NovelUpdateChapter 262 Victoria froze, halfway through getting dressed, caught off guard by Gwyneth's request.
She'd just had a tense run-in with McNeil-his touch had been met with indifference, even outright rejection from her. Agreeing to Gwyneth's wish was one thing, but McNeil? He'd never appeared with her together in public. Victoria wasn't sure she could do it, and she certainly couldn't answer on McNeil's behalf.
Gwyneth's eyes were full of hope. Usually, it was always Daddy and Ms. Marchand who picked her up from school. She was happy enough with that, but lately, her classmates had started asking why it was always her dad and Violet- didn't she have a mom? She wanted her friends to know that she did have a mother. That's why she'd made the request.
And after getting lost not long ago, Gwyneth had been terrified she'd never see her mom again.
Memories of her mother's care, her gentle hugs-warmer and sweeter than Ms. Marchand's had flooded her when she sat alone, frightened and helpless on the sidewalk.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Mommy, I'll be good from now on. I won't make you mad anymore." She was so scared of being apart from her mom again.
Gwyneth reached out and clung to Victoria's hand. McNeil's face was cold, but when he looked at his daughter, his expression softened.
"Daddy will pick you up with Mommy tonight." That was as good as a promise. Victoria couldn't bring herself to refuse, not when it was their daughter asking. She could turn her back on anyone-except Gwyneth.
"Okay, honey. Mommy loves you so much." Gwyneth dove into Victoria's arms, latching onto her like a little koala, refusing to let go.
Holding her daughter close, Victoria was overwhelmed by a rush of emotions.
A moment later, McNeil was pulling on his suit jacket. "You'll take Gwyn to school later. I have to get to the office," he said, opening the door and heading downstairs.
Victoria heard the car start up outside-McNeil was gone.
He'd left the chauffeur behind, and Victoria was free to choose any car in the garage.
That morning, Victoria helped Gwyneth wash up, tying her hair into a pretty braid and dressing her in her favorite princess dress.
Maybe because she was still recovering, Gwyneth stayed glued to Victoria's side, even curling up in her lap during the drive.
Victoria hugged her daughter, her heart melting at Gwyneth's rosy cheeks and contented smile.
This was the daughter she knew.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhen they reached the school gates, Victoria held Gwyneth's hand as they walked up together. The teacher glanced up, surprised.
"Gwyneth's mother! We don't see you often. I suppose you and your husband are both very busy-normally, it's your driver who brings her in." Victoria paused. She'd always assumed McNeil and Violet dropped Gwyneth off every day, but apparently, even that was rare.
Gwyneth clung to her mother's hand, reluctant to let go.
"I understand. I'll bring Gwyneth to school myself from now on." She handed Gwyneth over to the teacher and kissed her on the cheek.
"Mommy, you and Daddy have to ctogether," Gwyneth said again, her voice earnest.
Victoria crouched down to look her in the eye. "I'll be there, sweetheart. I promise."
As for McNeil, she didn't expect anything he never liked to be seen in public with her.
Gwyneth kept looking back with every step, only following the teacher inside when she'd finally lost sight of when? Victoria. During recess, all the kids were brought out to the playground.
Gwyneth, still a little under the weather, sat on the steps watching the others play, her chin propped in her hands, cheeks puffed out in a sulky pout. "Gwyn..."
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