chapter1331

Three years later.

Connor stood in front of the Capital's leading medical lab, his suit perfectly pressed, his posture straight and confident. In his arms, he held his three-year-old son, Kristopher.

Kristopher's big, sleepy eyes blinked up at the lab's closed doors. His cheeks were still soft and round with lingering baby fat, but his brow was scrunched, making him look way too serious for someone his age.

"Daddy, Mommy's been in there for ten days," he complained, swinging his little feet. His voice wobbled, sounding both tired and hurt. "Does she not love us anymore?"

Connor looked down and brushed his son's nose, a gentle smile curving his lips. "You silly goose. Of course Mommy loves us. She's just inside working hard, doing research to help the country."

Kristopher tilted his head, clearly not convinced. "But Daddy, does Mommy love you more, or does she love her work more?"

Connor chuckled at his son's earnest little face, though he felt a twinge in his own heart. Ever since Lydia got her sight back six months ago, she had thrown herself into her work. Even at home, she'd be up late reading research papers.

He set Kristopher on the ground, crouching so their eyes met. "What do you think? Does Mommy love you more, or her work?"

Kristopher didn't even hesitate. "Me, of course!" He put his hands on his hips, looking so proud. "Mommy said I'm her favorite."

Connor pretended to be annoyed, letting out a quiet huff. "Well, I think she loves me the most."

Kristopher's lips twisted in a pout, his face saying, "Yeah right." He shook his head. "Nope! Mommy loves me the most, then..."

He paused, looking up as he started to count on his fingers. "Great-grandma, Grandpa, Grandma, then Uncle Blake, Uncle Arthur, Uncle Garrett, Uncle Elliot..." Connor's face fell as his son kept counting, and it looked like he wasn't going to make the list anytime soon.

Halfway through his list, Kristopher seemed to notice Connor's mood. He paused, thought for a second, then stood on tiptoe and kissed Connor on the cheek. If Mommy doesn't love Daddy, I love Daddy. Don't be sad, okay?"

Connor couldn't help laughing, pulling Kristopher into a hug. He was about to say something when the lab doors slowly opened.

A group of top doctors and

professors came out, all in whiteet

coats, crowding around Lydia. Every single one of them looked excited

and full of respect.

fo

Lydia wore a simple, elegant white dress. She looked a little tired, but her eyes sparkled brightly.

A few professors next to her were

deep in conversation, waving papers and asking questions. Lydia

answered every one her

calm

and warm, but strong, too.

Connor and Kristopher couldn't take their eyes off her. It was like time had frozen,

and even their breathing went quiet.

Kristopher wiggled to get down. The

moment his feet touched the

1.n

ground, he took off, running on his short unsteady legs toward bydia, Shouting, Mommy Mommy

Lydia turned at the sound of his voice. When she saw him barreling toward her, she broke into a wide smile and opened her arms.

Kristopher threw himself into her embrace, rubbing his fluffy little head against her chest. "Mommy, I missed you so much!"

Lydia hugged him close, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "I missed you too, sweetheart."

Kristopher looked up, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, did you miss me more or Daddy more?"

Lydia arched her brows. Here we go again.

Kristopher couldn't wait for an answer. Mommy, do you really have to think about it?"

Lydia grinned and played along. "Well, who do you think I should miss more? You or Daddy?"

Kristopher puffed out his chest, no hesitation at all. "Me, of course! You always say I'm your favorite."

Lydia just shook her head, laughing, caught between loving exasperation and pure

joy.