Chapter 203

A Surprising Gift In the following days, Atlas would visit my home in the evenings whenever his schedule allowed, always arriving after Avb had gone to sleep.

I had been curious about Matthew. There had been no news of him, as if he had vanished. The sudden calm left me somewhat uneasy, but I didn’t dare bring it up with Atlas.

Things at the company were running smoothly, thanks to Grayson. Everything seemed to fall into place with him in the marketing department, and he and Ryan worked together seamlessly.

Stella called a lot, but I always made excuses and avoided meeting her. After the incident at the party, I knew her true intentions. Engaging in constant mind games with her was exhausting.

Today, I returned home early, went to the supermarket, and bought a bunch of groceries. Then I picked up my daughter, and while playing with her, I prepared several dishes. It had been a long time since I had put this much effort into cooking.

Ava ran around and asked me, “Mommy, are you inviting someone over for dinner? Is it Uncle Ryan again or Aunt Ivanna?

I looked at her adorable face. “Why do you ask?”

“Because we usually don’t eat that much!”

I chuckled, feeling a bit guilty. I resolved to make our days together even better from now on, no matter what. With the dishes prepared, I called Atlas.

He sounded a bit surprised when he answered. “Is something wrong?”

“Do you want to come over for dinner? I’ve already cooked!” I knew ATL Empire was close to my place.

I wasn’t really expecting him to come when I made the call.

His voice sounded delighted. “Sure, I’ll be right there!”

With that, he hung up.

Then, I told Ava, “Mommy is inviting a friend over for dinner!”

She looked at me and asked, “Why?”

“He always helps me with my problems, and I can’t be ungrateful. We must remember to show gratitude. when others do something for us! It’s called repaying kindness!”

“Okay, I’ll remember that, Mommy!” She ran off to her room, holding her doll.

laughed when he arrived quickly with a box. His foot must have been on the gas pedal the whole time.

The large box he brought was beautifully wrapped, but I had no idea what it contained.

He looked around the living room and asked, “Where’s the little princess?”

I pointed upstairs. He smiled and quickly kissed my cheek.

Just then, Ava descended slowly down the stairs. She was timid and didn’t dare to rush down. As she reached the last few steps, she suddenly spotted Atlas and stared at his face in amazement.

Atlas walked over to her and asked, “Are you Ava?”

She looked at me, feeling a bit awkward. After all, apart from Matthew, Ryan was the only other man she knew.

“Why aren’t you talking to him?” I asked softly, not blaming her.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally responded cautiously. “Hello, Mister! How did you know my name is Ava?”

Atlas and I chuckled. He gently lifted her from the stairs, even spinning her around in the air. Ava suddenly became ecstatic, giggling and laughing. Then he walked over to the couch and set her down before handing her the big box. “Open it up.”

Ava still had a smile on her face as she looked at him and asked, “Is this for me?‘

“It’s for you!” Atlas even mimicked her tone.

Ava glanced at me, seeking my approval. “Mommy, can I open it?”

“Of course you can. It’s a gift from Uncle Atlas!”

Holding the bulky box, she wobbled over and handed it to me. “Mommy, open it!”

I smiled, looking at Atlas. I had no idea what was inside the box. When I tore off the wrapping paper, I saw two limited–edition Barbie dolls with different heads and interchangeable outfits. They were jaw–

dropping.

My daughter was stunned, her eyes wide with amazement as she stared at the dolls in the box. She looked just like a miniature version of them, equally stunning. A pang of sorrow rose in my heart, and my eyes grew misty. These were the gifts her dad had never given her.

Do you like them, princess?? Atlas crouched to look at her, and she couldn’t be happier.

Ava was so excited that she covered her mouth, let out a scream, and hugged his neck before quickly kissing him on the cheek,