Only you in my love

Everyone hid things. Some buried their dirty secrets or tucked them away from sight. But no matter how much people tried to conceal the goodness in their hearts, it would always come forth as if seeking the light. If a person wasn't used to being kind, they would feel awkward at first. They might reflexively go back to their old ways if other people noticed that spark of goodness in them.

Michelle saw Tim smile.

Even though the smile on Tim's face had already disappeared, Michelle smiled at him too.

It was a bright and encouraging smile.

She hadn't verbalized anything, but it seemed as if she had already said a thousand kind words with her eyes.

Even though she didn't know whether he was good or not, she treated him with dignity and respect-just like her parents did.

Such a gentle smile left a strong impact on Tim, reminding him that he didn't deserve any forgiveness. Even if he no longer held any malice for the world, he was still emotionally detached from everything in life. In the end, the object of his longing would be his downfall.

Michelle's charming eyes and kind smile left a deep impression on him, making him want her even more.

However, the young woman was kind to everyone. He wasn't special to her at all. She would even help a homeless person with a hangover.

But Michelle was special to Tim, like a firefly in the night. He wanted to keep that firefly for as long as possible.

First, he had to catch it.

But now was not the time. He had to be patient.

Tim took out the warm milk and began to drink it. As he swallowed, the liquid went smoothly down his throat and into his stomach, warming him all over.

He calmed down.

As he took some more gulps of milk, he found himself in a good mood. He had not felt this way in many years, and once the feeling took root, it seemed to spread quickly. Absentmindedly, he asked, "Which do you prefer: the mountain or the sea?"

He immediately regretted putting the question out.

He was more than capable of coming to a decision on his own.

And yet, he wanted her advice.

Michelle tilted her head and blinked back at him in confusion.

He amended, "If you had the choice, would you live in the mountains or on an island?"

Although Michelle didn't know why he had suddenly brought the topic up, she mulled over her answer and then decided, "An island. I've never lived on an island before." What was more, Leon had lived on an island since he was born.

"I see," Tim replied, nodding slightly.

He didn't want to continue this particular conversation at the risk of exposing his plan so he changed the topic.

"I've sent you a friend request. Why haven't you accepted it?"

Tim frowned, looking fierce once again. However, Michelle was no longer afraid of him because she was convinced that he was capable of being good. She had caught him smiling twice.

The first time was when he had a meal at her house, and the second smile happened just now. He seemed unaware that he had done it, but Michelle had noticed.

In reply, she said, "Really? I haven't received any."

How could that be?

He was sure that he had sent her a friend request.

Someone must have deleted his request, and he had a feeling he knew who had done it.

"Take out your phone and send me a friend request," Tim ordered.

"Huh? Oh, okay." Michelle thought that since they were neighbors, it should not be a big deal to become friends with him online. Tim took out his own phone, dictated his number and watched her send the request. When she was done, she realized that it was getting late. Michelle said her goodbyes and quickly left.

Elaine got up to make breakfast but discovered that there was no need to do so. A pair of fluffy slippers were placed on the shoe rack by the door. Michelle must have gone out.

But it was too early in the day for her daughter to be moving about.

Elaine walked to the front door to see if she could catch a glimpse of Michelle, but she didn't expect that the girl would still be nearby.

She saw Michelle waving at their new neighbor.

Tim watched her daughter leave. It was like how Elaine watched her husband go to work the previous morning.

The important thing to remember was that Tim was the owner of the coat that Michelle planned to hand wash.

She was now eighty percent sure her daughter was dating Tim.

But Tim didn't look like a man who knew how to take care of his girlfriend.

Elaine frowned at that thought.

It was eight o'clock when Michelle arrived at the C Mansion.

She had been to Leon's house twice before so she knew how to get there.

The sky was overcast with clouds, but Michelle looked very happy. She rang the doorbell and waited with a smile on her face.

When Leon opened the door, he looked a little scruffy. He was wearing a robe which had opened partway to reveal his collarbones and his chest.

When Michelle's gaze landed on his face, she noticed that he sported a five o'clock shadow.

"Good morning! How manly you look today!" Michelle teased by way of greeting.

Stunned to see her on his door step, Leon wondered if he was still dreaming. He reached up to scrub his face with one hand and realized that his chin was kind of prickly.

He was not dreaming.

Last night, Michelle had asked him to not send her to work this morning. And yet, here she was.

He could smell the aroma of food in the air, and his appetite was sharpened.

He was suddenly reminded of three years ago. Michelle had a tendency to be lazy, but she had gotten up early and traveled quite the distance to buy him soy milk and a bowl of handmade rice noodles. If Lydia hadn't told him about it, he might have never known.

The memory made him feel warm.

Leon pulled Michelle into a hug, resting his chin on top of her head. One hand settled on her lower back while the other gently stroked the back of her head.

"Leon..." Surprised, Michelle stiffened in his embrace. Her fist clenched around the bag in her hand.

She had one cheek pressed against his chest, and his robe was soft and silky. All of the sudden, it felt too warm.

She blushed once more.

Leon always hugged her for no reason.

Her heart started to beat faster.

Leon briefly tightened his embrace and kissed her hair.

"Did you get up early again?"

Michelle hadn't heard him say "again," so she nodded and smiled. "It's not early now, Leon. Let's have breakfast."

She pulled herself out of his arms and carried their meal inside.

Leon closed the door, followed after her and watched as she took out their breakfast.

He smiled when she brought out fried eggs.

It was a simple breakfast, but he liked it very much.

He held Michelle from behind and bowed his head, rubbing his cheek against hers. His day-old beard made her feel itchy.

But she was also very happy that she didn't want to push him away.

"You keep bringing me breakfast. Can you tell me why?" Leon asked.000