Chapter 182 This Is Not Your Home
After a long silence, Donovan broke the stillness. "As you wish."
Riley nodded and went upstairs to call Finley down.
The three kids stayed in Landon and Winston's bedroom, their faces downcast. The atmosphere in the room was heavy and somber.
Landon and Winston were playing with their robot models, while Finley had her face buried in a stuffed animal, each lost in their own thoughts.
Hearing the door open, they simultaneously looked towards the door.
Meeting their gazes, Riley's heart softened. Thinking of the person downstairs, she finally made up her mind and said calmly, "Finley, your dad is here to pick you up."
Upon hearing this, the kids were all taken aback. Finley, in particular, widened her eyes in confusion, clutching the stuffed animal without moving.
Riley lowered her eyes and repeated stiffly, "Your dad is waiting downstairs; go on down."
After speaking, Riley silently waited at the door.
"Auntie..." Finley's voice sounded timid and full of reluctance.
Riley forced herself not to look at Finley's expression and didn't speak, fearing that if she did, she would say something to make her stay.
After a while, Finley's figure appeared at the door.
Riley couldn't help but pat Finley's head and took her hand to go downstairs.
Donovan had already risen from the couch, standing in the middle of the living room with one hand in his pocket, as if he would leave with Finley the moment she came down, not intending to stay a second longer.
Riley led Finley downstairs and softened her tone. "Go on."
After speaking, Riley let go of Finley's hand.
Finley regarded her dad for a moment, then shifted her gaze to Riley, a reluctance evident in her eyes. Stepping forward hesitantly, she abruptly spun around, wrapping her arms around Riley's leg, unwilling to let go.
Riley's heart softened completely. She reached out, intending to gently pat Finley's head in comfort. Midway, she forced herself to change course and instead placed her hand on Finley's, gently but firmly prying her hand away. "Be good and go with your dad. I am very busy these days, you know that."
Finley seemed to sense something, and her small hand clutched Riley's dress tightly, shaking her head vigorously. "No! I don't want to go home!"
Hearing Finley's words, Donovan's brow furrowed slightly, a mix of surprise and bitterness in his eyes.
Finley was so dependent on her mother, but Riley had no intention of taking care of her anymore.
Riley looked up at Donovan, hoping he would say something.
But Donovan just stood there expressionless, his gaze heavy on them, not intending to help.
Seeing this, Riley withdrew her gaze, squatted down, and looked at Finley's face.
With tears pooling in her eyes, Finley's expression was a mix of sadness and reluctance as she beseeched, "I want Auntie!"
Riley's eyes softened, unable to bear seeing Finley cry, and she patiently comforted her, "Finley, I know you like me, and I like you too, but I am really busy and tired these days. If you want to help me, be good and go with your dad, okay?"
"I want Auntie..." Finley stubbornly murmured, her lip caught between her teeth.
Uncertain of whether she would see Riley again if she left with her dad, Finley's gaze bore into Riley's, revealing her unspoken fear.
In that moment of realization, Riley was momentarily at a loss for words.
Riley was silent for a few seconds before smiling gently and saying softly, "I will always be here. If you want, you can come over and play anytime."
Finley still looked a bit doubtful.
On the other side, Donovan had seen enough of Riley's attempts to send Finley away and coldly urged, "Finley, don't forget, this is not your home."
Finley slowly lowered her eyes, turned, and walked to Donovan's side.
