Kayden was incredibly responsible, like a father fully devoted to his child. Though he wasn’t Vivian’s father, everything he did was to protect her.
Looking at Vivian, unconscious and vulnerable, Ivy Taylor felt a bittersweet mix of emotions-comforted yet deeply pained.
Her heart had been racing with worry, but after the initial relief, sadness crept back in. The heartbreaking truth was that poor Vivian had been living in a dream-believing Kayden was her father. Today’s events had made her stronger, and that strength came from her unwavering faith in her “father.” She believed, with all her heart, that he would save her.
Kayden had come and left an indelible mark on Vivian’s life. In her eyes now, Kayden was a hero, the perfect father figure she had always dreamed of.
It was precisely this thought that filled Ivy Taylor with regret and sorrow.
What would happen if one day Vivian learned the truth-that Kayden wasn’t her father? How devastated would she be? How heartbroken? Ivy couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness for her daughter.
If only Kayden really were Vivian’s father, even if not by blood-just like her.
—
Two Days Later, at the Hospital
After leaving Blueocean Estate, Kayden took Ivy Taylor and Vivian to the hospital for a checkup. While Kayden could have examined them himself, the visit to the hospital wasn’t just about their physical well-being. It was about healing their hearts and minds.
Ivy Taylor might recover more easily, but Vivian was the one who mattered most. She was at a critical, formative stage in her life. Despite her outward toughness, she was still just a child-delicate and vulnerable.
Kayden stayed by Vivian’s side, while Ivy Taylor rested on the bed in the next room.
Kayden had many things to do, but for reasons he couldn’t explain, he chose to remain with Vivian. Perhaps it was because she kept calling him “Daddy.”
Watching Kayden’s unwavering dedication to Vivian, Ivy Taylor was deeply moved. He had already gone above and beyond by rescuing them, yet here he was, staying by their side. It spoke volumes about his character.
“Kayden!” Ivy Taylor suddenly called out, her voice earnest. “Thank you. Truly, thank you!”
She had lost count of how many times she had thanked him. Kayden glanced at her and replied, “Didn’t I tell you? You don’t have to be so formal with me.”
As they spoke, Kayden carefully administered some medicine to Vivian.
Seeing this, Ivy Taylor couldn’t help but ask, “What are you giving her?”
“This will help her when she wakes up,” Kayden explained. “It’ll ease the psychological trauma. She’s too young for me to erase her memories, so this is the best way to help her overcome her fears.”
Ivy Taylor was stunned by his words.
She worked in the pharmaceutical industry but had never heard of such a medicine. Curious, she asked, “Does something like that even exist? Why have I never heard of it?”
Kayden smiled faintly. “It’s a medicine I made myself.”
Hearing this, Ivy Taylor’s curiosity about Kayden deepened. She had always thought of him as someone who was good at fighting and liked to play it cool. But now, she saw his nurturing, responsible side. And now, this? He could even make medicine!
Her thoughts wandered. If Kayden could make medicine, wouldn’t he be a perfect match for her pharmaceutical business? If they ended up together, wouldn’t that be fate?
Before she could dwell further, Vivian’s voice interrupted her.
“Daddy! Daddy!”
Ivy Taylor snapped out of her thoughts and quickly turned her attention to Vivian, who had just opened her eyes. Her gaze immediately landed on Kayden.
Seeing Kayden the moment she woke up made Vivian happier than ever. It was the most comforting sight she could imagine.
Kayden smiled at her gently and said, “I’m here, Vivian. I’m sorry.”
Vivian sat up and threw her arms around him, her voice brimming with excitement. “Daddy! Daddy! I missed you so much! I knew you’d come for me!”
She raised two fingers high above her head in a victory sign, her joy radiating like a bright light.
Seeing her so happy, Kayden’s face softened into a rare, genuine smile-a kind, heartfelt smile unlike any he had ever shown before. Not even when he was with Georgia had he smiled like this. It was strange and almost unbelievable.
“Daddy, promise me you won’t leave me again,” Vivian said, her innocent voice tugging at his heart. “If you’re with me, the bad people won’t dare hurt me or Mommy!”
Kayden didn’t know how to respond, but Ivy Taylor quickly stepped in.
“Vivian, your daddy is a hero. He has so many important things to do. He can’t stay by our side all the time. But our Vivian is strong, just like Daddy. You’re not afraid of bad people, right?”
Vivian pouted and said, “But I just want Daddy to stay with me!”
It was such a simple wish, and yet it struck Ivy Taylor to the core.
Vivian’s large, sparkling eyes looked up at Kayden, shining like black pearls, full of hope.
“Daddy, I know you’re a hero and you have to fight bad guys. But… can you sleep with me tonight?” Vivian asked, her tone suddenly solemn.
“Today’s my birthday. My only wish is for Daddy to sleep with me.”
Hearing this, Ivy Taylor quietly wiped away her tears. For most children, a wish like this was so simple. But for Vivian, it was a luxury.
Kayden nodded. “Alright. Tonight, Daddy will sleep with you.”
“Yay!” Vivian cheered, raising her fingers in another victory sign.
“Mommy! Mommy! Come here!” Vivian called out excitedly.
Ivy Taylor wiped her tears and walked over to Vivian, who grabbed her hand and said, “Tonight, I want to sleep between you and Daddy. All my classmates sleep in the middle with their mommies and daddies. Can I, too?”
Hearing this, Ivy Taylor glanced at Kayden, who was already looking at her. Their eyes met, and neither knew what to say.
“Please, Mommy?” Vivian tugged at Ivy Taylor’s hand, her voice pleading.
Ivy Taylor hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But Kayden answered for her.
“Alright,” he said.