Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 279: Before Her Departure Tomorrow Morning

Chapter 279: Before Her Departure Tomorrow Morning

After a heartfelt moment shared between Calliope and Mr. Mo, the cake-cutting session began. The old man stepped away, letting Calix and Leslie savor the moment with their little princess.

Still standing on the chair, Calliope stared at the rectangular cake. Each one of her expressions was captured by Logan. He was tasked to be the cameraman. One of the orphanage staff offered to be the videographer.

Holding the plastic cake knife with both hands, Calliope scanned the rectangular cake. A frown creased her forehead as if something was troubling her.

"How to cut ah?"

Calliope’s question earned laughter from the adults while the children encouraged her to do it. The little turnip heads gathered around the table, cheering and clapping at their friend – the one who would leave very soon.

"Want me to help?" asked Calix, amused by the look of distress on Calliope’s small face. He held back from poking one of his daughter’s chubby cheeks.

"Yes!"

Calliope’s face brightened instantly.

"Hehe, your mama too."

Confused by Calix’s words, Leslie stared at the grinning man. She received the answer when he grasped one of her hands, gently wrapping his palm around her own.

"Let’s cut the cake together."

Softening his smile, Calix also reached for Calliope’s hands. After the little girl placed her right hand on the knife handle, Calix put Leslie’s hand on their daughter’s. Then, he firmly supported them with both hands.

"Poppy, are you ready?"

"Ready!"

Surrounded by the children and the adults’ applause, Calix and Leslie helped Calliope slice through the cake. More delighted squeals came out of the little girl’s mouth as she couldn’t contain her happiness.

After five years, she finally cut a cake with her mama and papa!

"Come! Come and get your cake!"

Calliope eagerly announced, prompting her friends to form a line while holding a paper plate each. Calix helped the little one to distribute cakes to the children.

Director Li gave a speech once every child received a slice of cake from Calliope. She began by saying how blessed they were to have the girl as their friend.

Despite talking fondly about Calliope’s time in the orphanage, everyone could tell of the sorrow lurking beneath Director Lie’s countenance.

In an attempt to lessen the glum in the air, Director Li brought up Calliope’s personality – her talkativeness.

"Poppy was a very quiet baby. I still remember the staff praising her for not being fussy. But, no one expected her to be so chatty once she grew up. Ask everyone here. Who loves talking the most?"

Director Li’s question was met with laughter, followed by some children trying to answer her. They eagerly raised their hands.

"Poppy!"

"Poppy talks a lot!"

"Hehehe! Poppy likes to share stories."

Throwing her head back, Calliope cackled loudly. Director Li’s stories and her friends’ words didn’t offend her even for a bit.

"Talking is so much fun ah!"

Calix and Leslie were relieved to see Calliope enjoying the moment with the people she cared about. With every minute turning, the closer the time for her to leave this place.

By tomorrow, the little girl—their daughter—would step into a brand new world. They vowed to give their best to help their daughter navigate her new life.

After Director Li was done with her speeches, everyone started to enjoy all the delicious treats. Most of them chose to sit on the mat carpeting some areas instead of using the tables and chairs.

Not long after, a few of Calliope’s close friends including Ruby and Daisy acted in a little skit. Their adorably funny performance caught everyone’s attention. More hearty laughter echoed in the dining room.

The party went on until the very late afternoon. The children were still energetic, eagerly wanting to play more with Calliope before her departure tomorrow morning.

None of them wanted to leave the dining room despite being told to rest by the staff.

Understanding the children’s desire to spend their remaining time with Calliope, Director Li came up with an idea in exchange for them taking some rest.

"We’ll play sparklers outside tonight. We’ll have some food and drinks too. How about that?"

"Yayy!"

"Granny! Can we have hot chocolate and marshmallows?"

"Me! Me! I wanna play with sparklers!"

Cheering loudly, the children excitedly welcomed Director Li’s suggestion. All of them obediently returned to their respective bedrooms, promising to recharge their energy before playing again tonight.

"Mama, Papa, Mimo~"

Calliope sweetly called for her parents and the crochet toy. She had just returned from talking to Ruby and Daisy. The two little girls seemed to wait for her at the door. They smiled shyly at the husband and wife.

"Yes, Poppy?" Calix bent down, placing one hand on his knee while the other rested on the back of Leslie’s wheelchair, "Wanna go with your friends?"

"Papa! How do you know?"

Gasping, Calliope stared at Calix with her eyes widened. Her action garnered laughter from Calix and Leslie.

"Your thoughts are all written on your face," Calix raised his brows, purposely teasing Calliope.

The little girl glared at the big man, puffing her chubby cheeks.

"Tsk tsk tsk, should Papa tie your mouth with a ribbon?" teased Calix further, earning another sulky glare from Calliope.

"No!"

Calliope abruptly covered her mouth. Calix guffawed loudly.

Smiling in helplessness, Leslie wondered how much fun Calix was having. He couldn’t resist teasing their little daughter at every chance he got.

"You can continue playing with them... or even sleeping with your friends... tonight..." Leslie placed a palm on Calliope’s head, gently smoothening her bangs, "Spend as much time as you... need..."

The young Calliope had yet to show any obvious hints of sadness but, Leslie had a hunch the little one would cry the next morning. Separating from her loved ones here would be painful.

"Okay, Mama. Thank you~" Calliope giggled, beaming at Leslie. Tilting her head, she sweetly asked, "Mama and Papa will sleep here tonight, right?"

Calliope knew her mama and papa wouldn’t leave tonight, unlike the previous days. Even though she wanted to sleep with them, her desire to spend more time with her friends was stronger.

"Yes. You can come to our room... if you want..."

"Okay! Poppy will go to Ruby and Daisy!"

After hugging Leslie for a second, Calliope spun on her heels, running toward her friends.

Leslie pretended not to notice when Calix suddenly coughed awkwardly.