Chapter 2

It was evening at Greg's place.

As soon as Lottie saw Greg, she broke free from Eileen's hand and dashed over like a little rocket. "Wow! Dad, you're even more handsome than in the photo. Your eyes are so charming, like stars."

She wrapped her arms around Greg's leg, and her eyes were filled with pure admiration and delight.

Greg wasn't fond of close contact, but Lottie's smile was like sunshine, which warmed even the coldest heart in the world.

Greg softened instantly.

Kole was following behind and blurted out upon seeing Lottie's delicate face. "She looks quite a bit like you, Mr. Burton."

Greg's gentle expression vanished in an instant. "Don't talk nonsense."

Eileen felt a pang as she saw Lottie's disappointment.

She quickly handed Greg a colorful list. "This is what Lottie wants to do with her dad."

Greg took the list, which was decorated with crayon drawings. It included telling bedtime stories, going to the amusement park, baking a cake together, watching movies...

He looked down at Lottie's eyes, which resembled his own.

He swallowed back the words of refusal.

Half an hour later, Lottie lay in bed and gazed expectantly at Greg.

"Once upon a time, there was a princess..." Greg stiffly read from the storybook.

After three stories, Lottie hadn't fallen asleep yet. "Dad, when will you take me to the amusement park?"

"Tomorrow."

"Yay! That's awesome! I want to go on the Ferris wheel!" Lottie rolled on the bed in excitement.

Greg continued telling stories and finally managed to lull her to sleep.

As he watched her angelic face, he suddenly recalled Kole's words. "Her features do resemble mine a bit."

Greg's thoughts drifted uncontrollably to five years ago.

He couldn't quite forget those nights he spent with Eileen.

If he and she had a child back then, they would be about Lottie's age now.

He couldn't think that way. Eileen would only use the baby as a tool to make money if she had one.

Greg shook his head and tried not to think about that heartless woman.

The next morning, Lottie woke up early. She put on a pink princess dress and twirled in front of the mirror with excitement. "Mom, I'm extra cute today. Dad will definitely like me more."

Eileen felt a sting in her heart as she watched Lottie's eager face.

In the past, she had had some suitors, but Lottie had never liked any of them like this.

Blood bonds were amazing.

At nine o'clock, Eileen and Lottie waited in the living room.

Lottie sat on the edge of the sofa, and her legs swung. She cast glances upstairs now and then. "Mom, why isn't Dad coming down yet?"

"Let's wait a bit longer. Maybe he's still sleeping."

Ten o'clock, eleven o'clock...

Lottie's smile gradually faded.

Eileen had no choice but to call Greg.

It rang for a long time before he answered it. "I have pressing business today. We'll go to the amusement park another time. Explain to Lottie for me."

A woman's cough could be faintly heard in the background.

"Or you can take her there yourself. I'll cover all expenses."

She hadn't uttered a word before the call was abruptly ended.

So Greg had already gone out?

Eileen instinctively opened Rena's social media updates.

Half an hour ago, Rena posted a photo of Greg's back. He was busy in the kitchen.

It was captioned, "It's nice to be cared for when I catch a cold."

The comments were filled with envy.

Eileen turned off her phone and gently stroked Lottie's face. "Lottie, Dad had an urgent matter to deal with."

Lottie lowered her head and clutched her skirt. "But a dad never breaks a promise to his daughter."

She sniffled softly and said, "Doesn't Dad love me?"

Eileen's heart ached. The question was all too familiar.

Seven years ago, she had asked herself the same question countless times.

Something never changed.

Just like back then, as soon as Rena showed up, Greg would forget about Eileen.

Even when they were passionately having sex in bed, Greg would leave late at night for Rena.

"Not that, sweetheart. He is just too busy." Eileen tilted her head high to keep her tears from falling. "How about I take you to the amusement park today? I used to work at the amusement park, and I am quite the amusement park pro."

Lottie nodded and forced a smile, but she was still disappointed.

Eileen took Lottie's hand and led her out. She felt so much pain at that time.

Did she make a mistake? Maybe she shouldn't let Lottie get close to Greg.