When Callie woke up, it was already afternoon. Grape was not in the room, and faint sounds of laughter and play could be heard from downstairs.
The house hadn’t been this lively in a long time.
After washing up, Callie walked out and saw Nick in an apron, skillfully cooking in the kitchen, while Grape sat in her high chair eating and asking strange questions.
“Uncle, why don’t you come to see me often? Is it fun in the country? Is it more fun than Switzerland?”
Grape’s round face was full of confusion.
Nick replied in a childlike tone, “I’m just busy with work. Don’t be mad, Grape. Any place with you is fun. Without you, it’s very boring.”
“Really? What about Mommy? Does Uncle Nick like Mommy?”
Nick smiled, “Of course I do.”
“Then why don’t you become my daddy? That way I can see you every day!”
Callie thought that Grape’s desire for companionship stemmed from the absence of a father figure in her life.
She walked down the stairs. “Don’t take a child’s words to heart.”
Nick was about to say something when Grape angrily interjected, “No, I want Uncle Nick to be my daddy!”
Callie frowned, “Stop throwing a tantrum.”
She was usually busy and had little patience, often letting Grape grow freely. Fortunately, Grape was quite sensible.
“Why get mad at a child?” Nick intervened, placing a plate of pasta in front of Callie. He then squatted in front of the little girl, patiently explaining.
“Grape, you have your own daddy. No one can replace him, not even Uncle Nick. But Uncle can love you and take care of you like a daddy.”
Nick’s tone was very patient and persuasive.
At thirty years old, he had the charm of a mature man and was patient enough to be a good father.
Callie leaned to one side, thinking.
Grape’s pout softened reluctantly. “But where is my daddy? He doesn’t love me at all.”
Nick didn’t know how to respond. He glanced at Callie’s expression, and she shook her head at him.
“I’ve told you many times; Daddy is busy. When you turn eighteen, he’ll come back.”
Grape pouted sadly. “But I’m only one and a half now. Eighteen is so far away.”
Callie couldn’t help but laugh at her expression. “It’ll come quickly.”
After comforting Grape, Nick whispered, “Grape is smart. She’ll figure it out soon. You can’t keep this up forever. Are you really not planning to go back and tell him?”
His words were careful. Even he didn’t know who the father was. He had spent years building his career in Anbusea and knew little about Callie’s past. Any attempts to investigate her history came up empty; all her records had been erased.
A figure appeared in Callie’s mind-someone eternally aloof and proud, with any trace of youthfulness long gone. She shook her head.
“I chose to have this child myself. He doesn’t know. It’s been two years; I shouldn’t disturb him.”
“But it’s his responsibility.”
“I can handle it myself.”
“Alice…”
“Alright, tomorrow is the opening ceremony of the Golden Key Award. Accompany me; I can’t manage Grape alone. That’s not too much to ask, right, Mr. Chang?” She blinked.
Nick shook his head helplessly. “Only you could boss the boss around.”