Cameback picking up a man and a bunny

Lydia

I wasn't a fool.

I had already gone through every possible path I could take, every outcome I would have to face.

I had options.

If I wanted, I could stay in Country X, pursue my studies at the prestigious acting academy I had been accepted into, and raise my child here. It was familiar, practical, and, in many ways, easier.

Or—I could leave.

I had already completed all the paperwork for studying abroad before, but back then, I had thrown it all away. For Theo. For the ridiculous dream that we had a future.

But now?

Now, I saw things clearly.

Going abroad wasn't just an escape—it was a fresh start. A new beginning for both me and my child, away from the chains of my past.

But leaving with nothing? That wasn't an option.

I sold everything of value.

The jewelry I had won in combat tournaments, the gifts I had received over the years—gone. Even the necklace, the only link I had to my birth parents, was pawned. The jeweler barely looked at the stone, dismissing it as worthless, but the chain, crafted from rare, high-grade material, fetched a decent price.

I would buy it all back one day.

Two weeks later…

I stood at the airport, suitcase in hand, my heart steady but heavy.

At the security check, I glanced back one last time.

The terminal was crowded, filled with people hugging their loved ones, saying their goodbyes, reuniting with smiles and tears.

But for me?

No one was here to see me off.

I left quietly.

"Goodbye, Country X. I will be back."

Placing a hand over my stomach, I whispered, "I hope I made the right choice for us."

---

### Five Years Later

The hum of the airplane was soft, almost lulling me to sleep, but my mind was too restless.

Business-class suite. The highest-tier seats, a level of luxury I had never indulged in before. But none of it mattered, not compared to the warmth beside me.

Little Bunny lay curled up against me, her tiny frame tucked under the plush blanket. Her silver hair shimmered under the dim cabin lights, her little lips slightly parted as she breathed evenly in her sleep.

She was almost five now, growing more like me every day—except for her eyes. Those belonged to him.

My gaze shifted.

On the other side of the seat, Adrian sat, his tall frame relaxed but imposing, his presence effortlessly commanding.

Adrian Brown.

A name that carried weight in the industry. An international sensation. A man who had taken Hollywood by storm last year, making his home country even crazier for him than before.

But right now, he wasn't any of those things.

He was simply the man sitting beside me, part of my daughter's world, part of mine.

"When the flight lands, I'll go out first," Adrian said, his voice low but firm. "Brother Phillips will pick you girls up from the back gate later."

I shook my head, already prepared. "That's okay, Adrian. You don't have to go through all that trouble. Cassie is already waiting for us outside."

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "If those damn sasaeng fans hadn't figured out I was returning today, I would've walked out with you both. I didn't think they'd make such a huge commotion."

I nearly rolled my eyes.

I had almost forgotten how impossible it was to go anywhere with him without attracting attention.

I gave him a teasing look. "They're your fans, darling. You better behave."

He scoffed, muttering, "Like I have a choice."

Before I could say anything, the warmth beside me stirred.

A small whimper, a flutter of lashes.

Little Bunny stretched her arms before instinctively reaching for Adrian, her sleepy voice murmuring, "Uncle…"

He didn't hesitate.

In one smooth motion, he lifted her into his arms, holding her as if she was made of glass.

"I'm here, Bunny," he murmured.

She yawned, rubbing her eyes with tiny fists. "Are we about to land, Uncle?"

"Yes, Bunny. Did you have a nice dream?"

She nodded heavily, then scratched her head. "But I don't remember it…" Then, just like that, she let out a bubbly giggle.

Adrian chuckled, stroking her hair. "That's alright, babydoll. You've been a good girl throughout the flight. I'm so proud of you."

She blinked, suddenly looking sly. She pouted, her eyes darting to me.

"That's not our deal, Uncle! You said Mom would give me a star if I took a nap!"

I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.

Adrian turned to me with amusement dancing in his eyes. "Lydia, our baby girl wants her reward. You know the rules."

I sighed dramatically.

The sight of this towering man holding my tiny daughter, stretching his hand toward me like a child demanding payment—how could I say no?

I placed two stars in his palm.

Adrian grinned from ear to ear as Little Bunny carefully took them, adding them to her growing collection.

She had been preparing a book for the past few years, one for each year of her life. Every star was a mark of her achievements, small but meaningful.

When she filled an entire book, she could make a wish—any wish.

Adrian shifted her slightly, kissing the top of her head. "Little Bunny, Uncle has to leave first. You won't cry for me, right?"

She shook her head vigorously.

"And protect Mama. You know our pact, right?"

Her little face turned serious as she nodded with determination.

They clapped their hands together in a silent agreement, a secret deal I wasn't a part of.

I narrowed my eyes at them. "What are you two plotting?"

Little Bunny giggled, burying her face in Adrian's shoulder. "Nothing, Mommy!"

Adrian smirked. "Just a little secret between us."

I sighed, shaking my head.

Whatever those two were up to, I'd find out soon enough.

But for now, as the plane began its descent, I tightened my hold on my daughter.

I was back.

And this time, I wasn't leaving empty-handed.