Bride behind the mask novel (Marguerite) novel Chapter 768

The next second, the tree trunk started shaking, its green leaves falling like rain.

The little girl gasped in surprise, clinging tightly to the tree trunk, hurriedly peeking down below.

A tall man with a black mask, casually pocketing one hand while the other stylishly propped against the tree, was smiling up at the little girl.

His eyes were dazzling, shining brighter than the stars.

For a moment, the girl thought her friend Hayes had come back for her.

"Daddy, you're so naughty! Why are you shaking the tree? Aren't you scared I'll fall?"

His voice, magnetic even through the mask, boomed, "Would you come down yourself, or should I come up and get you?"

Realizing Daddy was upset, the girl flashed a goofy smile, "I'll jump, but you gotta catch me, okay?"

Just as the man was about to scold her, she fearlessly let go of the branches, knees bent, and leaped down—

He quickly caught his daughter in his arms.

For a moment, the tree shed its leaves, showering them both.

He was about to lose his temper, but her carefree laughter and clapping in his arms made his anger dissipate instantly.

"I thought we were playing hide and seek, how did you end up in a tree?"

With innocent eyes, she replied, "The higher you climb, the farther you see."

"See what?"

"Mommy!"

Her voice made the man pause, "Mommy?"

Nodding vigorously, she pulled on his neck with one hand, pointing with the other towards a woman walking towards the gate, flanked by two little boys.

They were too far to see the woman's face clearly, but something about her silhouette pained him momentarily.

Yet the pain was fleeting.

But then his daughter called out again, "Mommy!"

Her eyes twinkled, and after a brief pause, she turned to her dad with a silly smile.

"Daddy, I wanna go to Cresthaven for kindergarten!"

He was surprised, "Why? I thought you wanted to settle in Stonebridge City?"

"I changed my mind! I don't like this city anymore, nor do I like this kindergarten. The other kids call me 'dumb-dumb', 'fatty', I hate them!"

He stopped in his tracks, his eyes softening with compassion.

His daughter had indeed struggled more than other kids. After she was shot, her physical health had rapidly declined, necessitating numerous steroid treatments.

Coupled with her love for snacks, she had turned from a sprightly girl into a chubby one.

Her delicate features were lost in her plump cheeks, hiding her once-pretty face.

Thus, at every new kindergarten, she faced ostracism.

The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. He hugged her tighter, whispering, "Alright, Daddy will take you to Cresthaven."