But before I could make a run for it, I bumped into Adam in the corridor.
“Debra, what’re you doing here?” Adam asked sharply, staring at me in surprise.
Although he reeked of alcohol, he was still sharp enough to realize that my being here was very suspicious.
“Oh, good evening, Mr. Cooper. Luca asked me to read his new story book, so I went upstairs to look for it.” I tried my best to keep calm and levelheaded.
“Really?”
Adam didn’t seem to believe a word I said. His sharp gaze made me extremely nervous, and I couldn’t help but gulp.
Just as I was about to break down from the pressure, Luca poked his head out from behind Adam and said with a smile, “Debra, the story book is this way!”
Then, as though nothing had happened, Luca walked up to me and took my hand. He then led me away from Adam.
Adam didn’t say anything more, but I could feel his eyes on me as we walked away.
I felt so relieved. Luca came right in the nick of time! If he didn’t pull me away just now, I doubt I would’ve been able to withstand Adam’s sharp questioning and probably would’ve given myself away.
Luca led me to the other end of the second floor and warned me in a low voice, “You can’t go near Daddy’s study, or else he’ll get very angry.
Not even Mommy’s allowed to go in there.”
“Oh, I see. Thank you for telling me, Luca.”
This little boy was too kind. He was nothing like his father.
Fortunately, he had inherited all of Riley’s good qualities
I didn’t know how to thank this sweet child for saving me back there.
After we finally got the story book, we went downstairs and I began to read the book to Luca.
After a while, I noticed that Riley wasn’t here. She must’ve gone to the backyard. When she went back in, she looked surprised. “Luca, is your father home?”
“Yes, Mommy.” Luca nodded.
“Weird. Why’d he come back so early today?”
Riley was a little surprised and confused.
But her shocked expression was quickly replaced with that of a hopeful one.
“It’s still early, so maybe he didn’t get to eat much at the party. I should bring him some food!”
Without waiting for a response, Riley happily bounded over to the kitchen and started preparing the food.
A few minutes later, Riley came out of the kitchen carrying a tray, on which a plate of hot, delicious-smelling food was placed.
