Two Times the Charm novel Chapter 4

Her embrace was warm, tight, and intense.

Was this what it felt like to be held by a mother?-

Clara held Alex for a moment, feeling his body stiffen in her arms.

She let go, looking at the child before her.

There was no mistaking it. That was Alex’s face.

But...

“Alex, where did you get this outfit?” she asked, noticing his change of clothes. She remembered dressing him in white shorts and a tee in the morning. How did it turn into a black tee?

"I..." Aiden started, hesitated for a few seconds, and then said, "I like this outfit, and I swapped with some other kids."

"So you like black clothes! I've been so busy with work, I didn't notice your preferences. I'm sorry, can you forgive me?" Clara squatted down, looking at her son sincerely, "I promise, I'll take you to the amusement park every week and spend more time playing with you."

Aiden nodded somewhat woodenly. To him, maternal love was foreign, yet fascinating. He... wanted to experience this feeling. As for the cold father from the Melendez family, he hoped to never see him again.

"Come with me, I'll take you to Burger King! How about it?" Clara squeezed her son's hand tightly, wanting to give him everything.

"Burgers are junk food." Aiden frowned, his expression somewhat resembling Emmett's.

"It's okay! Haven't you always wanted to try it? I'll take you to stuff your face! I just got a job today, let's go celebrate."

"…Okay." Aiden didn't dare to say much. He was afraid of being recognized; he wanted to enjoy life with a mother more.

At the Melendez mansion, Sophia had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital.

Emmett silently sat in the hospital room, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"Emmett, you need to reflect on yourself! You've been too harsh on Aiden! Why else would he run away from home?" Emmett's father, Patrick Melendez, reprimanded, "Even though it was your mother and I who decided to bring Aiden into this world, he is still your son!"

"Weren't you always the ones making decisions about disciplining him?"