Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 251: Only Time and Hearts Would Tell

Chapter 251: Only Time and Hearts Would Tell

Despite being conscious of how much closer they were as of late, Leslie tried not to put any mind to it. She told herself Calix was simply being more thoughtful to her because she was his wife.

But...

The more Leslie tried to ignore them, the glaring the subtlety in Calix’s actions.

She knew he was always an approachable and courteous man yet, her eyes gradually detected the tiny—different—signs in his behavior whenever the matter involved her.

The little and fleeting brushes of his fingertips on her hands.

The hints of affection in his voice as he talked to her.

The different light in his eyes as they brightened at the sight of her.

At times, he seemed to be as composed as usual while in another, seeing him reminded her of a shy high school boy.

’Calix likes me. He does.’

At first, Leslie excused herself by thinking this was bound to happen. After all, Calix and Charlene would fall in love later in the story, but...

Guilt tugged at her heart for thinking his feelings were shallow – existed because the situation was penned by the author.

He was an actual human being with emotions, no longer a fictional character.

Leslie didn’t know how deep Calix’s feelings were for her but, she couldn’t pretend not to notice them anymore. Instead of continuing to deny them, it was easier if she acknowledged his feelings.

Admitting this issue didn’t mean she intended to confront him – yet. For now, her focus was on her daughter.

As for the rest.

Only time and their hearts would tell.

"Maybe we can bring her out... to a picnic... Either way, let’s ask her... later..."

Leslie continued the topic they were talking about, trying to put her attention back on Calliope’s matter. Still, her gaze remained on their interlocking fingers – an intimate gesture initiated by her.

Calix nodded, agreeing with Leslie. Instead of taking his hands off hers, he let their palms graze and their fingers touch each other’s knuckles.

"That sounds good. We can... I mean, I can prepare some food for our picnic. Oh! Still, we need to ask what kind of food she loves."

Calix’s eagerness to gain brownie points from Calliope was reflected in his eyes clearly. Leslie let out a chuckle, once again her concerned heart was comforted by the man’s sincere gesture.

Soon, the van driven by Logan separated from the others at an intersection. The latter were heading to Calix and Leslie’s temporary residence. Being the middle point, it meant Calix and Leslie would reach the orphanage in ten more minutes.

Nevertheless, the spouses’ feelings were a mix of anxiousness and happiness. None of them let go of their intertwining hands, silently savoring each other’s presence for reassurance.

"Mr. Xu, Mrs. Xu, welcome back to our abode."

Director Li’s warm welcome earned smiles from Leslie and Calix. The three people exchanged greetings as Logan and Mrs. Su passed some visiting gifts to the staff accompanying the director.

"Where are the children?"

Calix asked while carrying Leslie in his arms. Logan had gone ahead to put the wheelchair indoors. Mrs. Su had a small chat with the staff.

"They’re in the break room," Director Li’s tone had a hint of helplessness, "They have been attached to watching the construction workers. They can see the backyard clearly from there."

The building construction[01] began the previous Monday much to everyone’s joy.

Because it was still in the earliest stage, the workers only focused on moving the necessary materials and equipment there. They barricaded the entire area to prevent the children from stumbling into a dangerous situation.

"How cute," remarked Calix.

Leslie chuckled, agreeing with Calix. She couldn’t help but imagine the excited little turnip heads gathered at the windows to look at the construction area.

"Please follow me, Mr. Xu, Mrs. Xu," Director Li gestured in a direction once Calix put Leslie in the wheelchair, "The children will surely be happy to see you two again."

Director Li’s words held the truth. As soon as Calix and Leslie appeared at the door of the breakroom, the children squealed in delight – including Calliope.

"Ohhh! Uncle and Aunt are here ah!"

"Uncle! Auntie! Are you here to see us again?"

"Wow~ Aunt and Uncle came again sooner than we thought. Hehe, did you bring food for us?"

The little ones abruptly left the windows, rushing to Calix and Leslie. Calliope deng deng deng, running on her short legs with the toy Mimo in her chubby arms.

"Auntie! Uncle! Come here to see Poppy?"

Calliope flashed her brightest grin to Leslie and Calix, not realizing how her smile effortlessly charmed the spouses.

"Are you well, Poppy?" asked Leslie after answering the other children, "We... come to see you..."

"Wow~ Poppy is happy! Yay!"

Calix shifted his attention from the happy children to Calliope, pleased to see the child interacting with Leslie. Teasing the little one, he chimed in, "Did you eat so well? Your cheeks are getting chubbier ah."

"Granny said Poppy is cute," Calliope pouted, glaring at Calix with her small eyes, "Uncle, eat more. Don’t be like a thin stick."

"What the... Poppy, didn’t you say I look more handsome than the famous actors?"

In disbelief, Calix pointed to himself. His eyes remained on the little one.

"Oh, did Poppy say that?" Calliope blinked, acting as if she knew nothing about Calix’s claim, "Uncle, I think my eyes bad bad at that time ah."

"...what?"

"Hahaha!"

Unable to hold herself back, Leslie laughed out loud. Calix and Calliope’s banter was simple, yet seeing them overflowed her with joy.

Leslie ended up coughing a few times because of her weak throat, sending Calix and Calliope into a panic.

"Auntie! Are you okay?"

"Aiya! Don’t laugh too hard ah! Here, have some water!"

Calix hurriedly uncapped a water bottle handed by Mrs. Su. The private nurse always kept at least one spare in her bag.

"Haha... cough! Okay... I’m okay..."

Leslie let Calix assist her in drinking the water. Calliope’s little face scrunched up, expressing her worry. The other children also focused on the lady, having the same thoughts as their little friend.

"Hehe, sorry... I laughed a lot... Did I make you... worry?"

Leslie thanked Calix before sweeping her gaze around the area, taking her time appreciating the children’s concern.

"It’s fine, Aunt."

"Aunt, be careful next time ah."

"Do you want more water, Aunt?"

The pure-hearted children were genuinely worried about Leslie. Her coughing fit was not that bad, but the little ones interpreted it differently.

"What did you guys... learn from the teachers... this week? Care to... share with me?"

Wanting to change the subject, Leslie inquired about the children’s preschool education. She wondered what kind of story she would hear from them.

"Oh! We learned a lot!"

"Aunt, Uncle, listen to us ah!"

"Hehe, Teacher Pei praised my drawing."

Different children’s voices echoed in the breakroom as they eagerly told Leslie and Calix about their happy moments learning. Director Li simply let the little ones interact with the husband and wife.

Despite being surrounded by the other kids, the spouses couldn’t help but pay more attention to their daughter.

Calliope was as energetic as her friends. She repeatedly raised her right hand as the left held the crochet fox toy, excited to join along.

But...

Would she remain smiling and laughing with them once she learned who she truly was?

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