Chapter 276 Calling Him Daddy
Colin couldn't agree more.
He wasn't entirely privy to the details of Gabriel and Sophia's past, and he didn’t wish to pry into Sophia’s painful history.
From the few interactions observed, Sophia seemed to harbor a strong dislike for her ex-husband and made significant efforts to keep him from discovering Ethan and Emma. This led to the conclusion that Gabriel must have done something particularly unforgivable to make Sophia give up on him completely. It was even speculated that Gabriel could be connected to her depression.
"People often say that after a stroke of bad luck, good fortune follows. Sophia's latter half of life will surely be happy," someone remarked confidently. They were certain that once she married their son, the entire Jekyll family would treat her like royalty.
The house they bought for the newlyweds was almost ready, with only the final touches left in decoration. All that remained was for Colin to formally bring Sophia home to meet the parents and start planning the wedding.
Sophia appeared to be quite ambitious career-wise; in time, they planned to have her join Fusion Dynamics Corporation to hone her skills and become an even more exceptional designer.
When the mother and child arrived at the hospital, they couldn't immediately access the inpatient floor. The entire level was heavily secured by bodyguards, and even doctors had to go through extensive checks before entering. Fortunately, Alex recognized them and let them through.
The hospital room was crowded, which wasn't conducive to Emma's rest, so when Arya Stark and Colin arrived and saw Emma sleeping, they tread lightly.
The adults moved outside to talk. Mrs. Lancaster, upon learning that Arya Stark was the daughter-in-law of Madam Jekyll, exchanged a few words about Madam Jekyll's well-being.
"Mother-in-law is much better now; thank you for asking, Aunt Lancaster," Arya Stark said with a slight smile.
"That's good to hear. Sophia, you haven't slept all night. Go home, take a shower and rest before coming back. Amy and I will stay here to look after the child," Madam Lancaster said compassionately, concerned about Sophia.
Sophia's face was drawn and tired, her usually smooth skin now had a layer of oiliness, and the dark circles under her eyes were evident, with red veins that were heart-wrenching to see. She nodded; it was time to head home and gather some daily necessities. Emma was bound to be in the hospital for a while, and she needed to stay by her side so the little one wouldn't be scared.
"We'll give you a ride," Arya Stark offered.
So, Sophia left with Arya Stark and Colin. Ethan, not wanting to leave Emma's side, remained at the hospital with Sam to watch over her.
In the car, as Sophia relaxed, she dozed off without realizing it. Arya Stark sat next to her, gently guiding Sophia's head to rest on her shoulder. Suddenly, a jolt from the car startled Sophia awake.
Blinking her eyes awake, she realized she had been resting on Mrs. Arya's shoulder. "Mrs. Arya, I'm so sorry," she said.
"It's okay, keep sleeping if you're tired, you can lean on me," Stark Arya said gently.
Stark Arya's warmth made Sophia feel grateful and comfortable enough to want to be closer to her.
Sophia said, "I'm not tired anymore, thank you, Mrs. Arya."
Arya replied gently, "Silly child, there's no need to be so formal with me."
Sophia acknowledged, "Okay."
Stark Arya shot a look at her son, wondering, how is this boy driving?
Colin stayed silent.
After dropping off Sophia at her home, Stark Arya reminded Colin, "Visit the hospital more in the next few days. Sophia's had it tough, give her a helping hand."
"Got it,” he replied.
The competition investigation was nearly concluded, and Stark Arya was due to return to the States soon. The work she had accumulated while staying in the city was piling up, and if she didn't head back soon, her team would be overwhelmed.
Colin was supposed to return with his mother, but she insisted that he stay behind to support Sophia, forcing him to postpone his work schedule.
In the hospital, Emma woke up at noon, had some food, and spent the afternoon watching cartoons with Ethan and Sam to pass the time before falling asleep again.
Betty was ready to take Mrs. Lancaster home; the lady had only recently recovered from an illness and shouldn't stay at the hospital too long. Ethan and Sam were young as well.
Ethan didn't want to leave. He stated, "I want to stay here with Mommy to keep Emma company."
Sam also wanted to stay.
"Hospitals are full of germs; do you want to get sick and worry your mommy?" Mrs. Lancaster didn't want all three children to fall ill.
That would be heartbreaking. Sam gently tugged at Ethan's sleeve.
Emma was well-behaved, "I'm not afraid, with Mommy here."
She was indeed very brave!
Ethan hesitated, knowing that whenever Emma was sick, it was always him and their mother comforting her. But now, would his great-grandmother take him back to the Lancaster family estate?
Eventually, Ethan and Sam left the hospital with Mrs. Lancaster.
Sophia brought food over but didn't see Ethan. "Where's Ethan?" she asked.
Alex replied, "The two young masters went home with Madam."
Did Ethan return to the Lancaster family's old house?
Sophia's heart tightened, but she said nothing, carrying the insulated food container to Emma's bedside.
"Emma, it's time to eat."
Emma, acting spoiled, said, "I want Mommy to feed me."
"All right," Sophia replied, her whole being radiating with a tender glow.
After finishing his nutritious meal, Gabriel came over to see his daughter.
Sophia pretended not to see him and continued feeding Emma.
"Mommy, I want some water," Emma said.
Gabriel quickly poured a glass of water for Emma, who reached out to take it.
"Hold on, Daddy will help you drink," Gabriel insisted.
Emma blinked and lowered her hands.
It was the first time Gabriel had helped his daughter drink water, and he was a little nervous. He stared at the glass, trying hard not to tremble.
Seeing that Emma couldn't reach it properly, he tipped the glass, almost spilling water on her face.
Sophia couldn't watch anymore. "Let me do it," she suggested.
Gabriel glared at her, determined not to let her interfere with his taking care of his daughter! This time, he controlled his hand carefully, and finally, Emma successfully took a sip of water.
Watching her dad's clumsy attempts, Emma giggled to herself.
Once Emma was full, Gabriel turned on the TV. "What cartoon do you want to watch?" he asked.
Emma replied, "I don't want to watch cartoons."
"What do you want to do then?" he asked.
Emma requested, "I want to hear a story."
"Daddy will tell you a story," Gabriel declared.
He sent Alex to buy some storybooks.
Sophia began, "Once upon a time, there was a little girl who had a red cap..."
Gabriel's face darkened.
That woman! She was cunning, stealing the chance to tell their daughter a story.
Damn it!
Gabriel took out his phone and called Alex, gritting his teeth, "Buy me a hundred storybooks, and make sure there are no duplicates."
Alex paused, "Sure, boss."
Oh no, the boss's over-indulgence for his daughter was completely revealed.
He was also shocked to find out that Emma was Miss Kelly and the boss's daughter and that Ethan... was the boy he had encountered in the supermarket who looked just like the boss.
All he could think was that the kids were... too precocious.
The boss and Miss Kelly sure had a knack for parenting.
By nine o'clock, Emma yawned.
"Tired? Go to sleep, Daddy's right here," Gabriel said softly, sitting beside her.
Emma looked at him, "I want to sleep with Mommy."
Sophia tucked her in, "Mommy will go freshen up; you go to sleep."
Emma said obediently, "Okay."
Gabriel was agonizing, what about him?
Sophia went to freshen up, and Gabriel saw that Emma still had her eyes open.
"Call me Daddy," he said softly.
Emma's clear eyes reflected his handsome and tender face.
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