Chapter 34
A surge of girls chimed in simultaneously, voicing their collective discontent.
“We want to play with Jayden, not Paisley!”
“We wish Jayden would shield us as he does Paisley!”
“Why favor her exclusively? Did she forbid you from interacting with us? She’s so selfish!”
“We want Jayden, not Paisley!”
Amidst the growing clamor, the initial girl emboldened by the unified front expressed her resentment further, “You’re not solely Paisley’s, you belong to all of us! She must wish to hoard you for herself, hence preventing us from sharing your company! I wish Paisley would switch schools–or better yet, disappear!”
“How dare she curse Paisley! A fierce anger ignited in Jayden’s eyes as he seized the girl by the collar, momentarily abandoning his usual reserved demeanor as he demanded coldly. “Who are you saying should die?‘ He was typically quiet, reserved, and distant. Yet now, he exhibited a fury so intense that it shocked the surrounding children.
The girl dissolved into tears, accusing him, “You’re being so cruel! I detest you! You favor Paisley and mistreat the rest of us!”
Just then, a child burst into the classroom, diffusing the tension. “Paisley’s mom has arrived at the school! She’s currently in the principal’s office. I heard she is discussing transferring Paisley to another school!”
Jayden immediately let go of the girl’s collar and sprinted out of the classroom. The conversation between Cassidy and the principal was faintly audible as he approached
“Why didn’t you tell us Paisley is Mr. Howell’s biological daughter at the time of her admission? And concerning your relationship with him… Pablo ventured.
Jayden, moments away from pushing the door open, froze in his tracks. ‘Paisley is Daddy’s daughter–does that mean she’s my sister? How can this be? Who is that woman?”
Cassidy replied, “I would appreciate it if you could maintain her identity in confidence, Mr. Atkins. I wish to avoid making it public knowledge.”
“Is Mr. Howell aware of this? Pablo questioned skeptically.
“No, and I prefer it that way,” Cassidy asserted. “If you agree, I’m willing to donate two classrooms to Starwish Kindergarten. Otherwise, I’ll promptly transfer Paisley to another school”
Jayden was taken aback. ‘No, don’t take Paisley away! I don’t want Paisley to go. I like her more than anyone in the world!‘ he pleaded silently, pushing the door open with a crash
The sudden noise startled Cassidy, who turned to find Jayden at the doorway, his face slick with perspiration, clearly having run all the way there. Cassidy stood up, unsure how much he had overheard. “Jayden…”
An undertone of melancholy crossed Jayden’s handsome features. “Please… don’t… take Paisley away… Although typically a recluse who shunned social interaction similar to his father in his youth, Jayden mustered his courage to speak up, pleading with Cassidy to reconsider transferring Paisley.
“I need Paisley here…” His eyes locked onto Cassidy’s, conveying his fear of losing Paisley. If Paisley is my sister, could that make Cassidy my mom? Could my dream hold truth?‘ The realization dawned upon him at that moment.
Cassidy found herself completely bewildered when she faintly heard Jayden whisper, “Mommy…
She froze on the spot, utterly defenseless and shocked. ‘Is Jayden actually calling out to me? It seems so. There’s nobody else here except for Mr. Atkins and me
Last night at the Howell residence, Cassidy had thought Jayden’s “mommy” was referring to Meredith. But now, Meredith was not here… ‘Could it be that he was calling me back then? But I’m not his mother at all, thought I wish so, she mused.
Having not seen Jayden since his birth, Cassidy had fervently prayed for his well–being and safe arrival into the world during her pregnancy. Despite not sharing a blood relation, her love for him was genuine.
Could there possibly be some form of unspoken bond between us?” she contemplated, shaken by the possibility. The
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Chapter 34
realization struck her deeply, causing her to hesitate, wary of moving closer, fearful of succumbing to the overwhelming urge to embrace him and hold him close forever.
As Jayden cautiously advanced towards her, his captivating hazel eyes drawing her in, Cassidy couldn’t help but notice familiar traits in him. While many noted his resemblance to Nathan, Cassidy saw glimpses of herself as well, despite Nathan and Meredith being his biological parents.
Jayden’s lips, thin like Nathan’s, bore the pale yet glossy tint similar to her own; his nose bridge echoed Nathan’s, yet the tip mirrored hers–pert and delicate. His eyes might have mirrored Nathan’s in shape, but their warmth and purity resembled her own. Even his eyebrows, akin to Nathan’s, shared her light coloring, exuding an air of refinement and allure.
“How I wish Jayden were truly my son, Cassidy thought, finding it increasingly difficult to look away as she observed him.
Finally, unable to restrain herself any longer, she approached Jayden. She knelt down before him and gently cradled his face in her hands, her lips pursed. “Did you just call me?”
Jayden responded not with words but with a searching gaze that flitted across her face, time and again.
His expression was so filled with aching confusion that it moved Cassidy to draw him into a heartfelt, apologetic embrace.
“Are you my mommy?” Jayden’s voice was muffled and raspy.
Heartbroken and on the verge of tears, Cassidy found herself unable to outright deny him. “In a way,” she replied vaguely.
“Then why don’t you want me?” Jayden asked.
Feeling her heart wrench with emotion, Cassidy replied, “I would never feel that way.” She couldn’t claim Jayden as her own, knowing he belonged to Nathan and Meredith.
“But you abandoned Daddy…” Jayden’s words carried a faint trace of sorrow.
Cassidy couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “No, silly, Daddy was the one who left me.”
Jayden fell silent briefly before speaking with intentional clarity, ensuring Cassidy understood, “Daddy doesn’t want you, but I do.
Cassidy’s tears finally broke loose. She held Jayden tightly, overcome with sadness, her voice choking with emotion.
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