Chapter 186 The Initial Estrangement
Upon exiting the operating theater, dusk had settled in its velvety embrace around Riley, casting shadows of worry and exhaustion across her countenance.
As the melancholy hues of the evening sky greeted her, a sudden jolt reminded Riley that she had inadvertently overlooked the time to collect her offspring. Hastily slipping into fresh attire, she catapulted herself into her vehicle, racing towards the kindergarten.
Passing through the gates, Riley beheld Donovan, his silhouette etched against the glow of a lone streetlamp, nonchalantly pocketing a hand. The trio of youngsters huddled together, their small hands grasping burger delights with fervor.
Witnessing this tableau, Riley instinctively stalled her advance.
As if sensing her gaze, Donovan looked up and then said something to the kids.
The kids simultaneously looked up, holding their half-eaten burgers, and ran to Riley's side. Riley squatted down apologetically and patted their heads. "I'm sorry, I am late."
Landon and Winston, seasoned in her unpredictable timetable, offered sympathetic glances instead of reproach. "Mom, have you been grinding all day? You look beat," they chimed in collectively.
Radiating a facade of vigor, Riley countered with a reassuring grin. "Nah, I'm good as gold."
While her words exuded resilience, the truth lingered beneath the surface. Were it not for her unwavering commitment to her sons, she doubted she could even raise her arms in weariness.
Reflecting on the trials of childbirth that had wracked her body, leaving her frail and spent, Riley couldn't help but acknowledge the toll each surgery exacted, both physically and emotionally.
Glancing perplexed at Finley's presence, Riley's brow furrowed in bewilderment.
Donovan had clearly come to pick her up, so why hadn't she left? Had Donovan kindly taken care of Landon and Winston?
Lost in contemplation, Riley found herself immersed in a tangle of emotions.
Drawing nearer, Donovan's voice resonated solemnly, "They refused to budge, hence, nor could Finley."
The weight of his words settled upon her, evoking a wistful chuckle tinged with self-irony in Riley's heart.
"I called you earlier, but you didn't answer," Donovan added.
Startled back to reality, Riley rose to her full height, locking eyes with Donovan through a smile that felt more perfunctory than genuine. "Phone was on silent mode. Just peeped the missed calls after the surgery. Thanks for holding it down with Landon and Winston."
Observing the subtle pallor that cloaked Riley's features, Donovan's brows knit together in concern. "Least I could do, especially after all the hustle you put in looking after Finley."
Conversation dwindled between them, the weight of fatigue bearing heavily upon Riley. With a nod that carried a sense of detachment, she signaled her intent. "I'll take Landon and Winston home now."
Landon and Winston bid Donovan a courteous farewell while Finley lingered, her eyes beseeching Riley not to depart.
Capturing Finley's lingering gaze, Riley melted inwardly, crouching to stroke her head gently. "Finley, head back home with your dad. You'll play with the boys tomorrow."
In response to Riley's tender words, Finley acquiesced with a gentle nod, her voice ringing sweetly, "Auntie, goodbye."
Touched by Finley's endearment, Riley's heart thawed further. "See you tomorrow."
With that, Riley straightened, ushering Landon and Winston onwards, leaving Donovan behind with inscrutable shadows clouding his gaze.
Since his return with Finley, this moment marked their maiden encounter. Evidently perceived by Riley's renewed reserve, their interaction reverted to its initial standoffishness. Had it not been for Donovan's support in tending to her sons, silence might have been the extent of their exchange.
Finley lingered momentarily, perplexed by Donovan's stationary stance. Gently she nudged his arm, seeking clarity amidst the unspoken.
Finally regaining his composure, Donovan scooped up Finley, striding purposefully towards the gateway, leaving behind a trail of unspoken sentiments lingering in the twilit air.
