Chapter 148
“Thank you for coming to my grandmother’s birthday celebration, Ms. Wright,” Aiden’s voice broke the silence in the car. His eyes fixed straight ahead, as if contemplating something important.
“I was happy to be invited,” I replied, turning to him and trying to
keep my tone gentle.
Aiden nodded, finally shifting his gaze toward me. In the glow of the
streetlights, I could see a depth in his eyes uncommon for children
his age.
“I’d like to ask for your help,” he paused, seeming to carefully choose
his words. “About Aria.”
“What is it?”
“I can tell she likes you and depends on you,” Aiden’s voice softened, carrying the concern of an older brother.
A wave of tenderness washed over me as I recalled Aria’s bright eyes
tinged with a hint of sadness.
“Thank you for today. Would you… could you help her? Just be there
1/5
Chapter 148
for her while she heals?” The responsibility in his voice broke my
heart–no kid should sound like that.
“Absolutely,” I didn’t even have to think about it. “That little angel has
already stolen my heart. She deserves to smile without shadows, you
know?”
The car gradually came to a stop in front of my apartment building.
Henderson got out to open the door for me, and the night breeze
gently caressed my face.
“Thank you for accompanying me home. Good night, Aiden,” I said to
him.
He nodded. “Good night, Ms. Wright.”
Standing on the sidewalk, I watched the black car slowly drive away
until its taillights disappeared into the night. Taking a deep breath, I turned to retrieve my keys when the sound of another engine caught
my attention.
A familiar car pulled up alongside the curb. The door flung open, Oliver ran out like a gust of wind.
“Mommy!” he called out. “I’m back!”
and
2/5
Chapter 148
I crouched down to catch Oliver as he threw himself at me, his
warmth instantly dispelling the coolness of the evening.
“How was the party? Are you okay, Mommy?” Oliver asked, blinking
his big eyes, which seemed to carry a hint of worry.
The question caught me off guard. Oliver had left in such a hurry this
morning that I hadn’t even had the chance to tell him I was going to
Aiden’s grandmother’s birthday celebration. In fact, I’d been worried
all day that I might get home later than him and cause him concern.
“Oliver,” I asked softly, “how did you know I went to a party? And why
are you so worried about me?”
Oliver’s expression suddenly became unnatural. His eyes darted
around, and his small hands fidgeted with the hem of his shirt,
obviously flustered.
“I… I guessed!” he stammered. “Because… because you’re dressed so
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar)