That night, the three of them really did sleep together in the small hospital room. Though cramped, it somehow managed to fit all three. Vivian, lying in the middle, was full of energy, asking endless questions. Kayden patiently answered each one.
“Daddy, Daddy,” Vivian said excitedly, her bright eyes fixated on him. “Can you tell me the story about the little monk who came down from the mountain? I want to hear it from you!”
Kayden froze for a moment, hesitating for a few seconds before saying, “Once upon a time, there was a mountain. On the mountain, there was a temple. In the temple lived an old monk and a young monk…”
Though the story was simple and dull, Vivian listened with rapt attention.
As Kayden continued, Vivian eventually fell asleep, nestled in his arms.
Once Vivian was sound asleep, Ivy Taylor got out of bed. She looked a little embarrassed and softly said to Kayden, “I’m sorry, Kayden. This child misses her father so much. It’s my fault for creating this image of a father for her.”
She lowered her head in guilt as she spoke.
Kayden, understanding her situation, chuckled awkwardly. “It’s okay. You’re a great mother. Even if Vivian finds out you’ve been lying, she won’t be mad at you. She’ll thank you instead.”
Ivy Taylor nodded heavily, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you.”
Then, as if something had suddenly occurred to her, she raised her head again and said, “Honestly, in Vivian’s heart, there’s probably no one else she’d accept as her father except you.”
After a slight pause, she continued, her words trembling with anticipation. “If you don’t mind… would you be willing to temporarily be Vivian’s dad?”
Her heart raced as she finished her sentence.
The request hinted at something deeper, almost like a proposal for a relationship. Ivy Taylor didn’t mind the idea of being with Kayden, but she doubted he felt the same. After all, he was surrounded by beautiful women-two of whom were even staying in the apartment across from his. Why would someone like him be interested in her?
Kayden thought for a moment before replying, “If you need something, just call me.”
His answer sidestepped her request entirely, but Ivy Taylor didn’t press the issue.
—
The next morning, the Rocco family delivered the remaining two items Kayden had purchased: the Blood Fox and the so-called Mermaid Princess.
The Blood Fox was still full of spirit. The sight of such a rare and magical creature was unexpected. It seemed to have an innate affection for Kayden, circling around his feet like a loyal dog.
As Kayden looked down at the fox, he was momentarily lost in thought. How was he supposed to care for it? And where would he even keep it?
Suddenly, Leah walked in from outside, her eyes lighting up when she saw the Blood Fox. “Kayden, is this dog yours? It’s gorgeous!”
The Blood Fox was indeed stunning. Its fur was a vibrant red, and its body exuded a faint, otherworldly aura that made anyone who looked at it feel refreshed and uplifted.
Leah crouched down and began calling to it like one would call a dog, her voice filled with playful excitement.
The fox, however, backed away from her, retreating behind Kayden. Its eyes were wide with fear as it stared at Leah.
This was no dog-it was a Blood Fox. Leah’s dog-like calls only made the situation more bizarre.
“Kayden, did you buy this for me so I wouldn’t feel bored? I love it! It’s so beautiful.”
Leah tried to approach the Blood Fox, but it suddenly bared its teeth, adopting a defensive posture.
“This dog must have cost at least ten thousand dollars, right? I’ve never seen a red breed like this before,” Leah said, marveling at it.
Kayden nearly choked at her words. Ten thousand dollars? This Blood Fox was worth five billion!
“Daddy! Daddy!” At that moment, a little girl with two pigtails came running in from outside.
Vivian had just been discharged from the hospital and was now back home.
“Wow! Is that my birthday present?” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight as she spotted the Blood Fox. Her face lit up with pure joy, the same kind of joy Leah had shown earlier.
Vivian ran toward the Blood Fox with open arms, shouting, “Puppy! Puppy! Come here, come here!”
To everyone’s surprise, the Blood Fox didn’t react defensively as it had with Leah. Instead, it ran straight toward Vivian and leapt into her arms.
Vivian hugged the fox tightly, her laughter filling the room.
Leah, watching the scene unfold, was stunned. She couldn’t understand why the fox, which had been so wary of her, was now so affectionate with the little girl.
Kayden, however, seemed to figure it out. His furrowed brow relaxed as he said to Leah, “I get it now. Its eyes must be able to see the purity of a person’s heart. People who’ve been through more in life carry a certain heaviness with them, and that scares it. But Vivian is different. Her world is like a blank canvas, so it doesn’t feel threatened by her.”
Leah knew Kayden was just trying to comfort her, but it didn’t help. She really liked the fox. Its vibrant red fur and unique appearance made it the perfect candidate for an internet-famous pet.
Seeing the fox cuddle up to a little girl while avoiding her left Leah feeling disappointed.
She pouted and huffed, “So you didn’t buy it for me, huh?”
Kayden, noticing her sulky demeanor, said, “There’s something else here for you.”
He gestured toward the Mermaid Princess.
“Huh?” Leah’s eyes widened as she spotted the mermaid. It was a fish with hair-a fish with actual hair. Her disappointment vanished, replaced by awe and excitement.
“Wow! A fish with hair? I’ve seen fish with beards, but I’ve never seen one with hair. This is amazing!”
Leah’s gaze was glued to the Mermaid Princess as it swam back and forth in its tank. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Kayden, realizing he didn’t have the time to care for either the fox or the mermaid, decided it would be best to let Leah and Vivian take care of them. It was a convenient solution.
“Oh, by the way,” Leah suddenly said, “I have something to tell you! My sister didn’t get engaged to Luther Falcon!”