But he didn't have to look for Lily, because she's already waiting for him as she knows his father will come.
A Moment ago, Lily and Eli stepped out of the elevator. As they walked towards the car in the parking lot, Lily casually stopped Eli and said, "Let's just wait here for a bit."
As they stood there, Lily glanced back towards the building, knowing glint in her eye. And sure enough, a moment later, her father emerged, phone in hand, "My princess, you forgot your phone!" he exclaimed, hurrying towards her.
Lily smiled inwardly, aware of the ruse, taking the phone from her father and said. "Thanks, Dad." Well, she already observed the move his father made while hid her phone and guessed. "Do you want to talk to me about something?" she asked.
Lily's father smiled, impressed that his daughter had caught on to his plan and he said with a smile, "No wonder. My princess bet with her grandfather when she was only seven years old," his voice filled with amusement and pride as he looked at Lily.
Lily's eyes locked onto her father's, her expression a mix of shock and curiosity. "Dad, how do you know about this? It's just between me and Grandpa," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. And then, a thought entered her mind and her eyes widened further, and she exclaimed, "Grandpa told you? Di.. Did he really talk to you?" She questioned her father as if she couldn't believe her grandfather had really talked to her father.
Mark's smile deepened as he looked at his daughter, his eyes filled with a mix of warmth and seriousness. "Yes, your grandfather always talk to me. But no one knows about this." he said, his voice low and gentle.
Lily's eyes were fixed on her father's, her expression a blend of surprise and curiosity.
As Mark continued, his voice took on a tone of revelation, "And I know the bet you had with him, that you want to prove your worth to him, to know the real reason why we're not allowed to enter the HYLA Kingdom." Lily's face reflected a mix of emotions such as surprise, confusion, and perhaps a hint of curiosity.
Lily's voice filled with curiosity and concern as she inquired "Dad, do you know the reason why Grandpa is not allowing you and Mom to enter the country? Will... Will you never go back there? "
Her father's expression turned thoughtful, and he paused for a moment before responding, as if choosing his words carefully. "If we die, we want to be buried there and rest. my princess."
"Dad~" Lily tried to speak, but her father's words cut her off. "No, let me talk first," he said with firmness.
"Yes, I know the reason. However, I'm not telling you the reason. You're entering a new path in your life."
His gaze shifted to Eli, and he looked at him thoughtfully before continuing, "I believe in your choice." His eyes returned to Lily, and his tone became encouraging, "I hope you didn't forget about your bet, and no matter how many hurdles come your way, I hope you win your bet. Then your grandfather will tell you the reason why you need to prove your worth to know the reason."
As he continued, his eyes welled up with tears, and his voice cracked with emotion. "My princess, I miss my baby Lina. I really want to see her, pamper her, and do everything for her. But I'm a failure. I really can't do anything for her." His words were laced with regret and longing, and he looked at Lily with tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry, My princess, I have kept all my responsibilities on you. But, Thank you for doing this for us. I'm really proud of you, Lily. I really hope my daughter wins and proves her worth, then we will go back there."