Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 227: She Has a Family to Return Home To

Chapter 227: She Has a Family to Return Home To

Leslie’s initial relief from opening up to Calix was replaced with another heavy feeling. The clarity of Charlene’s memories regarding those events took a toll on her heart and mind.

The veil no longer concealed the vague memories. But, gaining the clarity she wished brought both joyful and sorrowful ones.

Including the most disheartened memories.

"Calix, can we continue talking... tomorrow?"

Holding back from averting her eyes from Calix’s face, Leslie anxiously pressed her thumb in the middle of his palm. She blinked repeatedly, refusing to shed any more tears.

Never did Leslie imagine that Charlene attempted to end her life once. This particular memory—including the following ones—was too much for her to handle simultaneously.

Leslie knew she needed to take a step back for now. She had to let the newly revealed memories sink into her mind before she told anything more to Calix.

The vicious Old Madam Li and the people who blindly followed her orders...

Their actions had consequences! Their retributions would come for them!

Leslie’s disheartened voice caught Calix’s attention, wondering where her previous hopeful tone went. The haggard look on her countenance alarmed him.

"Leslie, do you feel ill? Let’s... let’s get inside. We can talk again tomorrow."

Calix wished to know more but, he was unwilling to pressure Leslie. By going deeper into this matter, he would inevitably open her old wounds.

Calix understood that he needed to handle this matter delicately. The one who suffered the most was Leslie.

People said time healed all wounds. Yet, the process was different for each person. He couldn’t and wouldn’t pressure her to forget the torment she had to endure before.

Surely, other misfortunes fell on Leslie during her forced confinement.

"Thank you, Calix..."

Leslie was grateful because Calix didn’t push her for an explanation. She doubted her ability to think rationally when her mind was in a messy state right now.

Calix took one hand from Leslie’s. He gently cupped one side of her face, his mellowed gaze was locked onto her reddened eyes.

"I’m happy that we could finally talk about this," Calix admitted, a soft smile hanging on his lips, "Don’t force yourself, Leslie. I’ll wait until you’re ready. Please, just take your time."

A constant and unwarranted pressure would just push her away from him. He wished to avoid that the most.

Not when he finally realized his feelings for her.

Pursing her lips, Leslie nodded once. She subconsciously tilted her head, pressing her face deeper into Calix’s coarse palm. The warmth of his touch seeped into her skin, traveling deep into her heart.

"...yes. The most important thing is... our focus to bring Calliope back... to us..."

Leslie acknowledged the complexity of this matter. Aside from handling the legal process to get Calliope under their wings, they needed to inform both families about their long-lost child.

The rest... time would come for them.

Calix and Leslie shared a small yet contented smile before they left the wooden deck. The cool wind breezed through their hair as the moon shone upon their backs.

With lighter hearts, they headed back to the manor. Calix brought Leslie to her bedroom. Instead of spending time together before bed like usual, both of them needed some alone time after their talk.

"Let’s not rush in telling our families," Calix said after laying Leslie on the bed. He pulled the blanket to cover her, "Our main focus now is getting our daughter back to us. Let’s think about how to approach her. What do you think?"

Leslie pondered for a moment before nodding, agreeing with Calix.

"She’ll be surprised to learn... we’re her parents... It might take some time... for her to accept the... idea..."

Leslie dreaded Calliope rejecting the idea. Even though the child seemed fond of her and Calix, the little one might create a distance once she knew the truth.

Calliope might ask why she was left at the orphanage. At five years old, she was old enough to assume her parents purposely abandoned her. Her naive mind wouldn’t think this matter was maliciously caused by someone else.

Calix reached out for Leslie’s head, gently brushing his fingers through her hair. Curling up his lips, he tried to reassure her.

"She likes us. She might be sad and angry at first but, I believe she’ll be happy to know we’re her parents, that she has a family to come home to."

Sharing the same opinions and fears, Calix understood Leslie’s concern. Director Li had told him the possibility of Calliope withdrawing from them before fully accepting their existence.

Both of them—with Director Li’s help—needed to approach Calliope carefully. Most likely they couldn’t immediately bring her to live under the same roof with them unless they dared using some force.

In fact, they could. But, it might result in Calliope creating a wider distance from them because of the abrupt change.

"Leslie," Calix extended a hand, reaching for Leslie’s right shoulder, gently grasping it, "Like you, I want Calliope to be more comfortable with us before the transition. We might need to make frequent trips there from now on."

Calix’s words held the truth. If not for his huge responsibilities for Xu International, Leslie believed he would rather camp in Frostwich Town just to be nearer to Calliope. As for her, she could rearrange her rehab sessions if needed.

"Let’s do that... Perhaps, we should talk to... Director Li before... our families..." Leslie paused as something crossed her mind, "At least, tell your grandma... not our parents and siblings... yet..."

Understanding the concerns lying beneath Leslie’s words, Calix swiftly agreed.

"Yes, let’s do that."

Neither Leslie nor Calix wanted to leak about Calliope to outsiders, especially during this delicate period. The less people knew about their daughter, the better.

Calix fully trusted Andrian and Harper but, he intended to respect Leslie’s wishes. Considering what she had gone through before, it was understandable if she wanted to be extra careful.

"Mrs. An is outside. Remember to call her if you need anything," Calix patted Leslie’s shoulder twice before retrieving his hand, "Rest well, Leslie."

’And, thank you for being benevolent to me.’

Leslie drew a smile on her lips, relishing how light her heart was right now. Even though she still hid many secrets from him, their talk tonight showered her with relief.

"Good night, Calix..."

’Thank you again.’

The spouses exchanged another smile before Calix quietly left the bedroom. Leslie let her eyes follow his movement.

Her softened gaze sharpened once he disappeared behind the door.