Chapter 1361 The Same Gift
At that moment, Daryl tugged at his lips and said, "Mom, I'm sorry, I forgot to buy it. How about I make it up tomorrow?"
Hearing this, Cecilia, who was playing with Thaddeus with her head down, felt a pang of sadness. She felt bad for Thaddeus. After all, his father still refused to acknowledge him and didn't even prepare a birthday gift. Did Thaddeus really mean nothing to him?
Azalea, however, said, "Nonsense, I clearly saw you come back with a big gift box today. Are you saying it's for someone else?"
Daryl fell silent, his head hanging low.
"Come on, take it out. Is your gift so secretive?" Azalea's words made everyone in the room laugh.
For a moment, all eyes in the living room were fixed on Daryl.
Cecilia also looked up at Daryl, thinking, 'Did he actually prepare a gift?'
Having been exposed by Azalea, Daryl turned and walked to the entryway, then came back into the living room with a gift box.
Under everyone's gaze, Daryl opened the gift box and took out a remote-controlled car, placing it on the table.
"Mom, I also got a toy car. It looks like Elijah and I got the same thing." Daryl smiled helplessly.
Cecilia glanced at the table and saw that the toy car Daryl had prepared was the same model and brand as the one Elijah had given, just a different color. It was no wonder; they always chose the best, and the top brand of remote-controlled cars in Maple Valley was limited to just one. It was no surprise they ended up with the same gift.
The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became a bit tense.
Thaddeus's background was a sensitive topic, and the relationship between Daryl and Elijah had been strained over the past two years. They only maintained a facade of harmony because of Azalea's illness.
Now, the fact that both of them had prepared the same gift for Thaddeus highlights their similar tastes.
Cecilia felt embarrassed by the awkward situation but also a bit relieved. At least Daryl hadn't completely ignored Thaddeus; he had prepared a gift for him.
Over the past few days, Cecilia had observed that Daryl had developed feelings for Thaddeus. He seemed to be restraining himself from showing too much affection, but sometimes his eyes betrayed his love for Thaddeus.
Elijah, seeing Daryl's gift, rubbed his nose and kept his eyes on the two identical remote-controlled cars on the table.
Azalea quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "It's no big deal if the gifts are the same. The colors are different, and Thaddeus loves cars. He can have a whole fleet!"
"Yeah, kids never think they have too many toys. Mrs. Azalea Fields, dinner is ready, and the birthday cake has arrived. Shall we start the birthday celebration?"Finn chimed in.
"Yes, Thaddeus must be hungry. Let's dine together!" Azalea said with a smile as she stood up.
Everyone followed Azalea into the dining room.
Azalea had gone all out for Thaddeus's first birthday. The dining room was decked out with colorful balloons, and the birthday cake was a seven-tiered extravaganza surrounded by flowers and various toys.
Azalea placed a birthday hat on Thaddeus, and the servants lit the candles on the cake. With the lights turned off, the cake's glow was mesmerizing.
Everyone in the dining room began to sing the birthday song in unison.
Thaddeus was thrilled to hear so many people singing together. His chubby little hands waved excitedly in the air.
Cecilia held Thaddeus, her eyes scanning the sincere faces of everyone present. They were all focused on Thaddeus, singing the birthday song.
At that moment, Cecilia felt deeply moved. So many people loved Thaddeus and wished him well. It was something she couldn't provide on her own. Thaddeus needed the Fields family and their love. Cecilia realized she had been too stubborn in the past.
After a lively evening, Thaddeus had eaten a lot and was tired. He fell asleep in bed, with the remote-controlled cars from Daryl and Elijah by his pillow.
Thaddeus loved both cars and insisted that Freya bring them upstairs.
Cecilia looked at the golden pendant around Thaddeus's neck, her lips curling into a smile, though her eyes showed reluctance. She gently stroked Thaddeus's head, feeling that life was full of difficult choices.
That afternoon, while Thaddeus was napping, Cecilia went downstairs and saw Azalea lounging on the couch, watching TV.
Cecilia hesitated for a moment, then walked over and called out, "Mom."
Since Azalea had scolded her last time, Cecilia hadn't spoken to her so warmly.
Azalea was taken aback by Cecilia's affectionate tone, thinking she might have misheard. Cecilia had been living there with Thaddeus for a while but hadn't spoken to her like this since then.
Azalea sat up straight, delighted. "Cecilia, come sit down."
She hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak. "Cecilia, I've done many things to wrong you in the past. I know I misunderstood you and was prejudiced against you. My actions even affected your relationship with Daryl. I should apologize and ask for your forgiveness."
Azalea's attitude was sincere, her eyes filled with regret.
Cecilia felt a lump in her throat and quickly said, "Don't dwell on it. I accept your apology. Your health is not good now. I hope you take care of yourself and watch Thaddeus grow up."
Azalea's eyes also welled up with tears. She nodded and said, "I really hope to see Thaddeus grow up, but I don't know if I'll be that lucky."
"You will be. Just take care of yourself and follow the doctor's advice. Medicine is so advanced now; you'll be fine!" Cecilia said confidently.
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