Departure with a Belly ( Victoria Selwyn & Alaric Cadogan’s )
Departure with a Belly Chapter 596

Chapter 596 No Family 

Now that Erik had put it that way, Summer was reluctant to roll down the window again, given that she wasn’t the only passenger. 

“Feeling hot?” 

“Not really…” She smirked at him mid–sentence and added, “I just wanted to open the window for some fresh 

air.” 

Even if she was feeling hot, she wouldn’t tell him. After all, who would feel hot in this kind of weather? It would 

be like admitting that something was wrong with her in front of him.” 

Nonetheless, he did not doubt her and simply stated calmly, “If you feel stuffy, you can take off your jacket.” 

Summer was stunned to hear this and hesitated momentarily before retorting, “Why should I take off my jacket if I feel stuffy? I’m not feeling hot.” 

Then, Erik chuckled softly and explained, “I know, but taking off your jacket might make you feel more 

comfortable.” 

She was rendered speechless by his reply. Despite not directly contradicting me, I perceive his low chuckle as a deliberate attempt to make fun of me, as if he knows what I am thinking. There’s not much point in arguing with him, as he’ll never admit this and instead just sit back and watch me make a fool of myself. Ah… Forget it. 

Suddenly, he asked, “Where are we going?” 

Even though Summer had somewhere specific in mind, she dithered before responding, “Aren’t you the one 

who came to find me? How would I know where to go?” 

Erik smirked in response. “True. Then, shall I make the arrangements?” 

“Where to?” 

“To the city center. How about that?” 

Similarly, she also wanted to go to the city center, so she nodded in assent. “Sure.” 

“When you left, did you inform your parents?” 

“No-” Since her parents were not at home when she left, she did not notify them. 

“Send them a message later so they know not to worry about you,” Erik advised her like an experienced senior. 

“Oh, okay.” Summer had no objections, and after sending a message to her mother, she put away her phone. 

“Done.” 

“Mm.” 

As soon as she put her phone away, silence fell between them. She spent a brief moment casting a glance out the car window, after which she looked at her own fingers for a moment before finally breaking the awkward silence. “Where will you be residing when you return?” 

“I’m staying at a hotel for now, as it’s more convenient.” 

After hearing this, she found it odd that, aside from New Year’s Eve, Erik visited her home nearly every day and finally decided to ask him about it. “Don’t you need to go home and see your family? Are they not here?” 

“I have no family.” 

These words caused Summer to pause, turn her head to look at him, and her eyes to widen in shock. No family? He stated this matter–of–factly as if it were a given, and when I look at his face, it lacks any expression. Even though we’ve worked together for a long time, he’s never once spent the New Year in his home country. I assumed this was because he was too busy with the company to take time off, but I never expected it to be because he had no family. Hmmm… Not even a single family member? At this thought, she decided it would be inappropriate to ask him that question. 

However, Erik spoke up in a calm voice. “You don’t know about my family background, do you?” 

“Well, I suppose not.” 

“Then, let me tell you now. There’s only me in my family and no one else.” 

Even though she had guessed it, hearing him admit it personally shocked her. So, he has no one in his family. Did he go through all these years alone? Then, she uttered, “That explains why you never return home for the New Year.” Despite my shock, I now feel a twinge of compassion for him. How does it feel to have no relatives in the country? How could he feel a sense of belonging without a family, even if he grew up there? With that in mind, she said impulsively, “If you don’t mind, you can come to my house for the New Year in the future.” 

She swore that her words were spoken out of pure sympathy and that she had no other intent. 

However, she did not anticipate Erik to pause briefly and agree with her. “Well, Summer, does that count as an 

answer?” 

Summer was taken aback, and while she wanted to say it didn’t count, she felt he was too pitiful after hearing his confession. She couldn’t deny her compassion for him, so she simply bowed her head and said, “Well, it 

does, and it doesn’t count. After all, I can’t agree to anything so quickly.” 

After hearing this, Erik chuckled softly and replied, “Understood.” After that, he didn’t say anything else, giving 

her some breathing room. 

On the other hand, she reaffirmed her belief that he merited his success. His intelligence and insight were astounding, and her innermost thoughts were being laid bare before him. 

After entering the city, Summer decided not to pretend anymore, and she planned to be braver and more direct. “A few days later, Victoria and her children are coming back. I plan to bring them some gifts.” 

As expected, Erik wasn’t surprised to hear her words. “Where are you planning to buy them?” 

When she mentioned a location, he turned the vehicle around, and she was astounded by how familiar he was with the direction. Hence, she asked, “Why do you seem so familiar with the roads here?” 

“I used to work here for a few years, and I also studied the map during the past few days since I came back.” 

Ah! That explains why he doesn’t even need to look at the navigation. Then, she asked again, “Have you always lived alone before?” 

“Yes, I’ve been living alone since around ten.” 

Ten… How young is that? Summer thought that if she had to live alone at the age of ten, she felt that her willpower might have been worn away by the hardships of life, let alone starting a large corporation from scratch. During their conversation, she noticed something profound about Erik’s dogged persistence. If I’m with this resolute man, he won’t feel lost or sad even if we break up. He is too sensible that anyone leaving his life would not affect him, and he would undoubtedly shrug it off as nothing significant. As she considered this, she pursed her lips and found herself at a loss for words. 

Soon after, they arrived at their destination; he parked the car in the parking lot, and the two walked side by 

side into the mall. 

While walking, she noticed many people staring at them because of his striking appearance. 

When she used to accompany him on business trips, she was used to such scenes, but this time she wondered if their appearances didn’t match at all in the eyes of others. After all, he’s so outstanding, and I’m… No, no… She immediately shook her head vigorously in her mind, denying those thoughts. / like myself a lot and shouldn’t think badly of myself just because I like an exceptional man, right? Besides, if such an outstanding person like Erik could like me, it means I must be excellent in certain aspects. 

Self–brainwashing was good, and Summer quickly regained her confidence. 

Bonus Reached 

First Top–UP 

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