Chapter 78
She was trying to save herself.
The evening breeze felt crisp and refreshing People walked in pairs down the street, smiles on their faces, but Wendy felt a chill in the air. She lifted her arms, hugging herself as if to protect her lonely heart.
Wendy returned to the Hawks‘ family estate, wanting to check on Glinda. As she approached Glinda’s door, she overheard Glinda talking to Stanley.
With a gentle tone, Glinda said, “Stanley, Wendy’s adoptive father came by today. I could tell Wendy was upset, so you should spend some time with her. She’s been through lot.”
She sighed softly,
“Wendy was sent to the countryside as a child; her real father passed away early, and her mother never treated her well. I can see how lonely she’s been, how much she craves love. Even though Wendy’s adoptive father spent ter years in prison, look at the woman Wendy has become–so strong, so capable. She married into the Hawk family, so we should be grateful to him. If there’s anything he needs–housing, work, money–make sure it’s taken care of. Think of it as honoring Wendy’s father.”
Stanley’s handsome features softened under the dim light as he nodded. “Don’t worry, Grandma.”
Wendy stood outside the door, her pale eyelids suddenly damp with tears. She didn’t go in. Instead, she turned and walked back to her room.
Stanley was in his study working late into the night. When he returned to his room, Wendy was already asleep, curled up in a tiny ball under the covers.
After taking a shower, Stanley noticed something on the nightstand–one million dollars worth of a check, the one he’d given to George. Wendy had taken it back.
It was now lying on the nightstand, returned to him.
Stanley smiled faintly, his eyes landing on Wendy’s sleeping face.
The bedside lamp cast a dim, yellow light over her. Wendy’s sleep seemed restless. Her delicate brows furrowed tightly as she whispered, “Mom… Mom…”
She was calling for her mother in her sleep.
Her long lashes fluttered, and soon large tears slid down her porcelain cheek.
She was crying.
Stanley paused, and then, without thinking, raised his hand to gently wipe away the tear.
At that moment, Wendy, still asleep, grabbed his hand. “Mom… Mom, don’t go…”
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Stanley froze. Had she mistaken him for her mother? What was going on?
“Wendy, I’m not your mom!”
He tried to pull his hand back, but Wendy, unsettled in her sleep, pressed her small face into his palm, rubbing it affectionately. “Mom, don’t leave, don’t leave me…”
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Chapter 78
425 BONUS
Stanley, exasperated, said, “I told you, I’m not your mom!
Suddenly, Wendy’s small body trembled, and she began to cry louder, sobbing,” “Mom…”
Stanley felt his heart tug. Tears streamed down her beautiful face, her expression so sorrowful it made him want to comfort her.
His heart softened. This was the first time she’d cried in front of him. It seemed… He couldn’t stand seeing her in
tears.
Instead of going to the couch, Stanley climbed into the bed, gently patting her delicate back.
He wasn’t used to comforting a girl, and he felt awkward at first. But then his voice softened.
“It’s okay. Don’t cry… I’m here… Mommy’s here…”
