Chapter 345 You Don't Like Me Anymore
Hearing that soft, tender voice in her ear, Riley felt a mix of emotions. She knew Finley was sensitive to other people's feelings and could sense her hesitation about Donovan. So, Finley had come secretly, without telling Donovan. Did this mean she was that important to Finley?
Landon and Winston, seeing Finley's sad look, couldn't help but soften. They stepped forward, eager to stick up for her.
"Mommy, Finley came alone. Let her play with us for a while!" Winston tugged at Riley's sleeve, his voice carrying a spoiled edge.
Landon added, "Mommy, Uncle Donovan won't come looking for her right away. Let Finley stay a bit longer!"
Riley didn't answer right away. Finley nestled in her arms, her eyes downcast, not daring to look up, fearing Riley's next words would be a refusal.
Riley looked at the pleading eyes of the two boys and then checked the time. It was not yet one in the afternoon. Donovan should still be at work. Even if he knew Finley was with her, he wouldn't come over immediately. Moreover, this should be the last time she would spend time with Finley like this.
With that thought, Riley sighed silently and gave in. "Alright, stay a little longer." She patted Finley's head gently. "Go play. I'll take you back later."
Landon and Winston's eyes lit up, and they enthusiastically invited Finley to play with their Legos.
But Finley silently shook her head and followed closely behind Riley. She could sense that something was off this time. Even though she hadn't brought Donovan, Riley still wanted to send her away. She felt like Riley was starting to see her the same way Riley saw Donovan.
Realizing this, Finley stopped and looked longingly at Riley's back.
Riley knew Finley was following her. When she heard the footsteps stop, she instinctively turned around and saw Finley looking at her with big, wet eyes, her face etched with innocence and the hurt of a wounded animal.
Riley's heart tightened slightly. She stopped, hesitated, then slowly returned to Finley's side. "Finley, what's wrong?"
Finley's response was immediate and heart-wrenching. "You don't like me anymore." Her voice was a definitive statement, and her eyes reddened as she spoke. Riley's expression stiffened.
Finley lowered her gaze and continued, "You don't like Daddy. You sent Daddy away. Now you're sending me away. You don't like me anymore."
Riley hadn't expected Finley to conclude that, and she stood there, momentarily speechless. She was sending them away not because of whether she liked them or not.
Of course, Riley still liked Finley. But if she continued to interact with Finley, she would inevitably have to meet Donovan.
To Riley, Donovan now only meant trouble. While she could shield herself from this, Landon and Winston couldn't. She had to protect them. According to Catherine, Donovan would eventually marry Hollis, and it wouldn't be proper for them to continue their interactions.
But Finley reasoned that if Riley denied it, it would be equivalent to admitting that she didn't dislike Donovan.
