Chapter 768



My concern for you is simply because the Morgan family still owes you.”

Hearing this, Kallie felt a small sense of relief. “In that case, you have your own obligations to fulfill. I won’t keep you. I’m planning to take the children kite flying. You can say hello to Elma if you’d like.”

Her words were clear. She was politely asking him to leave.

Clayton glanced over at the large, open lawn where Elma laughed joyfully, playing with Calvin and Sophie. He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Elma seems happy,” he said, shaking his head gently. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. I’m not really her uncle, after all.”

Kallie returned his smile politely. “You can’t say that. To me, you’re like a big brother. It’s fine if Elma calls you ‘uncle.'”

Clayton’s heart sank further at her words, a fresh wave of bitterness rising within him. “I’ve got other matters to attend to,” he said, turning to leave.

But as Clayton walked away, his steps faltered slightly, a sign of the hurt he tried to mask.

Kallie noticed the stumble, but she pretended not to. She simply turned back toward the children.

Sophie had been standing off to the side and watching Kallie’s entire exchange with Clayton.

While Calvin and Elma were busy flying a kite and giggling without a care in the world, Sophie slipped closer to her mother. “Mom,” she whispered, her voice laced with a mix of sadness and hope. “I miss my dad. But… I just want you to be happy.”

There was a brief pause before Sophie added shyly, “Mr. Morgan is really nice to you. I think he likes you.”

Kallie immediately understood what Sophie was hinting at, and a faint smile spread across her face. “Sophie, don’t overthink it. I didn’t turn him down because of you. It’s just… I don’t have feelings for him.”

Kallie had long since passed the stage in her life where a romantic relationship was a necessity. Though thoughts of Jake sometimes crept in during the quiet hours of the night, stirring sadness, her current peaceful life with her children was all she needed. She had no desire for anything else.

Sophie tilted her head, her eyes searching Kallie’s face.

“Really?” she asked, her voice soft but curious.

Kallie smiled, giving Sophie’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Yes! Would I ever lie to you?”

The words were simple, but Kallie felt a swell of emotion rise within her. Sophie, always so intuitive and mature for her age, never failed to touch her heart.

Kallie’s love for Sophie had never wavered, but lately, she couldn’t give Sophie as much attention. Elma’s fragile health consumed so much of her time, pulling her attention away from Sophie. Guilt weighed heavily on her.

However, Sophie had never felt aggrieved or resentful. She accepted things with the quiet grace and understanding that made Kallie love her all the more. Kallie felt Sophie’s arrival in her life was a blessing.

No matter what challenges lay ahead, Kallie was determined to protect her three children and keep them happy.

That afternoon had been a rare moment of joy for the whole family, a brief escape from the heaviness that had surrounded them lately.

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