Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part
1/7
Richard clamped the wailing Daniel under his arm, shot Alistair a venomous glare, and stormed off to his car.
Alistair turned back to see Eloise’s pale, frightened face. Heart aching, he gathered her into his arms and patted her back. “Don’t be scared. I’m here.”
Eloise whispered, “Dad, I’m not scared. I have you to protect me. But that little boy’s daddy is so mean. He’s so pitiful.”
Alistair chuckled.
She really is a little angel, worrying about the little demon even
now.
He calmly got into the car, Daniel’s cries still echoing faintly in
his ears.
That brat’s been spoiled rotten–someone needs to discipline him properly.
But what if he becomes Richard’s punching bag?
He is Richard’s biological son… Surely Richard wouldn’t be that cruel?
Not that it’s any of my business anymore.
Compared to a son who could tear the house down, a sweet,
thoughtful daughter is definitely better.
“Dad, this is my favorite toy. Do you want it?
“Dad, have some water.
“Dad, sit down! Let me massage your shoulders!
“Dad, can I rub your legs too?”
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When Caroline returned home, she found her usually well–behaved daughter fluttering around Alistair like an eager attendant–kneading his shoulders, patting his legs, the very picture of devotion.
She was baffled.
Eloise is a sweet, obedient child. She’ll massage my legs when I’m tired, hug me and say “Mommy, I love you, I’ll always be with you” when I’m upset, and even bring me water and remind me to take medicine when I’m unwell.
But this level of attentiveness? Definitely not normal.
She soon learned why.
After dinner, while Alistair went downstairs to fetch a package, Eloise tugged at Caroline’s sleeve anxiously. “Mommy, today a kid tried to steal Daddy from me.”
Caroline immediately recalled that Alistair had a non–biological son attending the same kindergarten.
Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part
I should’ve transferred Eloise to another school.
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Eloise’s voice trembled. “That kid is so greedy. He already has a dad, but he still wants mine? Even if Daddy used to be hist daddy, he isn’t anymore! Mommy, he’s not a good kid!”
Caroline hugged her, smiling, “You said it yourself–he’s not good. So your daddy won’t like him. He won’t be stolen.”
Eloise sniffled. “But his new daddy isn’t as good as mine. He’ll want my daddy back!”
Caroline stroked her daughter’s cheek, her heart aching. “Don’t worry. You have me. I’ll make sure Daddy stays with you
forever.”
Guilt pricked at her.
Eloise is actually a deeply sensitive, insecure child.
The fact that she’s still afraid of losing him means I’ve failed as
a mother.
Alistair isn’t just “important” to us anymore.
He’s family. An indispensable part of our lives.
After Eloise fell asleep, Alistair decided he needed to talk to Caroline.
He’d noticed Eloise’s unease.
Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part
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Caroline sat by the floor–to–ceiling window, the glittering skyline of New York stretching behind her. She held a glass of water, her delicate skin glowing under the soft light.
The top button of her coffee–checked loungewear was undone, revealing a glimpse of collarbone.
At that moment, she wasn’t the calculating, untouchable CEO –but neither was she some approachable next–door girl. Her innate regality set her apart. Even silent and still, she seemed to exist on some higher plane.
She took a sip of water, her deep eyes studying Alistair.
While he’d adapted easily to being Eloise’s father, stepping into. the role of Caroline’s husband felt far more daunting.
As he struggled to phrase his thoughts, Caroline suddenly sighed, “I’m so jealous of you.”
Alistair blinked, confused.
“You’ve only known Eloise for a few days, yet she’s already this attached.” Though she claimed envy, her tone and expression radiated warmth.
“Carol, there’s something I wanted to discuss,” Alistair said. Calling her “Carol” still felt unnatural-“Ms. Ashbourne” rolled off his tongue more easily, but that was too distant now. “My ex–wife’s son attends the same kindergarten. I saw him today.”
Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part He’d said “my ex–wife’s son,” not “my son.”
The distinction was deliberate.
Caroline, knowing the truth, caught the nuance immediately. She nodded. “Eloise told me.”
Alistair looked remorseful. “I’m sorry. She seemed really unsettled. My reassurances didn’t help much.”
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“Yes. She’s terrified you’ll abandon her.” Another sigh, “The best decision I ever made was bringing you into her life. These past few days, she’s been smiling more than ever. A stable family environment is so crucial for a child’s growth.”
Alistair wholeheartedly agreed.
Raised in a home devoid of warmth, he’d grown into a withdrawn adult despite his grandfather’s love.
Caroline frowned, “I’m thrilled Eloise is opening up, but I’m also… worried.”
Alistair straightened, adopting the posture of a subordinate: awaiting instructions.
Caroline suppressed a twinge of irritation.
Why must he keep this distance? His boundaries are perfectly reasonable–I’m the one being strange.
It’s like I’m possessed, obsessing over his every reaction.
Chapter 27 An Indispensable Part
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“Don’t misunderstand–I’m not having second thoughts. I just worry you might… leave us too soon.”
Yet Eloise’s angelic sweetness and Caroline’s respect had given Alistair a taste of heaven after years in hell.
This newfound happiness sometimes left him uneasy too.
What if Caroline one day met her true love? However painful, he’d have to step aside.
Alistair met her gaze. “First, I’m truly happy Eloise has grown. fond of me. If possible, I’d love to watch her grow up.”
Caroline’s heart leaped.
Eloise is only five. Watching her “grow up” would mean over a decade together.
There was something about Alistair–when he spoke, others believed him.
“Don’t make promises lightly,” she teased. “What if you meet your soulmate?”
Faced with this shrewd CEO, Alistair seemed guileless as blank
paper.
He smiled then–a smile tinged with a disillusionment toward. love he himself hadn’t noticed.
