Chapter 9

Try as he might, Charlie couldn't say what he wanted to. Bella chose that moment and suddenly turned ghostly pale. She wiped at her non-existent tears and said pitifully, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to cry, but whenever my emotions waver, I feel physically ill." Sighing, Charlie gave in. "Fine. I've told Selly that I came to Panau on a business trip anyway. Who goes home this quickly on a business trip? "It will be fine if I stay here for a few more days. It'll be tiring for you, taking care of Malcolm alone. I'll worry." The guilt he harbored for Selene was fleeting. It had dissipated the second he caught sight of the child nestled in Bella's arms. He'd finally had a child at the ripe age of thirty. No matter how hard Selene found it to accept them, it wouldn't change his decision. Charlie stayed at a resort by the beach with Bella and Malcolm. Apart from taking long walks on the beach, they also feasted at restaurants. Every day was relaxing and joyful. Even when some of