Chapter 226
In Charlie’s eyes, there was nothing but pure longing.
Her big eyes looked up at Evelyn, who had come to find her, and she asked, “Mom, when Dad comes back next time, can I ask him if I can ride on his shoulders, just for a little while? I promise I won’t wear him out.”
Charlie raised her tiny hands in a solemn promise, her innocent face full of hope. Evelyn knew Charles wouldn’t be thrilled about the idea, so she stayed silent, thinking of a way to let him off the hook without breaking Charlie’s heart.
Charlie was such a thoughtful little girl.
Seeing Evelyn’s silence, she quickly lowered her hands and said, “Mom, Dad works hard to earn money and buy gifts for me. I shouldn’t make him more tired.”
“I was just saying. I don’t really want to ride on his shoulders,” she added, though her eyes betrayed her words as they drifted longingly to the kids next door. Charlie really did want to.
Charles felt a lump in his throat. Watching the home surveillance footage and hearing Charlie’s words filled him with guilt. He shouldn’t have broken his promise that day. Luckily, he had a chance to make it right.
Today, when Charlie arrived, he was determined to play with her as much as she wanted. However long she wanted to play, he would be there with her. If she wanted to ride on his shoulders, he’d lift her up, and later, they’d enjoy a fireworks show together. He’d arranged the most beautiful fireworks just for her.
Charles thought about the look on Charlie’s face when she saw the fireworks he had planned, and it filled him with a warmth he hadn’t felt in a long time. Among these plans was the mug Charlie had- made for him by hand. After Evelyn broke it again, he painstakingly put the pieces back together. The phrase “I DAD” was displayed on an LED screen, and beneath it, in Charles’ own handwriting, was a message: “Dad loves Charlie too!”
For five years, he hadn’t given Charlie the love and attention she deserved. From now on, he was determined to be a good father and love Charlie as she deserved.
“Mr. Jenkins, Miss Charlie will definitely call you as soon as she sees it,” Aiden assured him with a smile. He had driven Charles back to Oakwood Manor several times to see Charlie, and each time, the sweet little girl would call him Uncle Aiden. He was very fond of Charlie.
Now that Charles was finally ready to make amends and spend time with her, Aiden was overjoyed for Charlie.
“Mhm!” Charles nodded softly, sharing the same sentiment. His lips curved into a smile; he was clearly in high spirits. He was looking forward to seeing Charlie and watching her happy reaction to the surprise he had prepared just for her.
He longed to hear her softly call him Dad and to let her know she didn’t have to be afraid anymore. She could be as carefree and playful with him as-Sandy was. He wouldn’t be cold to her anymore. He would shower her with as much fatherly love as he did Sandy, turning her into a joyful little princess.
To ensure Charlie saw his message this time, he ented every billboard in the Capital to play this special video on a loop. Others might not
recognize it, but Charlie would know immediately-it was all her own drawings and creations. As soon as she saw it, she’d see his declaration of love for her.
Charlie loved him so much. What she longed for most was his response. Seeing him say he loved her would make her incredibly happy. Even if Evelyn told her not to reach out, Charlie wouldn’t be able to resist calling him secretly.
Charles was certain in his heart that Charlie would call him.