Chapter 146
Todd stood to the side, dark circles under his eyes.
He clenched his hands, resisting the urge to step forward.
Although he couldn't stand the man, Ivan was still undeniably their father. With him around, Angela's autism seemed to improve significantly.
He couldn't selfishly make decisions for her anymore.
Todd turned away, his heart twisted in discomfort at the sight.
Meanwhile, Haley was frazzled, her hand pressed to her forehead.
She approached intent on picking up Angela but found that when stubborn, the little girl was immovable like a statue; Haley couldn't budge her an inch.
"Haley, can Daddy and I just stay the night, please?" Owen pleaded with wide, hopeful eyes. "Angela likes Daddy so much, she surely won't want him to leave... Haley, I can sleep on the floor, really!"
Ivan spoke coolly, "Ms. DeRoss, I've never stayed the night at someone else's place before. But tonight, I think I’ll make an exception for Angela."
Haley was silent for a moment — his words seemed to suggest some hardship in staying the night.
If it weren't for Angela's fondness, she would've kicked this father-son duo out already!
She massaged her temples and spoke in resignation, "Angela, let go."
The little girl shook her head vigorously, tightening her grip on Ivan's leg.
"If you don't let go, how will Mr. Winston get ready for bed?" Haley sighed out.
Angela's eyes lit up, and she finally released her hold.
Just as Ivan moved to step away, Angela quickly grabbed onto his pant leg again, wary.
Ivan couldn’t help but chuckle, "Don't worry, Mr. Winston isn’t going anywhere tonight; I'll stay right here with you."
Only then did Angela’s elated smile break through.
She was four years old and had never really laughed from her heart before.
This was the first time Haley had seen such a beautiful smile on Angela's face, her eyes brimming with joy.
She had finally come to believe that fate had ordained some connections long before those involved ever realized.
Take Angela and Ivan, for example.
They were as different as night and day, and yet, here they were, bound by an unexpected tie.
Fortunately, Ivan wasn't a scheming scoundrel; otherwise, she would have had a real headache on her hands.
No one was happier to stay over than Owen; you could practically see the pep in his step as he bounced around the house with gusto.
"Mr. Winston, there's a bed in the downstairs study; you and Owen can stay there for the night," Haley said softly, cradling Angela. "Mommy's going to take you upstairs to bed and tell you a story..."
She carried the little girl upstairs and quietly closed the door behind them.
Owen was speechless.
What was the difference between staying and not staying if it ended up like this?
He and 'Daddy' were on the first floor, while Haley and little sister Angela were all the way up on the second. It felt like miles between them.
Owen sneaked a glance at Todd, who was absorbed in his book in the living room. Seeing that he was unnoticed, Owen tip-toed up the stairs, pushed open Angela's bedroom door, and stealthily closed it behind him.
Haley looked at him helplessly, "And what are you doing up here?"
"I want to hear the story too..."
Owen stood with his back against the door, his head bowed in a picture of dejection, not daring to move closer to the bed.
Haley couldn't resist that forlorn look. She gestured to him, "Come here and lie down with Angela to listen to the story."
"Yay, Haley, you're the best!" Owen exclaimed, leaping onto the bed, his dark eyes sparkling. "If Angela calls my 'Daddy' daddy, can I call Angela's mommy mommy?"
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