"Alright, I'll listen to my mom."
"Good boy." Clara gently patted his head.
Emmett came over and naturally took Alex from her, "Clara, you're popular with the kids. First Aiden, now Alex!"
Clara pondered Emmett's intentions at his words.
Is he trying to test me?
Clara wasn't sure whether she was being overly sensitive or if he was indeed suspicious. Either way, she prioritized safety.
So, she managed a calm smile, "I'm about the same age as their mom; they might naturally see me as a mother figure! Maybe if it were someone else their mom's age, they would like her just as much."
Emmett smiled, "I don't know about them, but I only like you, Clara."
Clara was taken aback by his sudden confession, needing a few seconds to recover.
Unsure of how to react, she managed a forced smile.
Emmett gave up, not pushing the topic any further.
He knew he couldn't push too hard. Winning this woman's heart would take some time and effort.
She was his, after all. Winning her heart was a matter of time; there was no need to rush.
Elio rubbed his forehead and smiled bitterly, “love isn't about who gives more! Even though I do like Clara, there are many things I need to consider, not least of which is Clara's future! Emmett won't let Clara go quickly, so I would have to give up sooner or later. Better to let go now when she has no feelings for me. That way, she won't feel too reluctant when she leaves."
He was sacrificing himself now to bring happiness to others. It was worth it.
"And what about you? Will you keep waiting for Ms. Calloway to come back?"
"I doubt she ever will." Elio realized this the moment he let go.
"What? I think Emmett, with all his power and status, is unlikely to stay loyal to a woman! He's probably with Ms. Calloway now because it's a novelty! But when that wears off, who knows what could happen!"
"I don't want to speculate too much about it! Whether she's happy or not, she's not a fool; she knows it herself. If she ever comes back to me, I won't let go next time."

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