Chapter 487
Moving from the bed to the wheelchair was part of her plan. Dahlia acted like it was a struggle, hoping Charles would swoop in to help her like he used to. But Charles was focused on Sandy, not even sparing Dahlia a glance. Resigned, she moved herself into the wheelchair.
No worries, she told herself. Once tonight is over, Charles will warm up to her again. Dahlia had faith in her allure. If Wesley could be so smitten, surely Charles could be too. Even if he was still a bit miffed at her, she believed that once he fell for her charms, he’d be hooked.
Sandy, playing along with Dahlia’s instructions, clung to Charles and pleaded, “Daddy, can we hang out a little longer? I really want more time with you!” Her eyes were wide and imploring, making it hard for anyone to say no.
“Alright,” Charles agreed, remembering he had promised to have dinner with Sandy tonight. He’d been the one to change the plans last minute. They’d been back from the mall for a while, and she hadn’t eaten yet. He didn’t want Sandy to go hungry at such an important age for nutrition.
His simple “alright” lit up Sandy’s face with a genuine smile. Being with Charles meant everything to her. With him around, she got all his attention and the motherly love she craved. Whenever he was there, Sandy felt like the luckiest kid alive. She wished they could stay like this forever; with her dad around, her mom was gentle and caring, making Sandy the happiest child.
Sandy hopped off the bed. Charles, who knew the drill, fetched a coat from the closet and draped it over her shoulders. Hand in hand, they headed downstairs. Dahlia took the elevator.
Downstairs, the cook had dinner ready. As Sandy reached the bottom, she urged Charles to sit at the dining table while she dashed to the living room to pour him a glass of water.
“Sandy, careful, it might be hot,” Dahlia cautioned as she rolled her wheelchair over. Charles stayed at the table as Dahlia approached.
Soon, Sandy placed a glass of warm water in front of Charles. “Here, Daddy, have some water.”
“Good girl,” he said, his eyes full of appreciation. Sandy was always so
considerate. Even though she wasn’t his biological child, she often made him feel like all his care and affection were worth it.
Sandy beamed and settled next to him. Watching him take a sip of the water she poured, she felt a wave of relief. Her mother had told her to fake nightmares to lure Charles over and ensure he drank the water Dahlia had prepared earlier. When Sandy asked what was impit, her mother had given her a cold look, asking if she truly wanted their family to stay together and not let Ms. Evelyn take Charles away. Sandy had quickly agreed. Her mother promised that as long as Charles drank the water, he would forgive her, and things would go back to the way they were. Her father would marry her mother and treat them both well, making them a real family. The thought was too tempting for Sandy to resist, so she clung to her mother’s words, hoping they’d come true.
Having not eaten since they got back from the mall, Sandy was genuinely starving. The cook had prepared all her favorite dishes.
vel
Gazing at the delicious sprenet
Sandy eagerly picked up a fork and started eating. Once the meal was ready, Dahlia had told the cook to take the night off and come back to clean up in the morning.
Even though Charles wasn’t hungry, he patiently stayed with Sandy while she ate, occasionally picking food for her and reminding, “Sandy, take your time.”
Sandy flashed him a sweet smile, “Okay, Daddy.”
The atmosphère was peaceful. Dahlia sat across the table, aware that Chartes preferred his space, so she kept her distance, which was partly why he stayed. He sat with Sandy throughout her meal. Halfway through dinner, Charles began to feel a bit off-uncomfortably warm and strangely thirsty.