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“Dad, Dad!” Seeing Cesar beaten until he vomited blood, Abigail ran over and hugged him, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Mom, Mom…” Her tears fell like rain. She couldn’t understand why Naya just stood there, watching, without doing anything to stop it.
Naya met Abigail’s tearful gaze, but instead of wiping her daughter’s cheeks, she held Harriet’s hand more tightly. “Abigail, take your dad home. Take good care of him.” With that, she turned and shut the flower shop door.
Then, holding Harriet’s hand and linking arms with Sheldon, she walked away, down an alley where Cesar and Abigail would never follow again.
Cesar stared at Naya’s retreating figure as she vanished around the corner. More blood spilled from his lips.
He knew deep in his bones that Naya no longer loved him, but he still couldn’t accept it.”
Around the corner, Naya gently pulled her arm away from Sheldon. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she said, “Sorry, Sheldon. I used you as an excuse just now. I’ll treat you to dinner later to make up for it.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Sheldon’s face.
Then, he reached out and grasped her hand firmly. “Don’t apologize, Naya. 1 like you. I’ve liked you since we were in school.“I He placed her hand in his. “Please… for the years I’ve spent loving you, give me a chance. Let me be your boyfriend. Let me be Harriet’s father.”
He spoke with quiet sincerity. Naya looked into his eyes, stunned by the depth of emotion she found there
She wasn’t oblivious. Naya had always known that Sheldon loved her, but right now, she wasn’t ready to rush into another relationship.
Even though Sheldon had saved her daughter, she couldn’t just hand over her heart because of a single act of kindness.[ Sheldon didn’t push her. He simply stood by her side, calm and steady.
“I can wait, Naya,” he said softly. “As long as you’re willing, I’ll wait even if it takes a lifetime.”
“Mom, please say yes to Sheldon!” Harriet clapped her hands excitedly. “I want him to be my daddy!”
Her words brought tears to Naya’s eyes. She blinked through the blur and looked at the little girl in front of her, heart aching with tenderness.
“Harriet,” Naya whispered, gathering her into her arms and kissing her cheeks over and over, “I understand what you’re feeling. sweetheart. But love and marriage… they’re not decisions to be taken lightly. I need time to think.“8
Harriet pouted at her mother’s answer, her small face scrunching up. But then she straightened and said with quiet determination,”
“I know you’re hurting, Mom. That’s why you’re scared to accept him. But I believe in Sheldon, I know he’ll win your heart.“! She had already figured out the truth from the adults‘ conversations. She understood her own story now.
But no matter what, she refused to recognize Cesar as her father. She knew he wasn’t a good man, let alone a good dad.!! Sheldon gently pinched her cheek, smiling warmly at her.
Harriet’s face turned red, and she quickly put on a mock frown. “Sheldon, you made my face all red! As punishment, you have to treat me and Mom to dinner tonight!”
“No problem, I’m happy to serve you two ladies,” Sheldon replied warmly. Harriet beamed, her joy contagious enough to make Naya laugh too.
The sight pierced Cesar’s heart like a knife.
He stood not far away, watching the joyful smiles on Naya and Harriet’s faces. His eyes reddened, and a cold, oppressive aura began to form around him.
Abigail’s eyes welled up as well. She looked at Harriet being embraced by both adults, and jealousy surged in her chest.
In her memories, Naya had always looked at her like that. That same gentleness, once hers, was now given to someone else. “Dad, Mom doesn’t want us anymore,” she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. “She has Harriet and Sheldon now. She’ll never come back.”
But Cesar still refused to let go. “No… It’s my fault. I never explained things to her properly. I didn’t admit my mistakes.”
He clenched his fists, his voice low but resolute. “I’ll apologize to her. ask for her forgiveness. Then I’ll bring Harriet home. We can still be a family. We will be.”
