Chapter 1369 I Will Make Up For It
Elijah couldn't shake his anxiety as he spoke, "If you two don't patch things up, what's gonna happen to Thaddeus? Cecilia's planning to take him away once he starts kindergarten."
Daryl's heart sank at the news.
"Mom can't keep Thaddeus forever. Cecilia left him with Mom for two years, and Mom's really attached now. She won't make things hard for Cecilia anymore. Plus, once Elowen and I have our baby, Mom will have another grandkid to keep her company. If Cecilia takes Thaddeus, you'll be all alone," Elijah said, his voice urgent.
Daryl's hand trembled, causing some ash to fall and burn him slightly. His heart skipped a beat.
"Think it over," Elijah said before leaving Daryl's room.
After Elijah left, Daryl sat there, chain-smoking until the room was thick with smoke.
Daryl felt deep regret, but the situation was already dire. He could only hope it wasn't too late to make amends, though he didn't have much confidence.
After a sleepless night, Daryl came downstairs the next morning, looking defeated.
As he descended the stairs, he saw Thaddeus standing in the middle of the living room, holding a cookie with a picture of Thaddeus on it.
Seeing Thaddeus, Daryl stopped in his tracks, feeling a wave of guilt and remorse.
He had failed this child. Thaddeus had been living with the Fields family for almost a year. Although Daryl didn't dislike him, he hadn't fulfilled any of his responsibilities as a father. He hadn't even held him once.
Thaddeus noticed Daryl staring at him and suddenly walked over, wobbling with a big smile.
Standing in front of Daryl, Thaddeus looked up at the tall man and extended his chubby hand, offering the cookie. "Eat, eat," he said, his words unclear.
Daryl couldn't control his emotions any longer. He bent down and picked Thaddeus up.
Thaddeus loved being held by tall people because he could see higher and farther.
In Daryl's arms, Thaddeus laughed joyfully.
The next moment, Thaddeus tried to shove the cookie into Daryl's mouth.
Daryl opened his mouth and took a bite. The cookie was incredibly sweet.
Daryl's dark eyes suddenly became moist as he looked at the laughing Thaddeus in his arms.
Men rarely cried, especially someone as strong-willed as Daryl. But today, he couldn't hold back his tears.
At that moment, Daryl said to Thaddeus, "call me daddy."
"Daddy. Daddy," Thaddeus repeated, carefully watching Daryl's mouth, finally managing to say it.
Hearing Thaddeus call him "Daddy," Daryl felt a surge of emotion and hugged Thaddeus tightly.
Azalea and Elijah, standing at the dining room door, witnessed the scene.
"Daryl's finally accepted Thaddeus," Elijah said softly.
Elijah wanted to go over but was pulled back by Azalea.
"Let them have some quiet time together," Azalea whispered to Elijah.
"Okay," Elijah understood his mother's intention and led her back to the dining room, leaving the living room to Daryl and Thaddeus.
For the next few days, Daryl made it a point to come home early to spend time with Thaddeus. Maybe it was the blood connection, but they quickly developed a deep bond.
Thaddeus grew more attached to Daryl, always wanting to be held and lifted high. He would giggle whenever he saw Daryl and offer him the first bite of any treat. Sometimes, as dusk approached, Thaddeus would sit at the villa's entrance, waiting for Daryl to return.
When Daryl stepped into the garden and saw Thaddeus waiting for him, his heart melted.
Gradually, Thaddeus even wanted Daryl to be with him at bedtime. Daryl was delighted to share a bed with Thaddeus, and they became inseparable.
One morning, the Fields family gathered in the dining room for breakfast.
Azalea sat at the head of the table, with Daryl and Elijah on either side. Elowen sat next to Elijah, and Freya held Thaddeus beside Daryl.
"Thaddeus, be good and take another bite," Freya coaxed, feeding Thaddeus. But Thaddeus wasn't very hungry today and refused to open his mouth.
"Thaddeus, why are you eating so little today?" Azalea frowned.
"Let me try," Daryl said, taking Thaddeus from Freya and offering him a spoonful of food.
To everyone's surprise, Thaddeus obediently opened his mouth and ate a big bite.
Azalea laughed, "This little guy only listens to you now. He won't heed anyone else."
"Mom, Thaddeus listens to you too," Daryl replied with a smile.
Azalea glanced at Thaddeus and said, "I bet if anyone says something bad about Thaddeus, you won't agree."
Daryl chuckled in response.
Then Azalea turned to Elijah and Elowen, "How's the wedding planning going? A month is tight, but the Fields family must have a grand celebration. Every procedure and ceremony must be perfect!"
"Mom, Elowen and I have been busy trying on wedding dresses, taking photos, and overseeing the wedding planning," Elijah replied with a smile.
"Even though time is tight, don't overwork Elowen. She's still early in her pregnancy and needs to rest. Take care of everything and let her relax, okay?" Azalea advised.
Elowen blushed and smiled shyly.
Elijah looked at Elowen and said, "Mom, I know. I'm treating Elowen like a national treasure, making sure she's safe. If anything happens to her, I know you won't let me off the hook!"
"Of course, I won't! You must take good care of our family's treasure," Azalea joked.
Soon, Elijah and Elowen finished their breakfast and left to choose wedding dresses.
Daryl fed Thaddeus until he was full, and Freya took him to the living room to play.
At the table, only Azalea and Daryl remained.
Azalea looked at Daryl and smiled, "I see you've developed a deep bond with Thaddeus. He's a lovable child, especially fond of you. It's probably in his nature."
Daryl frowned and said, "Mom, I've failed Thaddeus. I haven't fulfilled my duties as a father. I'll make it up to him from now on."
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