Chapter 617 If You Don't Want to Hear It, I Won't Bring It up
"Almost," Austin said, glancing upstairs with a soft look in his eyes. "But she's not home every day; she's often out of town for filming."
Daisy hadn't planned on diving so deep into acting; she wanted to spend more time with Molly. But Austin kept nudging her, and eventually, she gave in.
"That's nice," Charles commented.
"If you had stuck it out a bit longer and chased Daphne, maybe you'd be the one with her now," Austin said to Charles, still feeling bad for him after all these years of unrequited love.
"I don't think so," Charles said, knowing Daphne too well. "Once she makes up her mind about something, she doesn't change it easily."
Daphne was stubborn and persistent. For others, relentless pursuit might have worked, but not for her. When Charles kept messing up, their relationship completely fell apart.
"How do you know it won't work if you don't try?" Austin countered. "You get her personality, but you don't necessarily get human nature."
Charles didn't respond. At this point, everything was for the best.
"Are you planning to stay single forever?" Austin asked, looking at him.
Charles gave a simple answer. "I don't know."
"I heard from Mark that a girl has been chasing you for years. Haven't you thought about it?" Austin was always good at gossiping.
Charles' eyes darkened, but he didn't answer.
Austin kept going, "You missed one; don't miss another because of stubbornness."
"I have to go," Charles said, clearly not wanting to talk about his love life, his handsome features showing complexity. "Don't tell anyone why I came here, including Daisy."
"Wait," Austin called out, but Charles was already on his feet, heading for the door. Austin followed him out to see him off.
Looking at the always calm and indifferent Charles, Austin couldn't quite understand and suggested, "If you still can't let go, meet her in person and talk it out. If you have let go, then go see her kid openly."
"Mind your own business," Charles said coldly as he drove off.
Austin watched him leave, feeling a bit helpless.
A while later, Daisy came downstairs, having now made peace with Austin. Seeing Charles leave so early, she tentatively asked, "Did Mr. Lancelot leave?"
"Yeah," Austin said, withdrawing his gaze and walking over to put his arm around her shoulder. "It's windy outside; let's go in."
"What did he come for?" Daisy asked.
Austin didn't answer her.
Daisy's eyes flickered. "Can't it be said?"
"He told me not to say, but there's nothing I can't say," Austin said, betraying Charles without hesitation. "He wanted to see Daphne's kid."
"He still likes Daphne?" Daisy was slightly surprised.
"Yeah," Austin said as they walked inside. "But no matter how much he likes her, it's unrequited now."
"True," Daisy responded, not saying much more.
Daisy didn't know all the details about Daphne's past, but she was aware of some entanglements between Daphne and Charles.
Austin looked at her back as she walked inside, his eyes complex as he called out, "Daisy."
Daisy asked, "What's up?"
"Should we get married?" Austin asked, testing the waters.
"No," Daisy shot back without a second thought. "If you want to get married and have a family, find someone else."
"Being together is already a family," Austin said, stepping closer. "You, me, and Molly."
"Austin," Daisy's tone turned a bit cold.
Austin quickly backed off, sensing her irritation. "Okay, okay, don't be mad. I won't bring it up again."
"I told you from the day you moved in, I won't marry you," Daisy said firmly, her beautiful face showing a mix of emotions. "If you want, you can leave anytime."
"I just want to make things more official," Austin said, trying to explain. "If you don't want that, I won't mention it again."
Daisy didn't say anything else and went upstairs.
A few years ago, she had softened and thought about remarrying Austin. But after his parents found out, they caused her a lot of trouble. That kind of life was too exhausting, so she gave up.
Unbeknownst to them, Molly had overheard their conversation and quietly approached Austin, calling him softly, "Dad."
Austin paused, feeling a bit nervous when he saw her, worried she had heard too much.
"Don't be nervous. I understand your relationship with Mom," Molly said, her quiet demeanor masking her sharp mind. "Do you really want Mom to marry you?"
"Don't worry, I'll try my best," Austin said, ruffling her hair.
Molly took his hand and held it. "You're going about it the wrong way. No matter how hard you try, it won't work."
Austin looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"There's something Mom might have never told you," Molly said, her young face wise beyond her years. "Do you remember when I was four, and Mom was really close to you?"
Austin thought for a moment and nodded. "Yeah, I remember."
During that time, he thought he was about to win Daisy over. But later, when he mentioned marriage, Daisy suddenly pulled back and became distant.
"Do you know why Mom suddenly wasn't as nice to you?" Molly asked.
"Because I didn't keep my promise and mentioned marriage," Austin replied.
"You're silly, Dad. How could Mom distance herself from you because of that? Mom wants a family more than you do," Molly said, understanding her mother's feelings.
Austin paused, feeling confused. "What do you mean?"
"Grandpa and Grandma came to see Mom," Molly said, her voice steady. "They said a lot to Mom, including that without a paternity test, they wouldn't acknowledge me... they called me a bastard."
Austin was stunned and instinctively comforted Molly. "Don't listen to their nonsense. You're our child, and we love you."
"I know. The teacher said there's no such thing as a bastard; every child is an angel," Molly said, her cute face showing a pure smile.
Austin frowned, realizing something was off. "Why would the teacher say that?"
In normal teaching, teachers wouldn't say such things. The sudden mention could only mean a child was mocked for being a bastard.
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