Still You Still Me Still Falling novel Chapter 36

No matter how much Sheila coaxed her, the little girl refused to let her leave.

If she tried again, Tilly was going to cry.

Those big, beautiful eyes were wide and brimming with tears.

They looked like the most beautiful black pearls submerged in pure silver water—clear and utterly heartbreaking.

Sheila simply didn't have the heart to do it.

Out of options, she looked up, searching for Edmond.

Her gaze carried a hint of a plea for help.

As Sheila looked at Edmond, the little girl instinctively followed her gaze, staring up at her father.

Two pairs of big eyes, one adult and one child, stared at him helplessly.

One was his daughter, whom he loved more than life itself.

The other was...

His throat bobbed. Taking long strides, he crossed the room in seconds.

With both sets of eyes locked onto him, Edmond didn't say a word as he reached out and took Tilly from Sheila's arms.

"Ms. Jensen has work to do," he said. "Be a good girl, Tilly... She can come visit you after she finishes her shift, okay?"

Tilly was usually very well-behaved.

But today, whether it was because she was sick or because she hadn't seen Sheila in so long, she wasn't having it.

She shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Sheila's not leaving... I want Sheila..."

Sheila's heart ached. She reached out to wipe the little girl's tears. "Don't cry, sweetheart. I... I won't go."

Edmond shot her a look.

Steeling herself, Sheila asked him, "Where's her mother? Didn't she come back with you?"

Hearing the question, Edmond could easily guess that Laura had told her the child's mother was abroad.

"She didn't come back," he replied.

Sheila felt a wave of relief. At least by staying here, she wouldn't be misunderstood by Jewel Baker.

She would just coax Tilly until she felt a bit better, and then she would slip away.

She just couldn't stand watching Tilly cry.

She murmured softly, "Be a good girl, Tilly. I'm not leaving."

Tilly instantly widened her eyes, staring at her with pure, unadulterated adoration.

Edmond ordered, "Put her down, let her eat by herself."

But Tilly just wrapped her arms tighter around Sheila's neck.

Sheila's heart instantly gave in.

She said, "I'll feed her."

Kids were always a bit clingy when they were sick.

But Sheila had absolutely no experience taking care of children.

In the past, when she was with Edmond, he had been the one to take care of her every single need.

Watching her clumsily handle the utensils, Edmond let out a defeated sigh. Pulling up a chair next to her, he took the spoon. "I'll do it."

Tilly was thrilled.

Sitting on Sheila's lap with her cheek pressed against her chest, enveloped in her comforting scent.

And right in front of her was her dad, feeding her.

She felt perfectly content.

Opening her little mouth, she happily ate the food.