She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 906

The big brown bear stood taller than the rest of the mascots. With his round belly, he waddled awkwardly, looking incredibly endearing.

He stopped right in front of Gigi, his massive paws resting at his sides, as if hesitating to reach out.

Gigi looked way up at the bear's dopey face and broke into a huge smile.

"You're so cute!" she giggled, running over to wrap her arms around one of his thick legs.

Hank froze completely, an intense wave of bittersweet ache washing over his heart.

Moving clumsily, he knelt down to her eye level. He grabbed a notepad and an oversized pen from a nearby staff member, and with his giant, awkward paw, scrawled a messy sentence.

Did you have fun today?

Surprised that the bear was asking her a question, Gigi blinked, then gently placed her tiny hands over his massive paw. "I was really sad earlier today, but I'm super happy now."

"Mr. Bear, you're the first person to ask me if I'm happy."

Leaning into his soft, plush embrace, her innocent vulnerability made Hank's chest tighten painfully.

As she patted the furry paw, Gigi caught a faint whiff of a familiar scent. She felt like she had smelled it before, but she couldn't quite place it, so she didn't say anything.

Giselle's eyes lingered on the bear's face. Her mind was racing with suspicions. This sudden flood of VIP treatment and overly attentive mascots felt incredibly orchestrated, but she couldn't bring herself to ruin her daughter's joy by pointing it out.

She let Hank hold Gigi for a long moment before the little girl reluctantly pulled away from the fiercely comforting embrace.

"Mommy, it's getting late. We should go home. Grandma is definitely waiting for us to have dinner," Gigi said, taking Giselle's hand.

Giselle picked her up. "Alright, let's head home."

Hank stood perfectly still, watching their retreating backs until they disappeared into the crowd.

That night, exhausted from the park, Gigi fell asleep almost the second her head hit the pillow after finishing her homework and washing up.

Giselle tucked her in and whispered, "Mommy has to go on a business trip this Saturday. Remember I told you about it? I'll be back really soon, okay?"

"I know," Gigi nodded sleepily. "I'm a big girl now. I'll be good and listen to my teachers and Grandma."

Giselle's eyes grew glassy. A sudden wave of guilt washed over her. She sat on the edge of the bed and held her daughter's hand. "Do you ever blame Mommy for not giving you a complete family?"

Gigi patted her mother's hand. "You're the best mommy in the whole world. Daddy must have been mean to you, and that's why he isn't here. I'll always be on your side."

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