Chapter 143 Adalia's Home
Maggie guided Adalia back to the room that had once been her own, her mind filled with plans to transform the space into a haven for the child.
Adalia, still bearing the marks of her recent abuse, remained silent. She nestled into Maggie's embrace, her small body curled up tight, her refusal to sleep a silent protest against the world.
Maggie gently stroked Adalia's head and said softly, "Adalia, it's alright now. You can sleep peacefully. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the amusement park to play on the slide, okay?" She hoped the promise of such a simple joy would appeal to the child, as it did to most children.
Adalia's large eyes, filled with a depth of emotion that belied her tender years, stared back at Maggie. "Aunt Maggie, why doesn't my mom love me? She loves my brother, but I've been good." The words, choked out in a small voice, were a dagger to Maggie's heart.
A stinging sensation pricked at Maggie's nose as she leaned down to kiss Adalia's forehead. "Adalia, you're a good girl. The best and cutest I've ever seen. Let's not think about this anymore, okay? Just sleep tight."
Adalia nodded, her small arms tightening around Maggie. "Aunt Maggie, you smell nice. I like you." The scent of Maggie was a comfort to her, a beacon of safety in her turbulent world.
She wished Aunt Maggie could be her mom.
Maggie smiled down at her, her heart aching with a strange mix of sadness and affection. "Adalia, you smell nice too. I also like you. How about I tell you a story?"
Adalia, having never been treated to a bedtime story before, nodded eagerly.
Maggie began her tale, her voice a gentle lullaby in the dimly lit room. "Once upon a time, in a big mountain, there lived a lovely little white rabbit..." As the story unfolded, Adalia's eyes grew heavy, and she soon succumbed to sleep.
Maggie watched the sleeping child, a warmth spreading through her. Adalia seemed to fill a void in her heart she hadn't known existed. "Goodnight, Adalia," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the child's forehead before quietly exiting the room, closing the door gently behind her.
In the living room, Fiorello, fresh from a shower and clad in his pajamas, awaited her. Maggie turned to him, her mind filled with questions. "What are your plans for Adalia?"
They were not her legal guardians, and while they could provide a temporary refuge, there were legalities to consider. Adalia needed to go to school, and her identity needed to be established. Simply keeping her wasn't enough.
Fiorello, too, had been wrestling with these questions. He patted the space beside him, inviting Maggie to join him.
Maggie sank down next to him, her body weary. She rested her head on Fiorello's lap, seeking comfort in his presence.
Fiorello took her hand, his voice serious. "First, we need to figure out if Adalia is adopted or if she is their biological child. I think Susan doesn't want to take care of Adalia anymore. Sending her back would mean she would continue to suffer abuse. Adalia is almost five years old and she hasn't started school yet. These are all problems."
Maggie looked up at him, surprised. "Adalia is not their biological child?"
"I heard some neighbors gossiping before. Rumor has it that Adalia is adopted, but we need to investigate to know for sure."
Maggie said, "Regardless, we can't send Adalia back. She's too miserable. Fiorello, I really like her, I don't know why, I just feel a connection."
Fiorello understood her sentiment, he felt the same connection. "If they really don't want to keep her, then we will adopt Adalia."
Maggie's smile was radiant as she leaned in to kiss Fiorello's cheek. "Honey, you're really wonderful." She had been thinking along the same lines, but adopting Adalia was a significant decision. They needed to discuss it together and ensure they were both on the same page.
Fiorello chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "The other side needs a kiss too."
As Maggie moved to comply, Fiorello turned his head at the last moment, capturing her lips with his own. Maggie pulled back, a surprised laugh escaping her. She had been tricked by Fiorello.
Fiorello deepened the kiss, his hands beginning to explore Maggie's body. He never missed an opportunity to express his affection for Maggie, his warmth always drawing her in.
And each time, Maggie found herself unable to resist, losing herself in the warmth of Fiorello's embrace.
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