âMaâam, do you want to adopt me?â Grapie slowly asked as she opened her eyes wide.
Adeline was stunned before she smiled gently and asked, âAre you willing to be adopted?â
Grapie pointed at Cherry on the side. âCherryâs more obedient and understanding than me. Can you adopt Cherry instead?â
She knew that Cherry was desperate for a home and parents.
She could give this opportunity to Cherry.
âGrapie, what nonsense are you talking about?â The director purposely put on a stern look. âAdeline likes you, and itâs your lucky day. Why are you pushing your luck away?â
Grapie lowered her head and anxiously clenched her fingers.
âHmph! All of you donât like me!â Cherry shouted in anger before she turned around and ran away.
Candon subconsciously thought that his wife was right. The girl whose name was Cherry was too cunning, and the ruthlessness in her eyes was too strong. A normal family like them could not afford to raise a child like that.
âGrapie, I like you, and only you. I canât give the feeling away.â Adeline gently tussled the little girlâs soft hair. âIf you like me too, can you be our daughter? I donât have a child. Once you come with us, youâll be our only daughter. Youâll have your own room, youâll go to preschool with other kids, and youâll have a lot of toys. Most importantly, youâll have parents and a warm family.â
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Grapieâs eyes lit up. âWill I really have my own home?â
âOf course!â
Adelineâs smile became much kinder.
Candon squatted down as well. âIf you become our daughter, weâll give you the best things.â
Grapie smiled and nodded hard. âDaddy, Mommy!â
âThatâs wonderful!â The director grinned and said, âMr. and Mrs. Harris, please follow me for the adoption procedures.â
After the adults went off to handle official matters, Grapie searched for Cherry everywhere.
âAre you looking for me to get this back?â Cherry raised the jade pendant with the cloud in her hand.
âYou stole my parents, so Iâm taking your necklace. Itâs only fair!â
âMama Sherry said my biological parents gave it to me. Can you give it back to me? After I go home with Daddy and Mommy, Iâll buy you a lot of food and toys,â Grapie said tearfully.
âIf I was adopted, would I still need you to buy me things?!â Cherry yelled. âYouâre a thief! You stole my parents! I hate you!â
She threw the cloud jade pendant with great force.
A big group of kids had been playing in the courtyard, and they scattered. In the end, no one knew who picked it up.
âGrapie, the paperwork is done. From now on, you have a Daddy and a Mommy.â Adeline held Grapieâs soft hand. â Hey, why are your eyes red? Who bullied you?â
The little girl moved her lips. She wanted to say something, but she held back.
The necklace had been given by her biological parents. If her new parents knew that she was still thinking about her biological parents, they would be very sad.
âIâm okay. I just donât want to leave Mama Sherry,â Grapie said obediently.
The director chuckled and said, âYouâre a lovely little girl. Run along with your parents. When you have time, donât forget to come and visit me.â