Chapter 400: Harper, I'm begging you
Seeing Francis just sitting there, not budging an inch, Harper's face turned icy as she reached for the car door handle.
Francis freaked out and called after her, "Harper, wait... Agnes..."
Harper glanced back, hearing him mumble, "Agnes got really scared today, right? I'm worried about her. I wanna check on her."
Those words made Harper pause for a sec.
Francis knew Harper was all about Agnes's feelings, so he pushed on, "Let me see Agnes. I swear I won't be around all the time, but just tonight, okay?"
His raspy voice was practically begging.
Harper's hand froze on the door.
Francis kept going, "Harper, please, just tonight. Let me see her."
Seeing Francis's pale face tugged at Harper's heartstrings.
But that little bit of sympathy wasn't enough to thaw the ice around her heart.
The second she remembered all the pain she'd been through, her heart turned cold again.
But thinking of Agnes's tear-streaked face, Harper felt torn. After a moment, she let go of the handle and stayed quiet.
Francis knew she was giving in, feeling a mix of relief and sadness.
If it wasn't for Agnes, he knew he wouldn't have had a shot.
At Serenity Manor.
Harper had just reached the door when she saw Zoey holding Agnes, pacing the yard, gently patting her back.
Harper's heart clenched, and she rushed over, calling softly, "Agnes."
Agnes's voice was all choked up as she cried, "Mommy."
Her little face was red from crying, her long lashes clumped together.
Harper's heart broke, and she reached out to hold her. "Agnes."
Francis also called out gently.
Seeing Francis, Agnes's big eyes widened, lighting up, and she sniffled, "Daddy, you're not dead."
Francis smiled, taking Agnes from Zoey's arms, "I'm tough. That can't take me down."
Agnes clung to Francis's neck, her big eyes filled with tears, checking him over without blinking.
It was like she was making sure he wasn't hurt or lying.
Harper watched, feeling a pang of jealousy. Agnes used to only have eyes for her, but now there was someone else.
Even though Agnes still loved her unconditionally, Harper couldn't shake the feeling of being replaced.
She stood there, realizing she was actually jealous of Francis.
She hesitated, wondering if she should keep Agnes from getting too close to him.
She worried that if Agnes had to choose someday, it would break her heart.
Agnes couldn't read faces. She just looked for injuries and saw Francis's handsome face, all fine.
She brightened up and kissed his cheek with her chubby little hands holding his face, melting Francis's heart.
Agnes then asked, "Daddy, why did you faint?"
"Because I skipped breakfast today. Not enough nutrition. Agnes, you gotta eat all your meals." Francis walked inside, talking seriously with Agnes in his arms.
No one knew what Francis whispered in her ear, but she giggled.
Zoey, trailing behind, blurted out, "Mr. Getty's got a magic touch with kids. All my efforts, and I couldn't get Agnes to crack a smile."
Harper's brow furrowed a bit at that.
Sometimes, blood ties just hit different.
Agnes had plenty of dudes around her—Jasper, Vincent, Clayton.
But despite all the attention from these guys, Agnes was closest to Francis. It was like they had this natural bond, no walls between them.
Maybe the shrink was right—no amount of male affection could replace a dad's love.
But the shrink also said a healthy family needed loving parents for a kid to grow up right.
With all the drama and scars between them, how could they ever be loving again?
Inside the room.
Agnes was super clingy to Francis tonight. She wanted him to hold her all the time, even when washing her hands, except for bathroom breaks.
Francis's eyes were full of love for Agnes, genuinely enjoying their time together.
But Harper noticed Francis didn't look too good, sometimes spotting sweat on his temples when he bent over.
It was clear he hadn't fully bounced back from fainting due to blood loss.
Yet he forced a smile and kept playing with Agnes like a champ.
Harper stepped in and took Agnes from his arms, speaking softly, "Agnes, it's late. Time for a bath and bed."
Agnes was having so much fun she didn't want to let Francis go.
She clung to Harper's neck, pleading softly, "Mommy, can Daddy stay here tonight?"
Harper didn't expect that and was momentarily stunned, while Francis looked at her with hopeful eyes.
But he didn't realize how pale he looked, clearly overdoing it.
A familiar pain flashed through Harper's heart, and she panicked, realizing what it was.
She silently warned herself not to go soft.
She suppressed her feelings and told Agnes, "No."
Agnes didn't get it, pouting, "But Jasper sometimes stays here. Why can't Daddy?"
Harper explained, "Jasper is family, so of course he can."
Those words hit Francis like a bullet, making his face even paler.
Agnes still didn't get it, looking puzzled, "Isn't Daddy family? My classmate said her Daddy and Mommy are the closest people in the world. Why aren't my Daddy and Mommy?"
Harper was stumped, unable to explain.
Should she tell Agnes they weren't close?
Luckily, Francis stepped in. He patted Agnes's little head, his voice hoarse but smiling, "Agnes, it's late. Listen to Mommy and go to bed."
Agnes wanted to ask more but noticed Francis seemed tired.
She pouted, "Okay, Daddy, goodnight."
Harper looked into Francis's deep eyes, said nothing, and took Agnes to the bathroom.
Zoey came over to help bathe Agnes, and Harper went out to grab pajamas, only to find Francis still standing at the door.
She glanced at him and frowned. "Why are you still here?"
Francis's handsome brows furrowed slightly as he looked at her, hoarsely asking, "Harper, can you walk me out?"
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