Chapter 229: Don't Kiss Her

The boy appeared to be around three or four years old, dressed impeccably and with such delicate features that he was utterly endearing. His wide-eyed gaze as he looked up at me melted my heart on the spot.

But I wasn't his cousin-in-law.

Confused, I gently patted his little head. "cousin-in-law?"

"Yes! Hope, my name is Nolan Ortiz. You can just call me Nolan!" Nolan introduced himself with a tender voice, his cuteness making my heart skip a beat.

Unable to suppress a chuckle, I squatted down to his level and said softly, "Alright, Nolan, but..."

I glanced at Jerry. "Nolan is your cousin?"

Jerry raised his eyes lazily, his tone indifferent. "Sophia's son. She's headed to Europe tonight for a vacation. Since Nolan has to go to school, I've got to look after him for a while."

I looked at Jerry’s legs skeptically. "Are you sure you can take care of a child?"

Nolan hugged my neck affectionately, peppering my face with kisses until it was covered in slobber. "Hope, you take care of me!"

Though charmed by Nolan’s adorableness, I turned to Jerry. "He called me his cousin-in-law?"

Jerry didn't seem fazed. "Kids say all kinds of things."

Holding Nolan by his tiny shoulders, I gently corrected him. "Nolan, I'm not your cousin-in-law."

Innocently, he tilted his head. "Why?"

"Well..." I hesitated, trying to find the right words. "An cousin-in-law is someone who’s married to your cousin. Your cousin and I are just..."

While I was still choosing my words, Nolan began to clap his chubby little hands excitedly. "That's correct. You are cousin-in-lawie! Mom told me that if two people like each other very, very much, they can become a couple. And Jerry likes you very, very much..."

Before Nolan could finish, Jerry reached out and covered his mouth. Sneering, Jerry said, "What do you know about liking someone?"

Nolan glared at him defiantly. "Jerry! I understand!"

Jerry chuckled, amused. "Oh really? Tell me, what do you understand?"

Nolan pouted. "For example, I really don't like you!" He then hugged me like a little koala, pleading softly, "Hope, I like you. Can I go home with you?"

My heart melted further, but taking care of someone else's child wasn’t appropriate. I thought for a moment and gently refused. "Sweetie, I’m staying at a hotel right now; it’s not as convenient as home."

Jerry frowned. "Why not stay at the Tranquil Haven house?"

I made up an excuse. "I forgot the password."

The Tranquil Haven house had been a gift from Jerry two years ago. After the incident two years prior, things had been tense between Jerry and me. I didn’t feel deserving of staying there.

When I came to Maple Valley this time, staying in that house had never crossed my mind.

Jerry sneered, "You forgot your birthday?"

I coughed lightly and said honestly, "I feel it's not appropriate for me to stay there."

Jerry smirked, "What's inappropriate? None of the things you gave me before is cheaper than that house."

I did vaguely remember that. Whenever I found something special as a child, Jerry was always the first person I wanted to share it with. I spent all my pocket money and even wheedled extra from Claire for his birthdays and holidays.

I suddenly felt justified. Jerry should return the favor.

Before I could articulate my thoughts, Jerry's mocking voice cut in again. "Or do you have too much money now and prefer staying in hotels? If that's the case, give the extra money to me. I can put it to good use."

"In your dreams." I shot back, glancing at Jerry. Then I turned my attention back to Nolan, who was hugging me tightly. "You can come to my place to play; it's just downstairs from Jerry's. I'll move there this afternoon, and you're welcome anytime, Nolan!"

Excitedly, Nolan leaned in and planted another kiss on my cheek. "Okay, Hope!"

Jerry's expression darkened noticeably, his jaw clenched as he called out through gritted teeth, "Nolan Ortiz!"

Nolan looked puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Jerry frowned and scolded softly, "Who taught you to keep kissing girls? Don't kiss her!"

Nolan looked genuinely confused. "Jerry, haven't you kissed Hope before?"

Both Jerry and I flushed with embarrassment. Fortunately, we were saved by Claire waking up and entering the room. Despite her recent sleep, she maintained an air of elegance.

Claire, always so perfectly put together, had her hair neatly tied back and wore a tastefully tailored outfit. Somehow, she always knew how to recognize Jerry and me at a glance.

With a warm smile, she greeted us, "Bella, you're here. Jerry, why are you here so early?"

Jerry responded, patting Nolan’s head, "I came to see you. Say hello, Nolan."

"Hi, Claire!" Nolan shouted, utterly unreserved, and then charmingly introduced himself.

Claire's eyes twinkled with affection. "Good boy!"

Jerry explained, "Nolan is my cousin Sophia's child."

"Sophia?" Claire seemed to struggle to recall but didn’t press further.

Not wanting to strain Claire further, Jerry gently steered the conversation back to her health. "How have you been these days?"

Claire smiled warmly. "Fine, I'm fine."

Seeing all of us together appeared to make Claire genuinely happy. "Bella even found a doctor to help with my health."

Jerry continued asking about her wellbeing when, quite suddenly, Claire shifted the topic. "Jerry, when are you planning to marry Bella?"

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Chapter 229: Don't Kiss Her