Chapter 27
“Liam, do you know where your mom is? Let’s go find her, and then we can eat out, okay?”
“I know where she is,” Liam Collins said immediately. “Mom must be at the dance studio with Aunt Carol.”
“Then we’ll go look for her later.” Nathan helped Liam Collins get really, and as they were about to leave, they ran into Carla, who had just arrived.
“Where are you two going?” she asked suspiciously, looking at the father and son.
“I’m taking Liam out for a walk,” Nathan replied, picking Liam up in his arms.
* Really? Or are you going after Stella?” Carla said in an unfriendly tone, and Nathan lost his patience.
*Why? Is there a problem?”
Carla always liked meddling in his business, and he hated that. Even though she was his mother, she had no right to interfere, especially since he was already 32 years old–not a child anymore.
Nathan!” Carla raised her voice, and Liam looked back and forth between the two faces before wrapping his little arms around
Nathan’s neck.
Grandma, today’s Mommy’s birthday, and Daddy just wants to take us out for dinner.”
Hearing what Liam said, Carla’s face darkened. But Nathan didn’t care; he simply walked toward the parking lot.
Inside the car, Liam, sitting in the back and holding a box tightly in his arms, had a question in his heart.
Daddy, why doesn’t Grandma like Mommy?”
Nathan’s long fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel. Carla’s dislike for Stella was barely concealed, making it obvious even to
Liam.
He didn’t know how to explain such a complicated situation to a three–year–old, so he remained silent for a moment.
Liam, Grandma doesn’t hate your mom.”
* Maybe not, but she doesn’t like her!” Liam lowered his head and locked at his hands. The topic made him feel gloomy
Liam, Daddy didn’t buy a present yet. Can you help me pick one?” Nathan changed the subject to distract him.
Daddy, what kind of present do you want to give Mommy?”
Nathan was momentarily stunned. He almost never gave gifts to women. Even when Olivia wanted something, he’d just give her money to buy it herself. He had no experience in this matter and wasn’t familiar with Stella’s preferences either.
At that moment, Liam leaned toward the window, looking outside, and suddenly pointed.
Daddy, buy Momaty flower. Get her roses.”
Nathan hadn’t expected such a suggestion from the little boy, who somehow knew women liked roses.
When they arrived at the flower shop and Liam saw the fresh flowers he wrinkled his nose. His refined and elegant expression
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Chapter 27
amused everyone in the store.
After some time, several people were staring at the tall, handsome father.
Nathan made up his mind, picking up a single white rose from the side and handing it to the florist.
* I’ll take this. Could you wrap it for me?”
Of course. How many white roses would you like?” the florist asked surprising Nathan. He thought fresh flowers were sold in bouquets and hadn’t realized they could be chosen individually.
He wants ninety–nine roses,” Liam said when Nathan didn’t respon
The florist began counting the roses and chuckled.
“Why ninety–nine, Liam?” Nathan asked, but the florist answered for him.
“Ninety–nine roses mean everlasting love. He really knows a lot.”
Nathan paid for the flowers, and as they left, holding the bouquet in one hand and Liam in the other, they noticed a group of young
women watching them.
That man is so handsome, and the little boy is adorable…”
Liam wrapped his little arms around Nathan’s neck, lifted his face, and pointed toward the girls at the flower shop door.
* Daddy, they said you’re very handsome!”
The girls hadn’t expected Liam to repeat their comment and froze for a moment. But Nathan didn’t pay much attention.
“They also said you’re very cute.”
“Daddy, you belong to my mommy!” Liam said firmly, and Nathan squeezed his hand, laughing.
“Son, I belong to your mom.” Nathan ruffled his hair.
Liam Collins beamed with satisfaction at the answer.
“Then remember, you have to treat her well. You can’t be like before You went abroad for four years and never came back. Daddy, Mommy is so kind. I think she’s the nicest and best woman in the world…”
Liam’s smile grew wider as he held the flowers and settled back into the car.
“Daddy let’s go to the studio now. You’ve never been there, right? can give you directions.”
We’ll go later. I still need to buy something.”
Nathan took Liam to a jewelry store. Earlier that morning, when Liam asked what gift he would get for Stella, Nathan had been reminded of her elegant neck. A necklace seemed perfect.
At the jewelry store, Nathan’s eyes fell on a necklace with a butterfly pendant.
Mr. Collins, would you like an engraving?”
Nathan thought for a moment, then took a pencil and paper, writing three letters: N, L, and S.
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Chapter 27
They stood for Nathan, Liam, and Stella. The jewelry manager, experienced as she was, immediately understood their significance.
To the outside world, Stella was seen as the abandoned wife of a wealthy family. She had been only 20 years old when she married into the Collins family, and her husband had left for abroad the day after the wedding. People considered her a joke.
But rumors were just that–rumors. Looking at this necklace, how could anyone think Stella was an abandoned wife?
It was clear Mr. Collins genuinely cared for her.
Once the gift was ready, Nathan and Liam headed to the dance studio to find Stella.
