After hanging up the phone, Annie took a look at Rain, trying to gauge his mood. To her surprise, Rain grinned at her. "Let's go!" he said. "Let's go back home!"

  It was not like he wasn't a little suspicious of Fred. He was, but he knew that Annie was right here. Right now. With him. He just learned to relax and let it go.

  Annie made an appointment to meet Fred the next day. Before she got to the meeting place, she felt somewhat embarrassed. She had made this big decision all of a sudden, and everyone would be blown away if they knew.

  Sitting at a table beside the window and waiting for Fred, Annie looked out the window, staring at the passers-by outside hurrying about their business. It was for the first time in her life that she felt close to this city, because from now on she could live happily here, with her family.

  "Sorry I'm late," Fred said as soon as he arrived. He was decked out in a formal suit and a woolen overcoat. He looked like a dapper gentleman.

  "No, you're not late. I got here early," Annie said. Since she was the one who suggested they meet, she had gone out quite early. She didn't want to keep Fred waiting.

  "You're in a good mood," Fred said, taking off his coat and putting it over the back of the chair. He observed her carefully this whole time.

  "Really? Thank you!" Annie touched her face with her hand in embarrassment. She could feel her blush.

  "Something to drink?" Fred felt dejected. Annie looked different today. She was strong and happy. It bubbled up from within her, and anyone close to her could feel it.

  "I already ordered," Annie said with a faint smile. "I got you your favorite coffee," she continued. She wore a faint smile on her face, which wouldn't look offending to the eye.

  "Joyce and Huey all right? I hope they weren't too pooped after the picnic the other day," Fred beat about the bush. He was uncomfortable asking why she had moved.

  "They're okay. Joyce had a high fever, but she's good now," Annie kept her head low. She didn't want to look him in the eye.

  "What? A fever? You must have been worried! Why didn't you call?" Fred asked. He was annoyed. He blamed himself for forgetting that the wind at the countryside was a bit too cold for the kids. All he had wanted was to make them happy.

  "It was late, and I didn't want to bother you. Besides, you don't really know your way around here, huh?" Annie said, frowning. Really, she was uncomfortable as well. She was try

  nnie answered the phone. She liked Leena because she knew Rain cared about her very much.

  "You at home?" Leena asked. Since Rain had asked Leena to design a wedding dress for Annie, she had to get her measurements. After all, it was winter, and everyone was all bundled up, so you couldn't just eyeball it.

  "Yeah. You coming over?" Annie responded to her with open arms though she had no idea why Leena was asking all this.

  "Hmm! I'll be about a half-hour." Leena sprang to her feet when she heard Annie would be home. The comfort of the sofa could wait.

  "Okay, I'll be here," Annie hung up. Remembering how she had misinterpreted Rain and Leena's relationship before, she broke into giggles.

  Leena appeared at Rain's villa half an hour later, just like she had said. She still looked like a sweet middle school student though she was actually a mother now.

  "Leena, come in! You must be cold," Annie said. She opened the door and walked out to receive Leena as soon as she heard the sound of a car. When she came out, Leena was getting out of the car.

  "Naw, wind's not too strong today," Leena jogged into the house, laughing. She got cold easily, so she was bundled up in several layers.

  "Where's Richard? Why didn't you take him with you?" Annie asked out of curiosity.

  "He's at home. It's too cold outside. I didn't want him to get sick," Leena answered. She came here to work. If she had taken him with her, she would be very likely to have left her work half-finished when they left.

  "Here…… a cup of tea to warm you up," Annie poured a cup of steaming tea for the girl. She wondered why Leena came to see her.