Chapter 346 I Hate Hollis
"Don't hate me," Finley begged, clutching Riley's clothes and trying to snuggle into her arms. Riley snapped out of it, crouched down, and let Finley nestle into her embrace, sighing softly. "I don't hate you."
Finley's voice was muffled. "But you want to send me away."
Riley could hear the tears in her voice, so she pulled her out of the hug and gently touched her eyes.
Finley stubbornly pursed her lips, her big eyes staring at Riley, looking for answers.
After a moment, Riley softly explained, "I want to send you back, not because I don't like you, but because I think our relationship shouldn't be this close."
Confusion clouded Finley's face. She really liked Riley. They had always been this close. Why wouldn't it be okay now? She wondered, 'Is it because of Daddy?'
The thought made her panic. Hesitantly, she whispered, "I won't tell Daddy. I came secretly."
The innocent hope in her suggestion caught Riley off guard, leaving her feeling a mix of amusement and bitterness.
Without getting a response, Finley grew anxious, unsure of what else to say. She liked Riley. She liked her father. But if Riley didn't like her father, she'd have to come secretly. Did she really have to choose?
Tears welled up and started streaming down her cheeks. "I want Daddy and you," she cried, her small voice breaking under the weight of her emotions.
Seeing her in such a state, Riley's heart ached profoundly. Finley's words hit her deeply. "Finley, be good. You'll have a mommy in the future, and she'll be better to you than I am." Riley avoided looking directly at Finley, feeling the burden of each word she spoke.
Finley furiously shook her head amidst her tears. "No! I don't want a mommy!" Her voice broke again, full of raw pain.
Riley's gaze swept over her tear-streaked face. Seeing her so distressed, Riley's heart tightened, but she pressed on. "It's not up to you, Finley. Your daddy will get married eventually, and you'll have a mommy. If your mommy sees you being so close to me, she won't be happy."
Finley cried hoarsely, "I don't want Hollis to be my mommy!" She knew exactly who Riley was talking about. It was because of Hollis that Riley didn't want her anymore. She stomped her feet in anger and cried, "I hate Hollis!"
Riley's eyes narrowed slightly at Finley's words. She hadn't expected Finley to be so sensitive.
She knew Hollis had treated Finley harshly before, and guilt gnawed at her. But Catherine and Donovan were dead set on Hollis, leaving Riley with little control over the situation. All she could do was hope Donovan would ensure Hollis treated Finley better in the future.
As Finley's cries grew weaker, Riley couldn't bear it. She gently wiped her tears, held her in her arms, and softly patted her back. "Finley, don't cry. You're so adorable. Your future mommy will definitely love you. You have to listen to Daddy and Mommy."
