Incomplete Feelings

Day by day, life went on. The topic of May Parker’s marriage continued to stir up heated discussion throughout Clearwater Village. Whenever May Parker stepped outside, a crowd of teenage girls would flock around her, making quite the spectacle.

Lily Evans was even busier. The day after tomorrow was the Winter Solstice, the grand opening of Phoenix Academy, and also the opening day of the vegetarian bistro.

Today, the sun was shining brightly. Cynthia Wu came to visit, and the two of them sat in the courtyard, basking in the sunlight, with snacks and tea at hand. Lily Evans flipped through the account book while keeping an ear out for Belle, who was instructing the newly arrived servants in the yard.

There were four young male servants and four maids, all carefully selected and sent by Eugene Jr. The rules and manners were impeccable. Belle glanced at them and said, “From now on, once you’ve entered Madam’s household, we’re all family. Since we’re family, our hearts must be united. In everything, think of the master first. As long as you work hard, Madam won’t treat you unfairly.”

"Yes, Miss Belle."

Belle explained a few more household customs and then dismissed them, letting everyone get on with their tasks.

Eugene Jr. walked over and said to Belle, “Belle, didn’t you say you wanted me to teach you how to read the account books? Come on, I’ll show you.”

Belle gave Eugene Jr. a gentle smile, though her eyes held a hint of distance. “Then I’ll trouble you, Eugene Jr.”

Cynthia Wu looked at Belle and said to Lily Evans with a smile, “Lily, your Belle is getting more and more capable. She’s so young, but she has quite the presence. Just standing there, she looks like the head maid of a grand household—she can really command respect.”

Lily Evans smiled as well, watching Belle bustling about, feeling a sense of pride in her heart.

Ever since the incident with Ernie Lee, Belle had become even more steady and reserved, putting extra care into everything she did. Lily Evans entrusted Belle not only with the management of the Mushroom Cellar, but also with all household affairs. Belle was now, without a doubt, the chief steward of Lily Evans’s home.

“I plan to train Belle well—she’ll be my right hand in the future.” Lily Evans was very satisfied with Belle: loyal, capable, eager to learn. Without prompting, Belle had taken it upon herself to study the account books and learn how to manage the finances. As Lily’s business grew, Belle would have to take on even more responsibility.

“You! Always thinking about business. When are you and Lucky going to consummate your marriage?” Cynthia Wu lowered her voice, glancing at Lucky in the backyard with Mark. “Lily, you married Lucky before I married Mark, and look—I’m already pregnant, but you two haven’t even consummated! What’s up with that?”

Lily Evans shook her head and laughed, glancing at Lucky in the distance, her expression tinged with helplessness.

Last time, she’d accidentally let it slip that she and Lucky hadn’t consummated their marriage yet, shocking Cynthia Wu so much her mouth could fit a whole egg. Maybe ancient women just couldn’t wrap their heads around Lily Evans’s way of thinking.

Lily Evans knew Lucky loved and relied on her, but right now Lucky was a man who’d lost his memory and wasn’t in his right mind. So, his love for her was incomplete. What if, one day, Lucky recovered and realized he didn’t want Lily Evans anymore, didn’t want to live with her?

Lily Evans sighed. The more she cared about Lucky, the more she minded this incomplete love.

Sometimes, Lily Evans wished that someday Lucky would wake up and tell her he still loved her, still cared about her. But Lily Evans also feared that when Lucky regained his senses, he’d realize they were from two different worlds and leave her without a second thought.

Just as Lily Evans was lost in her swirling thoughts, a little wooden figurine suddenly appeared in front of her, waving back and forth.

Lucky held several little figurines in his hands, grinning as he approached and opened his palm. There were three figures: a man, a woman, and a chubby little baby.

“This is my wife, this is me, and this is our baby!” Lucky presented the figurines to Lily Evans as if offering up treasure.