Chapter 344 Daddy Won't Come
After lunch, the boys still wanted to play with Finley, but Riley stepped in. "You two go play by yourselves. I need to take Finley back." She had planned to explain everything to Finley, but seeing her tear-streaked face, she just couldn't do it. She figured it was better to take Finley back first.
The boys, though bummed, nodded and went along with it. But without Finley, their excitement fizzled out, and they ended up sticking close to Riley and Finley instead.
Finley's face fell when she heard Riley. She looked away, lips pursed, refusing to talk. This was the first time Finley had shown such defiance, and it hit Riley hard. If she could, she wouldn't want to be so tough on Finley.
Riley had always treated Finley like her own daughter, who had passed away. She wanted to stay with Finley, but Finley's family situation made it complicated.
Looking at Finley's delicate profile, Riley took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. She gently placed a hand on Finley's shoulder and spoke softly, "Finley, how about I take you home?"
Finley pretended not to hear, stubbornly staring at the ground, her big eyes blinking with tears.
Riley noticed the change in Finley's emotions. Her throat tightened, and after a moment, she said, "I promised Ms. Scott I'd get you back. If you stay too long, she'll tell your daddy, and he'll come looking for you."
The implication was clear—she didn't want Donovan showing up. This finally made Finley turn her head. Riley thought she'd agree and was about to breathe a sigh of relief when Finley said in her sweet, childlike voice, "Daddy won't come."
Riley was taken aback. Finley, who hadn't spoken properly for a long time, stammered, "I won't let Ms. Scott tell Daddy."
Stepping closer to Riley, Finley reached out and grabbed the hem of her clothes, her eyes pleading. "I want to stay with you."
Riley was used to Finley's small gestures and didn't pull away immediately. Before she realized it, Finley was clutching her tightly. The sight of Finley, so upset and near tears, melted Riley's heart.
During this time, Riley had been trying hard to avoid Donovan and Finley, and when they met, she had been much colder than Finley.
Finley was always very sensitive to external emotions, and Riley believed that Finley must have noticed her distancing.
Riley had hoped that Finley's dependence on her would fade over time, that her own reluctance would dissipate.
However, Riley hadn't expected Finley to be so persistently fond of her, still relying on her despite her distancing. And she was the same. Even after not seeing Finley for a long time, she couldn't help but soften when she saw Finley's face.
Seeing Riley not rejecting her, Finley leaned closer, her voice tinged with grievance. "I know you don't like Daddy. Now that Daddy isn't here, please don't send me away."
