Chapter 23

However, when Bella and Sean were about to leave the hotel room, Dax’s voice suddenly stopped them.

“Mommy, where are you going?” Dax’s adorable baby voice sounds from behind.

Bella turned to look at him. Her smile grew wider when she saw Dax, with his messy hair, standing near his bedroom door. He rubbed his eyes to clear his vision.

Dax only wore black pajamas, showing his rather large stomach. Seeing him now made Bella’s heart waver because he looked like a toddler only when he woke. How adorable!

Bella walked back to him and half knee to match his eyes.

“Baby, you’re finally awake. I’m going to visit your great-grandfather,” she said, rubbing his cheek. “You’re waiting for Mom here with Grandma Noora, okay…”

Bella continued her words when she saw him pouting as if he didn’t like her idea.

“Daxton, stay here with Grandma Noora for a while. I promise I will come back as soon as possible.”

…

Until now, Dax has refrained from asking his mother about other family members, including his father. So far, his mother has only mentioned his great-grandfather.

Since the previous year, when Dax knew they would return to Astington, he had finally been excited to meet this familial figure. But hearing his mother didn’t plan to bring him now to meet great-grandpa, he felt worried.

He shook his head, “Mommy, I want to follow you. Please take me to meet my great-grandpa. I promise I will behave well.” His tone reflected sadness as he looked his mother in the eyes.

Bella held his shoulder gently before saying, “Baby, of course, Mom will bring you to meet great-grandpa, but not now. I need to check his condition first…” Bella patiently explained.

“You were aware your great-grandpa was sick, right?” She asked.

“Hmm, I know… but—” Dax’s voice faded when his eyes looked at the man standing behind his mom. The light in his eye glows, and a smile slowly appears on his lips.

“Uncle Sean, you come…” Dax rushed to Sean and hugged him.

Bella chuckled when she saw Dax’s sadness fade. Watching Dax’s rare, wide smile left her speechless — her adorable little son only smiled like this when he saw Sean.

“Little man, I miss you…” Sean lowers his head to meet his gaze, then carries him in his arms.

“I miss you more, uncle. Why did you never visit us again?”

Before Sean could respond, Bella said, “OK baby, go inside. Mom has to go now…” she said as he tried to take Dax from Sean, but Dax refused. She frowned.

“Mom, let me follow you. I want to play longer with Uncle Sean…” Dax said as he put his arms around Sean’s neck, afraid they would leave him behind.

Bella, “…”

“Please, Mom… I promise I won’t ask to meet Great-Grandfather today, but I want to play with Uncle…” Dax begged Bella with a twinkle in his eye.

Bella was amused by her son’s pitiful expression. This was a rare sight because her son never revealed his toddler side like he was doing now; he only behaved like this when Sean was around. However, she would not bring him.

“I’m sorry, but not today, Dax. You have to stay…” Bella said firmly. She couldn’t bring Dax to the hospital because she didn’t know whether her other family was there. Sean also couldn’t stay longer; he had to return to his base.

“Mom, please…” Dax begged again, his voice pitiful and his eyes teary. Watching all this, Bella slowly became confused. She looked at Sean as if she wanted to ask his opinion.

“Bells, let him follow us,” Sean said. He couldn’t stand seeing Dax sad, but he also understood Bella’s reason for not bringing Dax with her.

“Sean, you have to return to your—” Bella couldn’t finish her words as Sean stopped her.

“After I drop you off at the hospital, I will drive him back here. You don’t have to worry. Besides, I also want to play with Dax more…” He smiled to reassure her.

Bella opened her mouth, but before she said something, Dax chimed in, “Thank you, Uncle Sean. You are the best uncle I ever have…” His smile widened as he looked into Sean’s eyes.

“Are you sure, man? I thought you favored Uncle Jack more?” Sean stared at Dax lovingly as he tried to lift his gloomy mood.

Dax immediately shook his head, “No… No… Uncle Jack, my number two uncle. I promise… you are the number one.” He grinned.

“Hahaha, that’s great to hear that little man…” Sean said, then gently ruffled his hair.

Bella couldn’t help but chuckle when she saw the two most precious people in her life chatting. She finally gave in.

“Alright, let’s change your clothes first,” Bella said, taking Dax from Sean. Before she entered Dax’s bedroom, she looked at Sean with an apologetic gaze. “Thank you, Sean. Please wait for a while…”

“Take your time. I will wait.” Sean gently tapped Bella’s shoulder. Then, with warmth in his heart, he returned to the living room.

1

…

In the bedroom.

Dax’s expression slowly changed. He looked at his mother curiously.

Bella was stunned, observing the change in her son’s mood. However, she didn’t have much time to ask, so she ignored it and quickly found his casual clothes in the wardrobe.

After she got his sports pants and gray hoodie, she returned to him only to find his expression still the same.

“Why do you look at your mommy like that? Baby, you’re supposed to be thankful because I allowed you to follow us,” she smiled while sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Mommy—” Dax paused.

“Why? You want me to help you wear these clothes?” Bella teased him, knowing he would reject her help to put on his clothes.

Dax immediately shook his head, “I will wear it myself, mommy.”

“Alright, hurry… we don’t have much time. Uncle Sean has to return to his work.”

Dax skillfully put on his clothes. It didn’t take long for him to finish wearing his gray hoodie.

He stared at his mother again, “Mom, please tell me… Uncle Sean is my father, right?”

1

Bella was shocked. This is the first time Dax has asked her like this.