Chapter 970 Won't You Come Back and Take a Look?
Lyra gasped, "Put me down, quick!"
Jeffery realized his impulsiveness and carefully set her down, smacking his forehead in frustration. "Sorry, I got too excited and forgot about your condition."
Lyra couldn't help but laugh at his anxious expression. "It's not that serious. Yeah, we need to be careful for the first three months, but it's not like you can't hold me at all. Just be gentler next time."
She reached out and gently touched his cheek, her eyes full of tenderness. "I get it. I'm just as happy."
They basked in the joy of becoming parents for a while. Suddenly, Lyra's expression turned hesitant as she thought of something. "What about the orphanage...?"
Jeffery immediately picked up on her concern. "Do you still want to go?"
"Of course!" Lyra replied without hesitation, her voice firm. "The renovation work isn't finished yet. More importantly, there's Philip, the autistic child. I want to see him fully recover. We've put in so much effort already; there's no way I can give up now."
She looked at Jeffery anxiously, worried he might oppose her decision. She had already prepared a list of reasons to convince him.
To her surprise, Jeffery was silent for a moment before saying gently, "Then keep going. Just be careful, and it should be fine."
Seeing Lyra's surprised expression, he smiled wryly. "How could I stop you from doing what you want? Marriage isn't about restricting each other. I want you to remain free, to do what you love."
Lyra felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief. She was so lucky to have found someone who understood and supported her.
However, for the sake of the baby growing inside her, she couldn't work as hard as she used to. Instead of visiting the orphanage every two days, she now went every three or four days.
When Lyra returned to the orphanage after three days, something happened that both surprised and touched her deeply.
Philip, who rarely showed any emotion, ran up to her and grabbed her hand, pulling her inside without a word.
Lyra's heart warmed, and she let Philip lead her.
Soon, Philip brought her to the desk where he usually had his lessons. On the desk was a completed Lego structure—the one Lyra had left unfinished the last time she was there.
Lyra's eyes sparkled with joy as she crouched down and patted his head. "Wow, that's amazing! Did you do this all by yourself?"
Philip shook his head and pointed outside.
Lyra followed his finger and saw several children and caregivers standing at the door, smiling warmly. It seemed they had been watching for a while.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Lyra stood up and apologized. "I'm sorry, I've had some things going on and couldn't come as often."
The caregivers quickly waved their hands, indicating their understanding. "Ms. Cole, we're just grateful you remember us."
One of them pointed to Philip, her voice filled with concern. "He's been staring out the window a lot lately, which he never used to do. We know he's been waiting for you."
Lyra felt a deep sense of guilt.
Staring out the window meant he was hoping someone would come. This child, who had lost his parents, had no one else to look forward to but her.
"Philip," Lyra crouched down and looked into his eyes seriously, "I'll try to come more often, okay?"
Philip nodded.
As Lyra left the orphanage, she planned to head straight home. She had just called Jeffery, and her face was still glowing with happiness.
But as soon as she stepped out the door, she heard a voice she thought she'd never hear again.
Her smile froze instantly.
"Lyra?"
She turned around in disbelief and saw a man in a wheelchair.
"Aaron?"
It was really Aaron!
Lyra couldn't remember the last time she had seen him. If he hadn't shown up today, she might never have thought of him again.
That part of her past was too painful, too tormenting.
Aaron wheeled himself closer, seemingly wanting to say something.
But before he could speak, a black car pulled up in front of Lyra. The window rolled down, revealing Jeffery's face.
Jeffery noticed Aaron but didn't spare him a glance. His attention was entirely on Lyra. "Get in, let's go home."
His voice was gentle, protective.
Lyra wasn't surprised to see Jeffery, as he had mentioned on the phone that he was close by.
She turned to Aaron, her voice calm and resolute. "I see you've quit drugs, which is good. But there's nothing more to say between us."
With that, she prepared to get in the car.
She wanted to leave the past behind and avoid anything related to those painful memories.
But Aaron wasn't ready to give up. He called out to her, "I know you hate us! But we were family for over twenty years. Have you forgotten Flora?"
Lyra stopped in her tracks.
Seeing an opportunity, Aaron took a deep breath and continued, "Come back, even if it's just for a meal. I know we were wrong, our parents were wrong, but we still care about you."
In the car, Lyra seemed distracted, her fingers twisting together—a habit when she was conflicted.
Jeffery observed her for a while and spoke in a calm tone. "If you want to go back, then go."
"I don't know if I want to." Lyra sighed, her voice full of confusion.
There were people she cared about in that house, but the dead couldn't come back. And after all the unpleasantness with Heath and Elowen, she didn't want to return.
She hadn't expected this to come up again.
"Let me think about it. I really don't have time right now." Lyra decided not to pressure herself.
Jeffery didn't say much. He knew this was something Lyra had to resolve on her own.
Lyra wasn't lying.
The next few days were busy but fulfilling, leaving her no time to think about the Hill family.
Three days later, the orphanage began its renovation, temporarily relocating everyone.
After handling these matters, Lyra finally had some free time.
The renovation would be managed by professionals, beyond her control.
With that, the issue she had temporarily set aside resurfaced in her mind.
Lyra struggled for a long time before making a decision.
Aaron was right; she should go back, if only for the sake of the person who had passed away.
When Jeffery heard her decision, he simply picked up the car keys. "I'll drive you and wait downstairs."
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