Chapter 1048



Jake leaned forward and scooped Elma from Kallie’s arms, holding her gently but firmly.

“Stop causing trouble this late, Elma. If you’re feeling unwell, I’ll call Miss Payne to come check on you.”

Jake was intentionally trying to frighten Elma. He could see right through her act. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated Elma’s determination to bring him and Kallie together today.

Elma broke into tears instantly.

“Then go ahead and call her! I knew it. You don’t care about me at all! You think I’m annoying and you won’t even do this little thing for me!”

Jake’s jaw tightened, but he stayed silent, thinking her tantrum would wear itself out. However, Elma’s cries only grew louder, her little body shaking almost out of breath, and her face turned alarmingly pale.

Now, Jake was truly scared.

Kallie couldn’t hold back any longer. She quickly pulled Elma into a hug, shooting Jake a look of anger.

“Mr. Reeves, while Elma’s request may seem unreasonable, she’s just a child. Don’t you think you’re being a bit harsh?”

Jake opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss for words. He was frustrated that Elma didn’t take her own condition seriously. He said nothing, once again underestimating her stubbornness.

Yet, seeing Elma on the brink of fainting from crying, Jake had no choice but to concede. He gently took Elma from Kallie’s arms, holding her close, and then moved closer to Kallie, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Ⓜⓞⓡⓔ ⓤⓟⓓⓐⓣⓔⓢ ⓘⓝ ⓖⓐⓛⓝⓞⓥⓔⓛⓢ.ⓒⓞⓜ The warmth of Jake’s hand on her waist made Kallie feel a little uneasy and shy. However, seeing Elma’s distress, Kallie decided to go along with it.

Jake gently soothed Elma.

“Look, now we are both holding you. I wasn’t ignoring you, sweetheart. I was worried about you, and that’s why I got angry. Please, don’t cry anymore, Elma. This is all on me.”

Only then did Elma quiet down, her gaze lingering on Kallie and Jake’s close embrace, a satisfied smile on her lips.

Having cried so hard, Elma hiccupped between sobs, making her even more endearing.

Elma nodded, her voice shaky with each hiccup.

“That’s good.” Settling into the warmth of Kallie and Jake’s embrace, Elma gazed up at the bright light above, a sense of melancholy washing over her. Lying comfortably between her parents, feeling their closeness, was a rare occasion for her. To be precise, it was something she had never experienced before. This was the first time.

Elma closed her eyes, her heart full, and silently made a wish. She wished for more days like this—days where her parents would always stay together, never to part. And that they, along with her siblings, would always be together, united as a family.

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