Chapter 284 It Was My Fault
After eating, Donovan asked Paxton to take Landon and Winston home to rest while he and Riley stayed with Finley in the ward.
Riley was worried about Finley, who was scared and clinging to her clothes.
Seeing Finley's pale face, Riley felt guilty. She touched Finley's cheek and said, "I shouldn't have refused you this afternoon. I'm sorry."
Finley shook her head silently.
But Riley couldn't shake the guilt and felt really down.
Since Finley went missing, Riley had been full of regret, especially now knowing how it affected Finley's psyche.
Riley felt overwhelmed and suffocated.
"It's not your fault," Donovan said, noticing Riley still blaming herself.
Riley forced a smile but didn't respond. She had lost a child before; Donovan couldn't understand her feelings.
Seeing his words didn't help, Donovan said, "If you put it that way, it's all on me."
Riley looked at him, confused.
Finley, however, looked at her dad with some dissatisfaction.
Donovan walked to the bedside and said, "I should have stopped Finley in time. It's my fault for not watching her properly."
Finley turned her head angrily, refusing to look at him.
Donovan continued, "I knew Finley was upset. I should have refused Hollis's suggestion immediately. Otherwise, Finley wouldn't have run out."
He knew Finley never liked Hollis, and not rejecting Hollis was his mistake.
Hearing this, Finley turned back, agreeing with him.
Riley knew Donovan was trying to comfort her and didn't deny that he bore most of the responsibility.
Finley had always been with him. As a father, he hadn't watched over her properly, causing her to suffer.
Thinking about Donovan's previous lack of attention, Riley felt men could be careless with kids.
Who knew how much Finley had suffered over the years?
Donovan didn't know what she was thinking. He only saw her guilt lessen a bit and felt relieved.
He wanted to say more, but his phone rang. It was Catherine.
Donovan answered.
"How is Finley?" Catherine asked, worried after hearing Finley was taken to the hospital. She also wanted to speak for Hollis and see them.
Donovan replied, "She's awake now, no major issues. Rest early. I'll bring her back tomorrow morning."
Catherine wanted to insist on coming over, but Donovan cut her off. "Finley is frightened and needs to rest tonight. Please don't disturb her."
Catherine agreed reluctantly.
After hanging up, they didn't mention Finley's disappearance again. The ward was filled with Riley's gentle voice chatting with Finley.
No matter what Riley said, Finley only nodded or shook her head.
After much effort, Riley finally told stories to coax Finley to sleep. She was exhausted too.
Finley clung to her clothes, so Riley took a chair and slept by the bedside.
