Deep in thought, Lucas Anderson reflected on his life as a bartender, finding solace in the time spent with Andrea and Pete, particularly the cherished moments with Pete that filled his heart with joy.
Pete's smile had a magical effect on Lucas, making him forget the traumas he endured in his past with the organization. Sleeping next to Andrea brought him peace, banishing the nightmares that haunted him from his days in the dark basement.
"I am more than willing to agree if you are comfortable with it," Lucas nodded, his words carrying a sense of sincerity and readiness.
Upon hearing his acceptance, Andrea visibly relaxed, a wave of relief washing over her as she had feared rejection. A radiant smile spread across her face, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she sat on the bench, swinging her legs joyfully and placing her arms on either side.
Seeing Andrea's elated reaction left Lucas speechless, intrigued by the source of her joy. Though he didn't inquire further, he gazed at her intently, silently pondering the reasons behind her infectious happiness.
As Lucas Anderson groggily shifted his gaze, he noticed a gathering of fireflies around them.
Andrea's eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of the fireflies. She extended her palm, and a firefly gently landed on it. "They're adorable," she exclaimed in admiration.
Lucas Anderson turned to her and suggested, "You should make a love wish. Fireflies have a myth that brings lovers together."
Taking his words to heart, Andrea enclosed a firefly in her palms and closed her eyes tightly as she made a wish with utmost sincerity, leaving Lucas Anderson speechless.
After completing her wish, Andrea opened her palms, and the fireflies gracefully flew away.
"Did you really believe what I said?" Lucas Anderson asked, astonished.
Andrea nodded earnestly, looking a bit silly yet endearing. Lucas Anderson chuckled and remarked, "You are truly beautiful."
Blushing, Andrea suddenly announced, "I'm feeling sleepy."
Realizing the lateness of the hour, Lucas Anderson rose and inquired, "Would you like to see where I live, or are you heading back to your hotel?"
Her curiosity piqued, Andrea hesitated before asking, "How did you know I'm staying in a hotel?"
With a casual shrug, Lucas Anderson replied, "Just a guess."
Acknowledging his point, Andrea agreed, "I'd like to see where you live."
Amused, Lucas Anderson chuckled and warned, "Don't be disappointed when you see it, Chairlady Singers."
As they strolled down the street, intermittent sounds of a barking dog and distant voices arguing filled the air.
"Little thief, get off my waste bin!" a sharp voice erupted from a nearby house, prompting a boy to scurry away before an elderly woman emerged to inspect the trash can, grumbling about the child's frequent visits.
Observing Lucas Anderson's solemn expression, Andrea reached out and gently grasped his arm.
Startled, Lucas glanced down at Andrea, his features softening into a smile at her touch.
"Lucas, you may not be able to change every child's life, but the ones you've helped will surely make a difference for other homeless kids on the streets," she reassured him.
Her words resonated with Lucas, and he nodded in agreement, the weight on his shoulders lifting as they continued their conversation cheerfully on their way to his home.
Upon reaching Lucas's house nestled near the edge of a forest, Andrea was taken aback. She inquired, "Why did you choose this house?"
"Living alone is preferable to dealing with neighbors who constantly bicker and complain," Lucas replied without hesitation.
Understanding his sentiment, Andrea recalled the tumultuous times she and her mother endured living next to a noisy and argumentative family in their previous apartment.
Entering the house, Andrea surveyed the simple furnishings and décor in the living room, save for the paintings of her and Pete adorning the walls.
"I'll prepare dinner for us," Lucas offered, retreating to the kitchen, a subtle attempt to evade questions about the paintings.
After cooking, Lucas invited Andrea to the dining table, the aroma of the food whetting her appetite.
"This looks and smells delicious. I'm sure it tastes just as good," Andrea remarked eagerly, digging in as Lucas chuckled and joined her.
After the meal, Andrea helped with the dishes, surprising Lucas with her willingness to pitch in.
"Chairlady Singers, you're a jack of all trades," Lucas teased with a smile.
Proudly, Andrea retorted, "Of course."
As they finished washing up, Andrea's yawns betrayed her exhaustion. Lucas escorted her to the guest room, where he suddenly broached a pressing question.
"Andrea, have you thought about how you'll explain everything to my twin brother when he returns?" he inquired.
Startled into alertness, Andrea's drowsiness vanished as she pondered the question, realizing she had no answer.
"Goodnight," Lucas bid her before retiring to his own room, leaving Andrea.
As Andrea gazed at Lucas Anderson's door, thoughts of Valentine Anderson filled her mind.
Across thousands of miles, Pascal Willow lay on a bed and began to stir. His fingers twitched, followed by his toes.
The maid attending to him noticed his movements and exclaimed with joy, "Madam, Master is waking up!" before hurrying away.
Soon, Pascal Willow, still lying on the bed, winced in pain and clutched his head as he groaned. When his eyes fluttered open, he looked bewildered. "Where am I?" he stammered in disbelief.
The door swung open, and Doctor Frank and Mrs. Willow entered the room, followed by the maid.
Confused, Pascal Willow gazed at them and asked, "Who are you people?"