Chapter 215 Refusing to Communicate with Him
Because of the mess with Donovan, Riley felt more and more unsure about how to deal with Finley.
Every time Landon brought up Finley to Winston, she'd dodge the topic.
After a few times, Landon and Winston noticed their mom acting weird around Finley. They didn't avoid her at school, but they were definitely colder.
Finley had just started talking and only spoke when something really interested her. Now, with Landon and Winston not actively chatting with her and Riley missing for a few days, Finley went back to being quiet.
Only Donovan noticed the change in her.
A few days ago, when he first brought Finley back, she had talked a bit. But lately, she clammed up.
Donovan worried that Finley's condition was slipping, but the one person who could help her was now avoiding him.
Thinking of Riley, Donovan felt a mix of emotions.
In the evening, after picking Finley up from school, Donovan tried Alexander's method to get her to talk. "What's up with you these past few days? Why are you so down?"
This had been going on for days, and Finley stayed silent.
Donovan thought today would be the same, but then a small, sad voice spoke up in the car.
"Haven't seen..." Finley pouted, looking sad.
Donovan was puzzled. "Haven't seen what?"
Finley mumbled, "Riley."
She counted on her fingers and held up four. "Four days."
She hadn't seen Riley for four days. Sophie had been picking up the boys.
Though Sophie was nice, she missed Riley.
Donovan felt a whirlwind of emotions, knowing Riley was avoiding him.
He didn't know how to explain it to Finley.
Since the last time he took her home from the bar and they argued, he hadn't seen Riley.
It seemed, as Riley had said, they were just strangers.
Thinking of this, Donovan felt a wave of displeasure.
After a while, he collected his thoughts.
Seeing the sullen Finley beside him, Donovan felt something was off.
Had Finley just spoken?
Realizing this, Donovan's brows furrowed in shock.
"Finley, what did you just say? I didn't hear you. Can you say it again to Daddy?" He tried to get her to speak again, pretending to be casual.
Finley lowered her head, showing only the back of her round head and puffed cheeks, ignoring him.
Donovan patiently patted her head and tried again. "You said Riley didn't pick up the boys. Who's been picking them up these past few days?"
Hearing her dad mention Riley, Finley slowly looked up at him.
Donovan's heart tightened, thinking she'd answer.
But Finley just glanced at him, then shook her head and looked down again, refusing to talk.
