s gaze softened a little. He too had spent many years without his parents.


    Just then, L walked in, walked over to the bed, and picked up Ash. "What are you talking about?"


    Ash wrapped his arms around her neck as she cradled him. "Is he leaving soon?" He had noticed that Cole was packing things up. It distracted him and made him drop the topic.


    L nodded. "Yes, they''re going back home. We''ll be leaving soon too, so we won''t keep your grandmother waiting."


    "Aren''t you going to go with him? My mom and dad are always together." Ash sounded confused.


    L paused, unsure of how to exin. Fortunately, Kieran stepped in. "L needs to take you home. Besides, she still has work there for a while. When she''s done, we''ll be together again."


    As soon as his words fell, she lowered her gaze, took the orange from Ash''s hand, and slowly peeled it. The child pondered for a moment and found Kieran''s words reasonable. L did need to take him home first.


    "Then, when you''re done with your work, you cane visit us at our house," he said with a sweet smile.


    It was still pretty cold outside, and even though his face wasn''t frostbitten, it was a little chapped. L made a mental note to stop by the store on their way home and pick up some children''s moisturizer for him.


    Cole had stepped out, and she wasn''t sure what he was up to. The


    hospital room was now only upied by the three of them. Lifa hesitated for a moment before asking, "Aunt Nicole said Grandma hasn''t been feeling welltely. Is that true?"


    "She''s old, so there are bound to be some health issues. She had surgery recently, and now she has trouble getting around, so she needs someone by her side."


    L nodded and handed the peeled orange to Ash. He carefully split it into three pieces and gave one to L and Kieran.


    L thought about telling him not to


    give Kieran any since he didn''t like oranges but decided not to say anything. If he didn''t want it, he would turn it down himself. But he took it and ate it. It was probably a little sour, as she noticed him subtly draw his brows together


    L couldn''t help but find it amusing. Was he trying not to hurt Ash''s feelings? He sure was thoughtful.


    "Just focus on your work. Grandma has a doctor looking after her, so she''ll be fine."


    L nodded and fell silent. she sat down on the couch beside the bed, pulling Ash close as they read a fairy tale book together.