Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 265: He Just Wanted This Child to Be Happy

Chapter 265: He Just Wanted This Child to Be Happy

Stunned by Calliope’s question, none of the three adults reacted verbally. The surprise was evident on Calix and Leslie’s countenances while Director Li stiffly stared at Calliope.

’Poppy... she suggested that... by herself?’

In her trance, Director Li was reminded of several episodes in the past, the ones related to Calliope being admired by potential adoption applicants.

Those events started to happen when Calliope was around age four. No one chose her when she was still an infant, leading up to her toddler age.

Calliope had always been among the most adorable and well-mannered in the orphanage. She easily caught the attention of the applicants as she grew more.

But, Calliope rejected them all. Not even Director Li succeeded in persuading her to get to know the applicants better before deciding anything.

"Granny no want Poppy?"

"Waaa! No leave! Poppy no leave!"

"Poppy wanna stay here! With Granny and my friends!"

As Calliope’s talking became smoother than before, the louder she expressed her refusal. She often wailed nonstop despite not being a child who tended to cry easily.

Director Li didn’t coax Calliope further, understanding how detrimental the situation would be to the child if she kept pressuring.

Even if Director Li wished the little one to have a loving family like other children, doing so by force would only push Calliope away. Continued living in the orphanage was the better choice.

Blinking, Calliope shifted her eyes from Calix and Leslie to the toy Mimo. Her eyes slowly reddened as she received no response from the spouses.

Calliope pursed her lips, trying to hold back from bursting into tears. Her gaze on Mimo’s head gradually became blurry.

Why Uncle and Auntie didn’t say anything to her?

Was she mistaken that they would be happy with her question?

But, she shouldn’t regret asking them ah.

If she never asked, how could she know what their answer was?

More thoughts circled in Calliope’s mind. She tightened her hug around the toy Mimo, feeling how her small chest trembling in sadness.

No... She shouldn’t cry ah. She was a big girl already.

As Calliope was immersed in disappointment and sorrow, Calix’s voice lured her out of her glum. His tone was as soft as the summer breeze, conveying no negative feelings at all.

"Poppy, do you want to live with us? As a family?"

Blinking, Calliope slowly raised her chin. Her glossy eyes were locked onto Calix’s reddened ones. She also noticed the same look in Leslie’s eyes.

What did this mean?

Uncle’s question... He didn’t sound mad ah.

How should she answer him?

Drip...

Calliope blinked again, sensing warm liquid rolling down her chubby cheeks. Her eyes widened in horror.

Ahhh! She cried! She didn’t want to cry!

No no!

Calliope hastily rubbed her teary eyes with one of her hands. She didn’t notice Calix standing up from his seat before quietly walking to her.

"Poppy, what do you think of my question?"

Calliope froze, wondering why Calix’s voice sounded much closer now. Stiffly bringing her hand down from her eyes, she was surprised to see the man crouching opposite her.

"Uncle..."

Chuckling, Calix grabbed some tissues from the box handed by Director Li. He gently wiped Calliope’s damp cheeks, hoping to reassure the little one that she could be truthful with him.

Leslie quietly watched Calliope and Calix’s interaction. Lowering her gaze to her feet, an idea swirling in her mind.

Calix’s focus was solely on the crying Calliope. The little one clammed her mouth shut, trying to stop herself from sobbing but failed.

After making sure no streaks of tears remained on Calliope’s face, Calix put the used tissues away. He softened his smile at the simple sight of the little girl staring back at him.

"No more crying?" asked Calix. A hint of teasing laced his tone.

"No... Poppy is a big girl," replied Calliope quietly with a pair of puffy eyes, "Can’t cry."

The little girl’s reply earned a chuckle from him.

Thank goodness.

Calix could tell Calliope’s mood had brightened even for a bit, which subsequently eased his inner turmoil. He actually wanted to hug her small body but, he didn’t want to scare the child away.

’Is this what a father feels when his child is unhappy?’

The thought crossed Calix’s mind. He unconsciously recalled the times Vernon was distressed because of Amelia especially when the little one was sick.

One time, Amelia fell terribly ill, leading to her hospitalization. It was the first time Calix saw the strong Vernon appear so defeated.

’I just want to make this child happy.’

Calix smiled sadly, silently wishing to only bring joy to Calliope from now on.

If only he knew how much his gentle action flickered a tiny happiness in the child’s gloomy heart.

Chasing those thoughts away, Calix gave Calliope his full attention again. He repeated his question, "Does Poppy want to live with Uncle and Auntie? Like a family?"

Calliope bit her lower lip. She quietly took in Calix’s countenance, thinking how good if her wish came true.

Fiddling with the crochet fox toy, Calliope hesitantly yet hopefully said, "C-can I? Poppy likes Auntie and Uncle... Can Auntie and Uncle... be Poppy’s mama and papa?"

She didn’t know who her papa and mama were at all. If the angels on the clouds granted her wish to meet them, she prayed that her papa and mama to be as kind as Uncle Calix and Auntie Leslie.

"You..."

Before Calix could say more, Leslie’s voice cut him off.

"You can, Poppy. You can..."

Calix and Calliope realized none of them had looked at Leslie for a while now. Moving their eyes from each other to the lady, surprise overtook them.

"L-Leslie!"

"Auntie!"

Assisted by Director Li, Leslie stood on her two feet. The middle-aged lady helped her walk toward Calix and Calliope. She fought against each pain trying to drag her down.

"Poppy, our family won’t be... complete without you..."

Leslie drew a sad smile on her lips as her eyes were locked on Calliope – her daughter.