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Chapter 133: Chapter 133: I Promise You

It wasn’t until they were leaving Aerie Garden that Lynn finally asked Ian a serious question.

"Why are you always winding up your uncle?"

Ian raised an eyebrow, asking in puzzlement, "Do I?"

"You don’t?" Lynn’s brow furrowed.

Seeing that she had seen through him, Ian decided not to hide it.

"My dad... he used to have a terrible temper. He was incredibly busy when I was little. The five of us kids were all raised by my mom and grandpa; he barely had a hand in it. He knows that, so when we give him a hard time, he doesn’t really mind."

When Lynn and Ian met, Spencer had already retired and handed the family business over to his children, so this was all new to her.

"I see," Lynn murmured, the realization dawning on her. "No wonder your uncle looked angry but never actually lost his temper."

They came to a red light, and Ian hit the brakes. He reached over to ruffle Lynn’s hair. "Part of the reason he didn’t blow up was you," he said softly. "He figured he couldn’t lose his temper in front of his future daughter-in-law."

Just as you’d expect from a son, Ian had read his father perfectly.

Lynn pouted, ducking away from Ian’s hand. She leaned against her door and started playing on her phone.

They made their way to Marlake at a leisurely pace, stopping to explore any city that caught Lynn’s interest.

Ian wasn’t particularly interested in sightseeing, but Lynn was ecstatic. Though she was Veridian, she had grown up in Morelia and had never had the chance to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of her homeland.

It took them over two weeks to reach Marlake. Throughout the trip, Nina would video call them every day to show them what their two cats were up to.

She also sent Ian a private message, reminding him to be sure to use protection.

’Lynn is already as wary of me as if I were a thief,’ was Ian’s reaction. ’As if I’d dare to be careless?’

But he didn’t say that to his mom, afraid she would laugh at him.

They stayed in Marlake for a few days before exploring the nearby cities for a few more. A month had passed since they’d set out, and Lynn’s mood had improved considerably, so she started thinking about heading back soon.

After dinner, they were strolling along the beach when a video call came in from Nina.

"Lynn, Finn, I have some great news for you two."

Lynn leaned closer to the screen curiously. "What is it, Auntie?" she asked.

"You two are about to be an uncle and an aunt!"

Elias and Sophia had come back to Aerie Garden for dinner today. During the meal, Sophia suddenly felt unwell and nauseous. Having given birth to five children herself, Nina’s mind immediately went to pregnancy. She had Sophia take a test, and sure enough, it was positive.

"Your older brother is so clueless. Thankfully, it’s still very early."

Joy was written all over Nina’s face. Her happiness was so infectious that Lynn was still smiling all the way back to the hotel.

"Should we head back tomorrow?"

Lynn, nestled in Ian’s arms, thought about it for a moment. "If we head back now," she said, "we can still take our time and stop wherever we like. It’ll probably still take us two weeks to get back to Quartos."

Ian had no objections. His gaze dropped to her and lingered, not moving away. Puzzled, Lynn met his eyes.

"What is it?"

"Nothing."

’I should start planning the proposal when we get back,’ he thought. ’Otherwise, I’ll never feel settled.’

Lynn leaned up and gave him a quick kiss. "You’re the best, babe," she whispered.

Ian’s hand came up to the back of her head, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss. "Just one little compliment?" he murmured against her lips.

Lynn let out a muffled "mhm" and retorted, "What else did you want?"

Ian swept her up into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom. "I won’t keep you up too long," he said, his voice husky.

"I don’t believe you for a second," Lynn grumbled, wrapping her arms around his waist.

But for once, Ian wasn’t lying. Thinking of the drive back the next day—tiring even if they were just sitting in a car—he let them both fall asleep before midnight.

Ian woke up first the next morning and ordered room service for breakfast. After eating and packing up, they began their journey home.

Worried about him getting tired, Lynn insisted they take turns driving.

Still, they traveled at a leisurely pace. Whenever they felt tired, they would stop in whatever city they were in, check into a five-star hotel for a day or two to rest, and then continue on their way.

The car sped down the highway. Lynn, sitting in the passenger seat, grew tired of her phone and put on some music. She rolled down her window, letting the wind rush past, a blissful smile on her face as she squinted into the distance.

"Having a good time?"

Lynn nodded with great seriousness. "I’ve decided. From now on, no matter what, we have to set aside two months every year for a trip."

Ian replied just as seriously, "Okay. I promise."

Lynn reached out and hooked her pinky around his.

They arrived in Quartos at two in the afternoon.

Eager to pick up Kiki and Hengheng, they drove straight to Aerie Garden.

Although Lynn had told Spencer she was joking, Spencer had gone to Ian’s company anyway. As a result, only Nina and Sophia were home.

Ever since Sophia’s pregnancy was confirmed, she and Elias had moved back into Aerie Garden. That way, Nina could at least keep Sophia company during the day while Elias was at work.

Seeing the road-weary couple, Nina stood up in surprise.

"You’re back so suddenly! You didn’t even give me a heads-up. You must be exhausted."

Ian just stretched lazily without a word. Lynn smiled and said, "Ian did all the driving, so he’s the one who’s tired."

"Well, isn’t that how it should be?" Nina replied. "He’s the boyfriend. He can’t let his girlfriend get tired."

Lynn wanted to go chat with Sophia and see how she was doing with her bad morning sickness, but then she remembered how travel-stained she was and thought better of it.

Nina understood. She immediately had the housekeeper prepare a bedroom, telling them to stay the night.

Ian finally spoke up. "Mom, don’t bother. Lynn is staying with me."

"Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t care what you two do when you’re out, but here in Aerie Garden, you can’t stay in the same room if you’re not married."

Lynn didn’t have any objections, but Ian had never been one to listen. He took Lynn by the hand and started heading upstairs. "Mom," he called over his shoulder, "get an outfit ready for her. We’re going to my room to take a shower."

Nina gasped, then chided, "You brat! The nerve of you!"

Ian pretended not to hear, but Lynn was a bit embarrassed. She glanced back at Nina and gave a little wave.

Sophia said, "I have a few new outfits that should fit Lynn. I’ll go get them for her."

"That would be great."

Nina went with Sophia to her and Elias’s room. She took the clothes from Sophia and brought them to Ian’s room.

Ian was lounging on the sofa, looking drowsy with his head propped in his hand.

When he saw Nina come in, he lazily stood up and took the clothes. "Thanks, Mom."

"Listen to me, Finn. I had the housekeeper prepare a separate room for Lynn out of respect for her. Don’t you go and mess things up."

"Mom, I know." Ian sighed. "But... I can’t sleep without Lynn."

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