Chapter 201 Returning to City A
Lauren decided to go back. She seemed calm, even though her decision was rushed, as if she had already mentally prepared for this day long ago.
She vaguely remembered the chaos she left behind in City A. Everyone there thought she was a mess, and with Quentin wanting Matthew, she couldn't wait to get out.
Looking back, it all felt like a dream. Three years ago, she was so naive, thinking running away would solve everything.
But now, after three years, Lauren had the guts to face her pain again. She realized those problems weren't as hopeless as they seemed; she just didn't know how to handle them back then.
Thinking about it now, she wondered, "If Quentin really wanted Matthew, why didn't he show up in these three years?"
With Quentin and the Robinson Conglomerate's power, he could've easily found her if he wanted to.
Lauren realized that avoiding problems wasn't the best strategy. What used to bother her now seemed trivial.
What others thought was their business. As long as she stayed positive and kept moving forward, her life would be bright. So she wasn't scared to go back; she was even excited. She didn't dwell on what she was looking forward to and wouldn't admit her unrealistic hopes.
The next day, Lauren told Kimberly about her decision. She thought Kimberly would be against it, but Kimberly was surprisingly calm.
"Mom, are you mad?" Lauren asked carefully.
Kimberly smiled gently. "Why would I be mad? I knew you'd go back someday. Three years is a long time, and some things need to be settled eventually."
Lauren was puzzled. "Mom, I'm just going back to help Ethan. That is all."
The more determined Lauren sounded, the more insecure she seemed to Kimberly. She smiled and held Lauren's hand. "You still have some growing up to do. It's okay. You have to go through the storm to see the rainbow. But don't forget Ethan's deep feelings for you. He deserves to be cherished."
Lauren nodded. "I know. Maybe this time, I'll be with Ethan properly. Even if I stay in City A, I can handle it."
Kimberly's eyes were thoughtful. Could things really be as simple as Lauren thought? It was all uncertain.
Matthew ran over after hearing their conversation. "Mommy, where are we going?"
Lauren looked at her adorable son. "How about going back to your hometown?"
"What's a hometown? Oh, I know, you're taking me to find Daddy, right?" Matthew's innocent words hit Lauren hard.
Kimberly saw Lauren's stiff face and smiled at Matthew. "Matthew, wouldn't it be nice to have Uncle Ethan as your daddy?"
Matthew looked at Kimberly, confused. "Uncle Ethan isn't my daddy. He doesn't match my vibe."
His words made Lauren and Kimberly laugh. "What do you know about vibes? You use them all wrong."
Matthew nodded seriously. "I learned online. Uncle Ethan is nice, and I like him, but I want my real dad."
Matthew's loud fussing gave Lauren a headache.
"Matthew, your daddy went to a very far place, and we can't find him right now. When he comes back, he'll be so happy to see an adorable Matthew. So let's wait for your dad at Ethan's place, okay?" Lauren tried to soothe him.
Matthew's eyes filled with tears, ready to spill over. He trusted Lauren and nodded obediently.
Just when Lauren and Kimberly thought they had calmed him down, Matthew turned back to them, serious and firm. "Mommy, you can't marry Uncle Ethan. I want to wait for my daddy to come back."
Lauren's heart ached. She answered helplessly, "Isn't Uncle Ethan nice?"
"Uncle Ethan is nice, but he's not my daddy. I know my daddy is different from him," Matthew said stubbornly, hugging his teddy bear and running back to his room.
"Matthew," Kimberly sighed. She couldn't handle Matthew when he got like this—adorable, mischievous, and stubborn. She wondered who he took after.
She felt conflicted. When Matthew got stubborn, he was a handful. Despite his age, he had strong opinions. Lauren realized she had to persuade Matthew, not just reason with him.
That day, Lauren and Kimberly packed their bags and took a flight to City A the next day. After three years, she was back in this familiar yet strange place, feeling a mix of emotions.
"Mommy, there are so many people here!" Matthew said excitedly, jumping around as soon as they got off the plane.
Lauren bent down and said patiently, "Yes, because this is our hometown!"
"This is the great motherland you told me about! No wonder there are so many people like us here," Matthew said, blinking in half-understanding.
Lauren smiled indulgently. "Yes, Matthew. When you grow up, stay here and help build our country, okay?"
"Okay," Matthew agreed.
Kimberly couldn't stop smiling. "Matthew is the best."
However, Lauren looked serious. She was back!
At that moment, Ethan hurried over. "Kimberly, Lauren, you must be tired. Matthew, come here. Give me a hug."
Ethan spoke with a smile, but his eyes were full of fatigue.
Usually, when Matthew saw Ethan, he would jump into his arms and follow him around.
But this time, Matthew didn't cooperate. He quickly turned to the side. "Uncle Ethan, if you promise not to be my daddy, I'll still like you."
Ethan was puzzled by Matthew's words. He looked at Lauren and Kimberly curiously, and the atmosphere became a bit awkward.
Lauren said apologetically, "It's okay, Ethan. Don't mind him. Matthew is just throwing a tantrum. He'll be fine in a while."
Ethan nodded and took the luggage from Kimberly and Lauren. He then led them to the car.
In the car, Ethan said to Lauren, "Lauren, I originally intended to host you and Kimberly at my villa, but I was worried about gossip. So I booked you a hotel first. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Before Lauren could speak, Kimberly quickly said, "Since you have a villa, we don't care about others' opinions. Staying at your place is more convenient."
