"You two can stay here."

Karen offered Anna and Harry an apartment. Karen had lived independently for several years and no longer lived with her parents. However, because of her wedding preparations, Karen needed to stay with her parents. So Karen let Anna and Harry remain in her apartment temporarily.

"This house is very cozy." Harry commented.

"Yes, thank you Karen," Anna said.

Karen shook her head, "No, I should be thanking you for coming to my wedding. I know it wasn't easy for you to come."

Karen knew what Anna had been through the last few years. She had left the country pregnant, and Karen was saddened by her best friend's departure and Anna's unhappiness.

During Anna's stay in Country M, Karen had contacted Anna every day. So Karen knew exactly what kind of life Anna was living there, from being pregnant, giving birth, and taking care of Harry until he was as big as he was. On top of that, Anna still had to work for a living.

It hurt Karen's heart to see Anna working hard for her life. The spoiled woman had become a mother, but Karen was proud to see her. Karen never heard Anna complain; she always hid her troubles well.

"It's not easy," Anna muttered.

Harry tilted his head in confusion. "Why not, all we had to do was take a plane to get here," Harry replied innocently.

Anna and Karen laughed out loud at Harry's comment.

***

"Mom, I saw a park on the way here. Can we go there?" Harry suggested.

Anna remembered that there was a large city park in their neighbourhood. It was within walking distance. Since they both loved parks, Anna immediately agreed to Harry's suggestion.

"All right, we'll go after the shower."

"Yeay!" Harry tiptoed happily and immediately went to take a shower.

After perfuming himself, Harry enthusiastically pulled Anna's hand to go to the park, making Anna laugh at Harry's impatience. Even though Anna took Harry to the park every afternoon in Country M, her habit did not make Harry feel bored.

Walking in a new place made Harry happy; he held Anna's hand tightly while occasionally jumping. Because of Harry's cute behaviour, Anna could not wipe the smile off her face.

"Mom, there are so many little kids here."

Harry was amazed to see many children his age in the park. Harry quickly joined them to play together. Although Harry's language could have been more fluent, he could communicate well and felt no difference.

Anna took a seat not far from where Harry was playing. In her hand was a book that Anna had brought to relieve her boredom because she knew that Harry would be playing for a long time.

"Nice book." Someone's voice could be heard from Anna's side.

Anna looked at the man beside her, "You know this book?" she asked.

The man nodded. "It's one of my favorite books, I've probably read it five times."

Seeing the handsome and dashing look of the man beside her, Anna frowned in surprise. She hadn't expected a man like him to read a book of the romantic genre in German.

"You don't look like someone who likes romantic books."

The man laughed out loud. "I know, there are many people who make fun of me for reading romantic books. But there are many genres I like, not just romance."

Anna looked down at the book in her hands. "Do you speak German?" Anna asked.

"It's my first language, it's not like you're from this country," the man admitted.

Anna looked at Harry, who was playing soccer with his new friends. "I just came here on vacation."

"But your native language is very good." He complimented her.

"I've lived here for several years."

The man nodded understandingly.

Harry approached Anna with a sweaty body as he hugged the ball. "Mom, I'm thirsty."

Anna took the water bottle she had brought home and handed it to Harry. As Harry sipped his drink, Anna wiped the sweat from Harry's face with a handkerchief. After that, Harry went back to playing.

Seeing that the person beside her was silent, Anna looked at him in surprise. "What's wrong?"

The man looked at Anna in surprise. "I didn't think a girl as young as you would have such a big child," he said.

The man was shocked to hear Harry call Anna Mom. At first, he thought Anna was coming to the park to enjoy the atmosphere while reading a book. He hadn't expected her to go with her child.

"You're a good mom," he said.

"I always try to be a good mother and father to Harry. So that he never feels a lack of love from his parents, even though he only has one," Anna explained.

"You're a single parent?"

Anna nodded in acknowledgement.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know that." The man apologized.

Anna understood that many people were surprised by her being so young, having a four-year-old child, and being a single parent. But Anna didn't feel burdened by her status; she was happy to have Harry by her side. If it weren't for Harry, Anna doesn't know what her life would be like now.

"No need to apologize, I've accepted the situation."

The man looked at Anna in amazement. Anna somehow didn't look fragile at all. She gave the impression of a strong, independent, and powerful woman. She also seemed to love Harry sincerely, her eyes filled with a mother's love and affection when she saw Harry.

"By the way, we haven't met. I'm Juan."

"I'm Anna."

"What a pretty name."

Anna laughed out loud. "Are you flirting with me?"

Juan scratched his head in embarrassment, reflexively saying he had not meant to tease Anna. His face immediately flushed like a crab.

"Why is your face red?" Anna asked, worried by Juan's sudden change in expression.

"It's not that, I'm embarrassed."

When Juan saw Anna laughing, he was silent for a moment. It was the first time Juan had ever looked at a woman with such admiring eyes. Anna was so beautiful when she smiled as if everything was right.