A kiss

“It feels like I’m begging you or something. Fine. I don’t need it anymore,” Madelyn said haughtily.

Andrew couldn’t argue with her, but they silently agreed to drop the subject.

When they arrived at the hospital, Daniel was already waiting at the entrance with the sanitized items.

When he saw this, Andrew asked, “Are you visiting a patient? Who’s sick?”

“The child we met at the hospital last time.”

“You’re still in contact with them?”

Andrew raised an eyebrow as he remembered that Madelyn had helped a child before. He looked at her skeptically, worried she might have been deceived.

Madelyn met his gaze and asked, “Do you want to come with me? She’s really cute.”

“No. I have something to discuss with Roger. Call me when you’re done.”

“Roger is still at the hospital?”

Andrew nodded.

Madelyn didn’t insist on him joining her. She took the items from Daniel and headed into Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

the hospital.

Andrew went to Roger’s office. He had heard that Roger planned to stay in the country for a while to expand into a new hospital.

Madelyn arrived at the ward to find Melinda feeding Serena. Serena saw Madelyn and sweetly called out, Mommy.”

“Serena,” Melinda said with a hint of reproach in her voice.

Madelyn smiled.

Mommy now.”

“It’s okay. She can call me Mommy now.”

Melinda felt slightly embarrassed. Given how much Madelyn had financially supported them, she assumed Madelyn’s suggestion to make Serena her goddaughter was just to ease the burden of repayment.

Although Madelyn was kind–hearted, Melinda didn’t want to trouble her,

After all, Madelyn was a young mistress from a wealthy family, and Melinda didn’t dare to delve into the complexities and heartaches that came with that life. She just felt that nobody in this world had it easy. Madelyn put the items down and hugged Serena.

“Sweetheart, let Mommy hold you. Why are you so light?”

Despite her lack of strength, Madelyn could feel just how petite and fragile Serena was, like a young chick.

“It’s because of her illness. Her development isn’t great, and she only weighs 17 pounds now,” Melinda explained.

Serena was almost three years old but only weighed 17 pounds. The more Madelyn listened, the more heartbroken she became.

Madelyn gently pinched Serena’s cheeks.

I

27

“You need to eat more to get stronger and beat this illness.”

“I’m not afraid. I’ll beat it,” Serena said firmly, looking up at Madelyn.

Madelyn smiled. Serena’s maturity was both touching and heartbre

“Are you full?” Madelyn asked.

“Yes, I’m full,” Serena replied, having finished her meal.

Madelyn carried her to the couch and glanced at the several bags on the coffee table.

“I bought you lots of new clothes. They’re all sanitized. How about we try them on after your bath tonight?”

“Sure! Thank you, Mommy.”

Serena’s doe–like eyes sparkled at the mention of new clothes, making Madelyn’s heart ache even more.

Melinda stepped forward.

“You shouldn’t have spent so much.”

“Nonsense. I’m her Mommy now, and I love buying things for her.”

Madelyn’s eyes flashed with pity as she noticed that Serena’s clothes were the same as the ones she

wore last time.