His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 97

It was Archer, cradling Toby securely in his arms as he dashed through the rain.

He didn't look back, his tall frame quickly vanishing into the sea of parents.

"Mommy, it's Mr. Archer... Why didn't he see us?"

Cindy pouted, snuggling closer to Virginia's side, her muffled voice thick with undisguised hurt.

Virginia dragged her eyes away and looked down, gently tapping her daughter's nose. "The rain is pouring, sweetheart. He was carrying Toby and looking after Aunt Chloe. It's perfectly normal that he didn't see us."

"Oh." Cindy dropped her gaze, lightly kicking at a small puddle near her boots. "Mr. Archer really is a good daddy. Just... not my daddy."

Virginia froze, momentarily at a loss for words. Truthfully, she used to dream of those picture-perfect family moments—just the three of them—before reality had violently shredded those hopes into pieces. A sharp, physical ache tugged painfully at her chest.

...

Valentin arrived ten minutes later, jogging toward them with a massive umbrella shielding him from the downpour.

"Virginia! Cindy! Have you been waiting long? Let's go."

"Uncle Valentin, how come you only brought one umbrella?" Cindy asked.

Valentin's eyes flickered slightly, though he put on a sheepish grin. "I didn't think it would rain, and I didn't have an extra in the car. It's okay. I'll carry Cindy, and you hold the umbrella for us. The car isn't parked far."

Before Virginia could even hesitate, he shoved the umbrella handle into her palm, hoisted Cindy into his arms, and plunged into the curtain of rain.

Startled, Virginia hastily raised the umbrella high and scrambled to keep pace.

Valentin gently tucked Cindy into the backseat. He then stepped aside, taking the umbrella so Virginia could slide in.

Once the mother and daughter were safely inside, he collapsed the umbrella and took his place in the driver's seat.

The door shut, sealing out the deafening roar of the storm.

"What do you want to eat today, Cindy? I'm taking you both out for dinner."

Cindy leaned her head against the window, watching the rain blur the streets. "Anything is fine," she mumbled listlessly.

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