Chapter 102
His solemn expression wavered, and to my surprise, a faint pink blush spread across his cheeks.
He glanced down at his tiger paws, then back up at me, the corner of his mouth twitching upward ever so slightly.
“Seriously, you’re the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” I continued, circling him to admire the full effect.
“No one would recognize the young Thornton heir now–they’d just see the world’s most charming little tiger!”
We set out on our adventure.
The serious little boy who had left the Thornton estate was slowly transforming, his eyes brightening with each new discovery.
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In his tiger costume, with ice cream on his face and his new plush cat tucked under his arm, he looked like any other happy four–year–old
having a wonderful day out with me.
By mid–afternoon, I could see fatigue setting in.
His steps slowed, and the shadows under his eyes reminded me that he was still recovering.
“Are you getting tired, little tiger?” I asked gently, kneeling to his level.
Noah nodded, clutching his plush cat closer.
“Let’s head back and have a rest,” I suggested.
Noah didn’t wait for me to take his hand–he reached out and firmly grasped mine, interlacing his small fingers with my own.
A warmth flooded through me.
Children truly are remarkable creatures, I thought.
Their hearts so pure and unguarded.
Noah had been hurt by my absence, yet here he was, holding my hand without reservation after just a few hours together.
No adult would forgive so quickly, so completely.
By the time we reached my apartment building, Noah had already fallen asleep in my arms.
His head rested against my chest, the tiger hood slipping back slightly, revealing his peaceful face.
18:27 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 102
Looking down at his sleeping face, the little tiger ears from his costume framing his delicate features, I felt my heart constrict with
tenderness.
I gently wrapped my arms around him, covering us both with a soft throw blanket, tucking it around his small shoulders.
As his breathing slowed and deepened, I found myself stroking his hair, humming a soft melody.
In this quiet moment, I realized it wasn’t just Noah who needed me. Perhaps I needed him in ways I wasn’t yet ready to acknowledge.
But happy moments never last long enough.
Before I knew it, the afternoon had slipped away, and it was time to return Noah to the Thornton estate.
With reluctance weighing down my movements, I gently woke him and led him to the bathroom.
“We should probably clean our faces before going back,” I said.
“Edward might have a heart attack if he sees you looking like this.”
The moment the words “going back” left my mouth, Noah’s entire demeanor changed.
“Hey, it’s okay,” I said, kneeling to his level.
“We had a wonderful day, didn’t we? And we can do it again soon, I promise.”
Noah grabbed onto my sleeve with surprising strength. His eyes filled with tears that he stubbornly refused to let fall.
“I know,” I whispered, feeling my own throat tighten. “I don’t want to go back either.”
The emotion crashed over me in a wave I couldn’t control. And suddenly, without warning, tears were streaming down my face.
“I’m sorry,” I gasped, turning away so Noah wouldn’t see.
But it was too late. Noah had seen my tears, and his eyes widened in alarm.
He slid off his chair and came to stand beside me, his small hand tentatively touching my arm.
I tried to smile through my tears. “I’m okay, really.”
Noah’s brow furrowed in concentration, and he awkwardly patted my shoulder in what was clearly an attempt to comfort me.
But his earnest efforts only made me cry harder.
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18:27 Sat, Jan 21
Chapter 102
If only Noah were my child.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
