Bride Behind the Mask novel Chapter 713

Maggie was taken aback. She hadn't expected Hayes to say something like that. Her heart was practically melting.

Glancing down at the little guy, she noticed he was looking up at her with hopeful, cautious eyes, mirroring her own gaze. It made Maggie's heart ache.

Yuna had always played favorites, a fact Maggie was well aware of. And maybe it was Yuna's partiality that had left Hayes craving the affection he never felt from her, seeking scraps of love from Maggie. This wasn't how a child was supposed to feel.

Even though Teresa was mature for her age, she still possessed the innocence of childhood. But Hayes... he seemed to have only politeness and understanding to offer.

Maggie's maternal instincts were bubbling up. She hugged Hayes tightly, playfully flicking his nose, and said with a laugh:

"If Hayes were really my boy, that would be the universe's gift to me. I mean, where else could you find such a sweet and well-behaved little dude? How lucky am I?"

Hayes grinned, showing off a row of pearly white teeth. "Ms. Maggie... do you really like me?"

"Of course!" Maggie didn't hesitate.

The little guy, thrilled, snuggled closer into Maggie's embrace. "Then, could you... think of me, as your son..."

"Honey, I'd love to think of you as my own, but your daddy wouldn't have it."