Chapter 165
“But you seemed to know so much about-“I began, confused by how a child her age could know enough about Alexander to use his name and reputation so effectively.
“I heard my uncle talking about him before,” she explained, as if reading my thoughts. “That’s how I knew I could use his name to scare people.”
“Aren’t I smart, pretty lady?” she asked proudly. “I tricked the bad men AND I even tricked you too!”
My heart twisted painfully in my chest. For a moment–just one precious moment–I’d allowed myself to hope. Hope that somehow, through this child, I might find my way back to Alexander. To the mate whose absence had left a gaping wound in my soul.
My throat tightened as I reached out to stroke her soft cheek. “Yes,” I managed, my voice hoarse with unshed tears. “Pudding is very, very smart.”
I looked up at the man, forcing a smile. “Sir, your Pudding wasn’t lying. She really did help me just now, not causing trouble at all. I need to thank both Pudding and you.”
“If it weren’t for your clever little girl, I might have been in real trouble today.”
The man looked slightly uncomfortable. “No thanks necessary. Helping others is just the right thing to do.
He adjusted the child in his arms. “Come on, Pudding. Say goodbye to the lady. We need to go.”
“I don’t want to!” Pudding protested, clutching at his jacket. “My tummy is hungry. I want to eat sweets with the pretty lady.”
“Pudding, you can’t be unreasonable like this.”
“I’m not being unreasonable! Feel it yourself if you don’t believe me.” Her eyes sparkled like stars in her small face. “My tummy is really hungry. It’s going all grumbly.”
As if on cue, her little stomach let out a perfectly timed growl.
The man’s expression was priceless, and despite everything, I almost laughed.
My heart melted for this little one. How could I let such a small child go hungry after she’d been so brave?
“Sir, if you’re not in a hurry, please allow me to treat you both to a meal as a thank you,” I offered.
Pudding clapped her hands excitedly. “Uncle, the pretty lady wants to treat us to food! You should say yes
-don’t turn down her kindness!”
“If you say no, Pudding will have a hungry tummy AND the pretty lady will feel bad. Right, pretty lady?” She turned those persuasive eyes on me.
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Chapter 165
+15 BONUS
I couldn’t help but smile and nod. “That’s right. Please give me the chance to express my gratitude.”
The man looked between us, clearly realizing he was outnumbered. “A meat isn’t necessary. I have a meeting to prepare for shortly. But we could sit in the dessert café on the second floor for a little while
“Yay! Uncle said yes!” Pudding cheered, bouncing in his arms. She planted a wet kiss on his cheek, her
voice sweet as honey. “Thank you, Uncle!”
The man looked momentarily panicked, a drop of sweat sliding down his temple.
I watched Pudding’s happiness with a heart that felt simultaneously heavy and light. There was something about her that reminded me so much of Felix–that same bright–eyed enthusiasm, that same joyful approach to life. My son had been exactly like that before…before Foster destroyed him. Before I
lost him forever.
“Well, shall we go?” I suggested, pushing away the painful memories.
“Uncle, I don’t want you to carry me anymore. I want the pretty lady to carry me!” Pudding reached out toward me with both arms, her eyes wide and hopeful.
“Pudding!” the man warned, looking increasingly uncomfortable.
“It’s fine, really. Pudding is so cute, I’d love to hold her,” I said, reaching for the child. Just as my hands were about to close around her small body, my phone began ringing furiously in my purse.
“I’m sorry, let me get this call first.”
I pulled out my phone and answered. “Aria?”
“Mommy, where did you go?” My daughter’s worried voice came through the speaker. “You need to come back quickly! Someone’s giving Aunt Elena trouble!!”
What could have possibly happened in the short time I’d been gone? Elena had just been trying on her wedding dress. How could she have gotten into trouble?
And Elena was usually so careful to avoid confrontation of any kind.
There was no time to ask for details. “I’ll be right there,” I promised quickly.
