Chapter 14 Lyla
Clara nodded.
#Finished
Since Liam insisted on staying with her for a while, she decided to let him be, as long as he did
not cause trouble.
That night, lying in bed, Clara looked at the photos Natalie had sent her. Without hesitation, she took screenshots, saving them as evidence. If Francis refused to divorce her, these would come in handy.
The next day, Francis recalled how Natalie had told him Clara had taken Liam away. He was determined to confront her. He tried calling her cellphone, but it was still unreachable.
His frown deepened.
Even the people he had hired to investigate her whereabouts could not find anything. The only way would be to contact someone underground. But the underground was Liam’s domain. If Liam wanted to hide someone, even the most skilled trackers would not be able to find them.
The thought only made Francis more irritable. He tugged at his tie in frustration.
Was Clara seeking a divorce because of Liam?
Remembering the resolute look in her eyes when she had refused custody of Wesley, a wave of unease washed over him. If that were true, then there really was no hope for them anymore.
Francis shook his head. He did not want to lose Clara. Even if she no longer loved him, he refused to let go.
As the fireworks competition drew closer, Clara had already prepared her final piece and wast simply waiting for the event to begin.
During the waiting period, she had a few days to rest. Just as she was about to enjoy some peace, Zoe appeared at her apartment, as if she had planned it perfectly.
“Clara, I have to go on a business trip for a few days. Liam is still abroad, and I don’t feel comfortable leaving Lyla alone. Can you watch over her for me?”
Zoe gently nudged the little girl standing beside her. It was a petite child no taller than Clara’s
waist.
“Lyla, this is your Aunt Clara.”
Lyla blinked her large, curious eyes at Clara. “Mommy, is this fairy really my aunt?”
Clara looked down at the little girl in a pink princess dress, as delicate as a porcelain doll, and smiled warmly. “So you’re Lyla? Do you want to stay with me for a few days?”
Lyla’s eves sparkled. “Can I?” She turned to Zoe for confirmation.
Chapter 14 Lyla
Finished
Seeing her daughter’s enthusiasm, Zoe stroked her head affectionately. “Of course. But you have to listen to Aunt Clara. If you misbehave, I won’t plead on your behalf.”
Lyla clung to Clara’s leg excitedly. “I promise I won’t make Aunt Clara mad!”
Seeing her so cager, Zoe smiled at Clara. “Clara, thank you.”
Clara smiled back. “Zoe, we’re family. Taking care of Lyla is the least I can do, especially since she’s so adorable.”
Zoe did not stay long before leaving. Now, only Clara and Lyla remained in the apartment.
Since Clara was managing the fireworks company, she had to juggle both her work and the competition. Even though her entry was ready, there were still company affairs to handle.
Zoe had left after lunch, and Lyla had gone for a nap as well. Taking advantage of the focused on work. By the time she finished, the sky outside had darkened.
gap,
Clara
Startled, she quickly got up.
She had been so into her work that she had lost track of time. Lyla should have woken up long ago, yet she had not come looking for her. Could something have happened?
Clara hurriedly left her room in worry.
As soon as she opened the door of the study room, she saw Lyla sitting on the sofa, flipping through an illustrated fairytale book.
Noticing Clara at the door, Lyla immediately put the book down and jumped off the sofa. “Aunt Clara, are you done working?”
Guilt pricked Clara’s heart. She squatted down and held Lyla’s small hands. “Lyla, I’m sorry. I lost track of time. You won’t be mad at Aunt Clara, will you?”
Lyla shook her little head. “Aunt Clara doesn’t have to say sorry. I can read by myself. You have important things to do, so I shouldn’t disturb you.”
Looking at the well–behaved child, Clara’s heart melted. “You’re such a good girl. Are you hungry? Do you want to try my cooking?”
Lyla’s eyes widened in awe. “Aunt Clara, you can cook? You’re amazing!”
Amused by the praise, Clara headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner for the two of them.
When the dishes were served, Lyla clapped her hands in excitement. Clara could not stop smiling at the little girl’s praises.
But after taking a few bites, Lyla tilted her head. “Aunt Clara, why does your food taste a bit odd?”
Clara froze. She suddenly remembered that she had unconsciously cooked according to Wesley’s
Chapter 14 Lyla
to Francis about how bad her cooking was.
Finished
She had wanted to make tastier food for him, but heavy flavors or unhealthy ingredients would only harm his body. She couldn’t bear to let him suffer because of his illness.
“Lyla, does it taste bad? You don’t have to eat it if you don’t like it,” Clara said, reaching for the bowl.
But Lyla quickly shielded it with both hands. “Aunt Clara, you misunderstood! I just meant it’s different from what I usually eat. But it’s still the best food I’ve ever had!” She gazed up at Clara, her eyes bright with sincerity.
Clara hesitated, recalling how Wesley used to complain about her cooking.
Seeing her doubt, Lyla eagerly took another big bite. “It’s really delicious! I love it!”
Even though Clara still had her doubts, seeing Lyla finish her entire bowl and even ask for seconds convinced her that the little girl genuinely liked it..
After dinner, Clara and Lyla sat on the sofa watching television.
Suddenly, Lyla looked up and asked, “Aunt Clara, Mommy said you make the prettiest fireworks. Can you teach me?”
Clara was surprised. “Lyla, do you like fireworks?”
Lyla nodded enthusiastically. “They’re so pretty! And they’re magical. Just a tiny bit of powder could turn into something beautiful. They’re really fascinating!”
Clara was impressed. “Lyla, how do you know fireworks are made from powder?”
Lyla thought for a moment. “I read it in a book. But it didn’t say how to make them. If I knew, I’d make beautiful fireworks, just like you!”
Clara smiled and went to her study, bringing out her laptop. She patiently explained the basics of fireworks, from composition to design. Lyla listened attentively, asking thoughtful questions that Clara gladly answered.
As the night wore/on, Clara finally closed her laptop. “Since you love fireworks so much, how about I take you to see how they’re made tomorrow?”
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