I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 12

Cassie turned her head away, refusing to look at her, her cheeks burning hot.

The little girl spoke again, "My mom told me that she can't lose herself just because she had me. She's super busy at work every day, but she says it makes her really happy."

Cassie remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together, feeling an uncomfortable knot twist in her stomach.

She felt like the little girl was showing off, though she couldn't quite put her finger on why.

She secretly wished Seraphina could be the one to pick her up at noon. Seraphina had a Ph.D. in pharmacology; she was incredibly impressive, and all the parents of the other kids knew who she was.

If Seraphina came to pick her up, everyone would know that she had someone so amazing in her life.

Speak of the devil.

Ms. Zimmerman walked in from outside, calling out with a warm smile, "Cassie, someone is here to pick you up!"

Cassie jumped up from her chair, her eyes instantly lighting up as she asked eagerly, "Ms. Zimmerman, who is it? Is it my mom?"

The teacher shook her head. "No, it's not your mom."

A bright smile instantly bloomed on Cassie's face, and she couldn't stop herself from blurting out, "Yay!"

Realizing she had reacted a bit too strongly, she quickly tried to rein in her expression, though the corners of her mouth remained lifted. "Then it must be Seraphina!"

She spun around to grab her small backpack, moving with lightning speed, and bolted toward the door the second it was securely on her shoulders.

The teacher called out from behind her, "Slow down, Cassie! I'll give your mom a quick call, make sure you're back in time for your afternoon classes!"

Cassie had already reached the corner of the hallway, paying absolutely no attention to the teacher's words as her little braids bounced behind her, disappearing out the main gates in the blink of an eye.

...

Outside the kindergarten gates, a black car was parked by the curb.

Seraphina stood by the car, wearing a light beige coat, her long hair draped softly over her shoulders, offering a perfectly gentle smile.

Finnegan stood a half-step behind her, a faint, indulgent smile playing on his lips.

Cassie rushed out and spotted them immediately, launching herself straight into Seraphina's embrace and throwing her arms around her waist. "Seraphina! I missed you so much!"

Seraphina knelt down, smiling as she patted her head. "I missed you too."

Cassie turned and hugged Finnegan around his waist, looking up. "Dad!"

Finnegan bent down and scooped her up. Cassie wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice sickly sweet. "Dad, can we go get burgers and fries? I really, really want some, but Mom never lets me have them."

Finnegan's expression darkened slightly, though his tone remained mild. "Cassie, you have a weak constitution. Your mom is right to restrict what you eat."

Cassie immediately pouted, upset. "Mom is a nag, and you're a nag too."

She twisted her body and reached out to Seraphina. "Hug me, Seraphina!"

Seraphina smilingly took her into her arms, and Cassie nestled comfortably against her, pressing her face into Seraphina's shoulder as her muffled voice rang out. "You're the best, Seraphina."

Seraphina gently patted her back. "Having it once in a while is fine. Let's go."

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