Chapter 76
In the end, Ethan went back to the master bedroom alone.
The next morning, Alice straightened Caroline out and got ready to leave the house. Ethan said he would be staying at home
with Caroline today, so she wanted to go out to avoid him.
In the bedroom, Ethan looked at Caroline. “So, who do you want to be with today? Me or Mommy?”
“I want both of you to be with me.” Caroline didn’t even hesitate when she answered him.
“Well... I am amenable to that arrangement, but you’d have to come up with a plan to execute it,” Ethan said calmly. He didn’t
look upset or anything.
Caroline blinked and broke into a smile. “I know what you mean. I’ll try to keep her around.”
She’s smart. Ethan smiled happily.
The girl hopped and skipped to Alice’s room, but then she stopped in front of Alice’s door and turned to look at Ethan. “Were you
forcing yourself to do this, Daddy? Mommy said I shouldn’t force anyone to do anything they don’t like. Are you feeling upset
because you had to play with me, or because of Mommy? You don’t have to do this. I’m fine with just Mommy,” said the girl
without stopping, not giving Ethan a chance to respond.
“I think you should get your forehead flicked.” Ethan flicked her forehead. It didn’t hurt, since he didn’t use any force. He could
see that the girl did it on purpose. When he came back the day before, he did everything carefully for fear of scaring her, but now
he realized the girl was a lot cheekier than he thought. She would be fidgety if he was careful around her, so instead he opted to
do what he wanted to do.
Indeed, the flick made her smile brighter. “Don’t do that. I’ll finish my job.” The girl was smart enough to figure out what Ethan
wanted to do.
Ethan said nothing. “You know what to do, don’t you?”
“Yeah. No matter where she goes or what she does, I’m staying with her all the time. You can just... stay with me all the time
then.” I am such a smart girl. “I’m nice to you, aren’t I?”
“Yep.” Ethan chuckled. You are indeed nice sometimes.
“Let’s go, Daddy. Let’s hope this plan works.” Caroline patted Ethan, her eyes filled with light.
“Sure.” Ethan’s smile got bigger. He could see that Alice taught Caroline well. She was smart, sensible, caring, and opinionated.
When Alice told him she would stay away whenever he was around, he knew she wasn’t kidding. So, all I have to do is make
sure you can’t stay away from me. It was a good plan, but not everything could work out as he intended it to be.
Caroline left the room and noticed Alice going out when she went downstairs. “Where are you going, Mommy?” I promised
Daddy, so I can’t let Mommy leave. She darted downstairs and pounced at Alice to give her a hug.
“I have some business to settle.” Alice was surprised Caroline would pounce at her. She was clingy, but she never was this
exaggerated.
“What business?” Caroline held her leg, refusing to let go.
“Um... grocery shopping.” In fact, she just wanted to avoid Ethan.
“I want to go too.” I promised I’d go anywhere she goes. “I’m going with you anywhere you go, and Daddy’s coming with me.”
Alice was shocked. What did she say? She wants Ethan to follow her? Wait, so that means we’re going out together? What is
this? The agreement clearly states that this marriage is a secret one. We can’t tell anyone. If Ethan goes anywhere with me, he
might be recognized.
Ethan seldom showed his face in public, and not many people knew him, but a lot of people knew her. She was already a
controversial figure whom the media loved to write a lot of gossip about, to begin with. If she were to be seen going out with a
child and a man, the media would have a field day with her. They might figure out who Ethan and Caroline were. I can’t let him
come with me.
Alice looked at Ethan. He was scrolling through his phone, seemingly oblivious to the conversation. Or maybe he heard
everything, but he pretended not to. He was the one who wanted the marriage to remain a secret. He’s probably too shy to say
no to Caroline, so he’s pretending that he hasn’t heard us.
I mean, I can be the bad cop anyway, so... If he can’t say no, then I’ll say no. “I have to meet up with someone, and it’s getting
late, so I have to leave.”
“You’re ditching your lovely daughter and hot husband to date a... a philandering cad? You think your paramour is more
important than your family?” For once, Caroline was throwing a tantrum.
Alice almost choked on herself. Where did you learn those words? And what do you mean my child and husband? You’ll not be
my child soon, and that man is not my husband.
Ethan smiled. He was surprised the girl could speak so well. Even Lawrence, who just came down with Rosy, chuckled. Rosy’s
jaw dropped.
Alice looked to Ethan for help. The agreement said that their marriage was to be a secret. He must not want anyone to know
we’re married. Come on, do something, Ethan.
Ethan remained calm, as if this was not his business.
After failing to get any help, Alice turned to Caroline again. “Caroline, I...” Caroline was a smart and understanding girl, and Alice
thought she could get through to her.