Meanwhile, Melon clung to Holden, wrapping his arms around Holdenâs thighs.
âDid you come just for Mommy? Wonât you play with me?â
Holden smiled and lifted Melon up.
Sonia watched them, their bond so natural and warm.
She mused to herself that if she let Melon stay with Holden, she wouldnât have to take care of Melon.
Yet, understanding Arianaâs concerns, Sonia never told Melon that Holden was his father.
She caressed Melonâs head and asked, âWho do you want to play with, Melon? Holden or me?â
Melon glanced at Sonia, then back at Holden, his face a picture of hesitation.
It was tough to choose.
He wanted both of them.
But he could see Sonia anytime, but not Holden.
After a brief pause, Melon nestled against Holdenâs chest and looked at Sonia.
âI donât know when Mr.
Fredrick will come see me again, so I want to play with him today.
â
âs
Sonia thought it would be beneficial for them to strengthen their father-son relationship.
She smiled, gently pinched Melonâs cheek, and feigned a sigh.
âWell, Iâll play with you next time.
â
She then turned to Holden and instructed, âThere are some things Melon canât eat.
And make sure he takes his medicine on time.
You should set an alarm.
Iâll write down a list of things he should avoid.
â
As she was about to search for a pen and paper, Holden stopped her, saying, âNo need for that.
Iâm
aware of what he canât eat.
Iâve been preparing extensively these days and will take good care of Melon.
Donât worry.
â
Upon hearing this, Sonia glanced at Holden and concluded that he seemed capable.
With his diligent preparation and evident commitment, he appeared fit to be a responsible father.
She thought to herself that things could have been perfect if not for Sadieâs existence.
If it had just been Holden and Ariana, they could have been a happy family of three.
Ariana wouldnât have had to endure any grievances.
Sonia felt a mix of emotions.
She sighed deeply, bid Melon farewell, and left.
After Sonia departed, Holden rubbed Melonâs hair and asked, âItâs just us now.
What do you want to do?â
After a moment, Melon jumped out of Holdenâs arms, retrieved a brochure from a corner, and handed it to Holden.
He looked up at Holden with eager eyes and declared, âI want to go play here.
â
Holden examined the brochure and saw it was for a large-scale model kit exhibition featuring renowned global IPs and extensive mechanical displays, scheduled for the evening.
Checking the time, Holden realized they had plenty of time since it was only a half-hour drive.
Holden nodded to Melon and agreed to go.
Melon asked, âCan we take Adele with us?â
âOf course,â Holden replied, smiling.
He was pleased to see Melon and Adele getting along so well.
So, Holden took Melon back to his place to pick up Adele.
Adele was delighted to see Melon.
She ran over, placed her toy in Melonâs arms, and hugged him tightly.
âAdele, let me go first.
I canât walk,â Melon whispered gently.