Chapter 704



Calvin’s worried expression softened, and he offered Kallie a small, reassuring smile. He was such a sweet kid. “Okay,” he replied obediently.

Kallie suddenly realized how lucky she was. At least, she had remarkable children like Calvin and Sophie. They were her everything, a gift from fate, her anchor in this crazy world. Even though the private hospital room had a comfy bed for family who stuck around, Kallie barely got any sleep.

Elma’s fever kept spiking, and she woke up crying several times. Time and again, Elma would wake up to find Kallie by her bedside. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, she’d burst into tears, her small body wracked with sobs. No one, not even Elma herself, could quite understand these overwhelming waves of emotion.

Kallie would patiently comfort Elma, gently restraining her from thrashing about too much and reopening her injuries.

After her emotional outburst, Elma would be left exhausted, her little body spent. She’d lie quietly, her gaze fixed on Kallie with a silent plea for comfort.

Sensing Elma’s need for closeness, Kallie lay down next to her. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?” she asked softly.

Elma snuggled close to Kallie, burying her face in Kallie’s chest, taking in Kallie’s comforting scent. “Nothing,” she mumbled.

gαℓησν𝒆ℓs․com is your story source After a brief silence, Elma added, her voice barely above a whisper, “You should leave tomorrow. Don’t worry about me. I’m not your kid. You’re just… You’re just butting in.”

Kallie sighed. Elma was just a child, yet she already understood the sting of those words and the implication of unwanted interference.

Though Elma often acted headstrong, Kallie knew she was clearly a bright girl, far too perceptive for her own good. It was as if she understood the world with a painful clarity that most children her age were blissfully unaware of.

Kallie’s heart ached for Elma. She gently stroked Elma’s back, trying to offer some solace. “Don’t worry, Elma,” she reassured her. “I’ll stay until you’re feeling better.”

“Calvin’s here with you too, and Sophie will come visit tomorrow. Is there anything you want to eat? Any games you’d like to play to pass the time?”

Tears welled up in Elma’s eyes, but her next words were like daggers to Kallie’s heart. “I don’t need your fake kindness,” she spat out. “My mom said you’re a mistress.”

Kallie froze, her gaze hardening.

Fear gripped Elma, and she instinctively raised her hands to shield her face. But the expected blow never came.

Instead, Kallie let out a weary sigh.

Kallie carefully tucked the covers around Elma. “You woke up all sweaty, huh?” she asked softly. “Are you feeling any hotter now? If you are, I can help you change into some fresh clothes and put clean sheets on the bed.”

Elma hesitated, her eyes fixed on Kallie. “Aren’t you mad at me?” she asked, a hint of defiance in her voice. “I didn’t mean what I said. It’s just… well, it’s what my mom told me to say. She said that if it wasn’t for you, she wouldn’t have such a bad temper, always angry, and things wouldn’t be so messed up between her and my dad.”

Kallie maintained her composure, her face betraying no hint of anger. The thought of anger had crossed her mind, but it wasn’t directed at Elma. The poor child was completely blameless in all of this. What was Cara playing at? This was a squabble between grown-ups. Why drag a child into it? And honestly, were things really that terrible between Cara and Jake? She doubted it.

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