Chapter 100 Not Sure Yet


    Tess followed behind.


    La was awake now, resting in her arms, her wide eyes full of curiosity. Even though they’d been here before, the ce still amazed her.


    Evermount Vi was huge, and itsyout shifted every few steps. It was screaming luxury.


    “Go and settle down. I’ll wait for you for dinner.”


    Finn set the suitcase just outside Tess’s bedroom but didn’te inside.


    Tess didn’t waste time. She replied softly with a hum and walked in.


    The moment she opened the door, a gentle scent of jasmine filled the air.


    Tess paused, holding La tighter as memories of thest day she’d spent here a year ago came flooding back.


    The ce looked the same, but her mindset waspletely different now.


    A dull ache bloomed in her chest as the memories pressed in.


    As if sensing her mother’s change in mood, La lifted her tiny hand and softly touched Tess’s cheek.


    Tess’s heart melted. She bent down.


    La’s big eyes curved charmingly as she giggled.


    The bright, clear sound of her child’sughter pushed away the heaviness in the room, warming Tess’s heart.


    Shaking off the lingering emotions, she opened the suitcase and began unpacking clothes for both herself and La to put in the


    closet.


    But when she opened it, she was surprised to find a row of brand-new baby clothes-all high-end designer stuff.


    Tess blinked.


    She picked up one piece casually, the smooth, delicate fabric clearly showing its expensive quality.


    A thought hit her.


    She opened the other closet door.


    Inside, neatly arranged, were custom outfits, all modern and stylish.


    All these must’ve cost hundreds of thousands.


    Did Finn prepare all this?


    It’s like he’s been waiting for me toe back all along, like I’ve always been Mrs. Lock, and nothing has ever changed.


    A swirl of mixed emotions rose inside Tess. She wasn’t sure how to react.


    Still, everything in front of her added to her burden.


    La, meanwhile, clearly loved it. She squealed, waving her hands excitedly at the clothes.


    When she grabbed a piece withce and ribbons, herughter grew even louder.


    Knock, knock.


    A firm, steady knock came from outside the door.


    “Dinner’s ready.”


    Finn’s voice was short and serious.


    Tess opened the door. Clothes were still scattered across the floor.


    Finn pressed his lips together but said softly, “I can wait.”


    “No need.”


    Tess shook her head, one arm holding La, the other carrying a bottle already filled with form.


    Finn noticed her full hands, his eyes flickering briefly before he stepped forward and took La from her arms.


    The sudden emptiness surprised Tess. She stared at him.


    Maybe it was his first time holding a child because his movements were a bit stiff. But years of working out had made his arms strong, and he held La steady and safe.


    La didn’t resist. In fact, she seemed delighted by the sudden lift.


    “I’ll take her. You finish making her milk.”


    Finn’s tone was firm, almostmanding.


    But the tightness at his temples showed a hint of nervousness.


    Tess hesitated. But looking into La’s sparkling eyes, she agreed.


    Feeling the softness in his arms, Finn even slowed his steps without thinking.


    As he walked, his gaze kept drifting back to the little girl in his arms.


    Tess said she wasn’t mine. But if that’s true, how could she look so much like me?


    Those eyes. That nose. Just like mine when I was a kid.


    Something stirred deep in Finn’s chest. For the first time in a long while, he felt … content.


    He moved slowly into the kitchen.


    And somehow, the usually cold, empty kitchen felt different. <fnfb35> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n fι?dnοvel</fnfb35>


    It feltforting.


    By the time he sat down with La, Tess had already finished preparing the bottle.


    This time, she didn’t hesitate. She gently took La back.


    As his arms went empty, Finn felt an unexpected pang of loss.


    That brief shadow surprised him.


    Before he could dwell on it further, Tess looked up at him as she fed La.


    “I agreed toe back to Evermount Vi, but we need some ground rules.”


    Finn paused mid-motion, setting down his utensils. “Go ahead.”


    “First, even though I’m staying here, you can’te into my room without permission.”


    Tess looked up, serious.


    Finn nodded calmly. “Alright.”


    Tess hesitated, then continued, “Second, just because we’re under the same roof doesn’t mean you can track me or interfere in my life. Don’t ask where I go or what I do.”


    Again, Finn answered in his deep voice, “Alright.”


    She stayed quiet for a moment. When he didn’t hear a third rule, he looked at the mother and daughter sitting before him. “And the third?”


    Tess ced the empty bottle on the table. “Not sure yet. I’ll tell you when I figure it out.”