She snapped into her senses when Jian suddenly moved on Anthon's arm. He opened his eyes and stared at Anthon's face lazily. Moving to his side facing Anthon, he then threw an arm around his neck, burying his cute face in his chest. Jian seemed to find comfort in his arms, like a protective father to a child. Jia also noticed that Anthon's face softened, and his eyes glinted with a sense of sadness.

"I think we have to get off for now. Jian has a class tomorrow." Jia tried to make an excuse. She's no longer comfortable with Anthon's expression.

"Okay. I'll drive you off. ""No need. I'm bringing my car. "

He stood up and took strides ahead of her, with Jian still sleeping in his arms. He pushed the door open for Jia to come out first, then followed her to the parking lot. After placing the boy carefully in the back seat, he lowered his head and planted a kiss on his forehead. He then closed the door and stood beside Jia in the driver's seat. He stayed for a while, gazing at the boy before he turned to her.

"Jia, thanks for today. I'm just a call away if ever you need me. Be safe."

He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a quick and tight side hug.

"Likewise. Sorry that Jian troubled you."

"He's such a sweet child. And yes, he is right. We have similar eye shapes."

Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, but she was quick to put it away with words. Her heart already ached in that beautiful sight of a father holding a son. How could she be heartless to deny the emotional need of both the father and the child?

"Yes, you both have owl's eyes." She laughed mirthlessly, dismissing the topic with a wave of her hand. She then slid into the driver's seat and pulled out of the parking lot while Anthon stood aside to watch them until they disappeared.

Jian...Perhaps Anthon had no clue that the name came from the combined first syllable of Jia and Anthon. And yes, they both had big, black, and tender eyes with thick brows.

Back at her house, after tucking Jian into their bed, Jia slouched into a sofa. Her strength drained out as she was holding back much of her emotion during her talk with Anthon.

Instead of proving her readiness to let go of that dark and painful past, her feelings betrayed her.

When she agreed to see him today, she thought she was already confident to face him. And that time and distance had stood its perfect task in forgiving and forgetting. Yet, in her case, it only seemed to make her heart grow fonder.