?Chapter 743:


    “I already have one,” Ethel replied, catching on quickly to Freya’s attempt to change the subject.


    Meanwhile, Kristian and Ellis were strolling through the nearby garden. Noticing Kristian’s uncharacteristic silence, Ellis asked casually, “Why did you lie to Freya?”


    “That’s none of your business,” Kristian retorted.


    Ellis slouchedzily onto a nearby bench. “You don’t like me, do you?”


    Kristian shot him a sidelong nce without bothering to answer. Why ask a question when the answer was so obvious? Were adults always this fond of teasing children?


    “Let me guess,” Ellis continued, speaking in the tone one would use with a child, “you’re sulking because Freya talked to me and not you?”


    Kristian’s childish emotions wereid bare. He red at Ellis, making no effort to hide his disdain.


    Ellis wasn’t offended. If Kristian had been in his right mind, Ellis might have poked fun at him, but right now, he was no more than a five-year-old in an adult’s body.


    “Stop lying,” Ellis advised gently. “Freya doesn’t like liars.”


    “I don’t need your advice,” Kristian grumbled sullenly.


    “I don’t want to give it either,” Ellis replied, shing azy smile. “But I promised Freya I’d help look after you.”


    Kristian’s face clouded with displeasure. Did Freya find him so troublesome that she needed to rely on Ellis for help?


    “When we get back, I’ll tell Freya to let me take care of you,” Ellis said, dragging out the words slowly. “She should focus on herself.”


    “No way!” Kristian eximed, his face twisting in protest.


    Ellis arched an eyebrow, amused. “I’m going to do it anyway.”


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    “If you dare, I’ll tell her you hit me,” Kristian threatened with a re.


    Ellis gave him a once-over, his look clearly saying, “You don’t even have a scratch.”


    Kristian, driven by a sudden impulse, acted recklessly. He threw himself onto the ground, scraping his already blistered hand until it bled anew.


    “There are security cameras,” Ellis pointed outzily, unbothered. “Even if you go back injured, Freya can check the footage.” Kristian sat there, stewing in frustration.


    Ellis stood, brushing off his pants as he said, “Let’s go home.”


    “I don’t want you looking after me,” Kristian said stubbornly, getting to his feet.


    “If I end up with Freya, your opinion won’t matter anyway.” Ellis, ever casual, added in a soft, indifferent tone, “When that timees, I won’t just be taking care of you—I’ll be Freya’s husband too.”


    Kristian knew exactly what it meant to be Freya’s husband. He had learned it from TV. Without thinking, he blurted out, “Freya won’t marry you. I’ll marry her when I grow up.”


    “That’s ambitious,” Ellis said truthfully. “But you don’t stand a chance.” Either way, he had already decided—he would never let Freya be with Kristian again. Even if people could change, he believed that in life, some chances never came twice. Once lost, they were gone for good.


    “I do have a chance!” Kristian insisted, his fists clenching tightly. “Why don’t you go upstairs and ask her?” Ellis challenged, locking eyes with him. “See what she says.”


    Kristian red at him for a moment before marching off determinedly. Even if Freya seemed distant now, he was convinced that someday, he would be someone she could truly love.


    Ellis followed behind at an unhurried pace.


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