Chapter 199 - Return to San Francisco (2/2)

”Uhm… 3012...” Finland answered with a blush. That was the date of their wedding. Caspar smiled and opened the door to the apartment. He held the door for Finland, who carried Aleksis in her arms.

Once they were inside, Caspar immediately acted as if he was at home and headed for the kitchen.

”What tea would you like?” he asked, lifting the teapot.

”Fruit-flavored tea, thank you,” answered Finland.

”OK.” Caspar boiled water and prepared a pot of tea for the two of them while Finland placed Aleksis in her bedroom.

A moment later, the two of them were sitting on the living room couch while enjoying tea and chatting.

”My apartment is maybe too small for you...” Finland said apologetically. She knew that compared to where Caspar lived, her apartment looked very simple.

”You have a lot of money in your account, why not rent a nicer apartment?” Caspar asked in confusion. What he meant was, of course, the money he had transferred when Finland insisted on moving out of Rose Mansion. ”You're still stingy like you used to be... hahaha...”

”That's not it...” Finland said quickly, ”I couldn't splurge, because I had to think about Aleksis' future. The cost of raising her and her school fee will be very expensive. I couldn't spend the money just on renting luxury apartments. This was enough for us.”

”Of course, I will be the one to pay for all Aleksis' needs...” Caspar frowned in surprise. He looked at Finland intently, ”Unless… it was not your intention to tell me that Aleksis is my daughter…”

Finland felt guilty again. Indeed, that was what she was thinking when she rented this apartment. She had to prepare for the worst, that was, to leave Caspar forever and not tell him that he was Aleksis' father. Given that, Finland felt embarrassed and selfish. She was so young and selfish at that time. The experience of being separated for several years made her learn many things and become more mature.

Caspar saw her guilty expression and felt a little bad. He had no intention to bring up the past again. He touched Finland's chin and kissed her lips tenderly.

”We don't need to talk about this anymore. What is clear is that from now on, I will be responsible for you both. How long do you need to stay in San Francisco to settle your business?” he said later.

”At most one month...” answered Finland.

”Hmm... we can stay here for one month, so you can work as usual. Every weekend we can stay in Napa Valley or Palo Alto, or go to Seattle. Do you remember the house in Seattle that I bought for you? We still haven't been there together. ”

”Oh... that's a good idea. Thank you!” Finland was very relieved. She was pleased to see that Caspar was not being fussy and wanted to live in her modest apartment while she finished her work with LTX.

That night they slept comfortably in Finland's bed. Caspar himself was quite surprised, because for the first time in centuries, he slept in a regular bed, which was not as luxurious as what he was used to, but he could still sleep soundly. In his heart he suspected that the girl sleeping in his arms was the reason.

During the three years of their separation, he was not able to sleep well even though he had the best and most comfortable beds in his beautiful homes... But now, with Finland by his side, everything felt comfortable and fine.

He kissed Finland's hair and closed his eyes, enjoying his sleep.

***