Ophelia wasn't having it. Her two tiny hands gripped her mother's shirt with surprising strength, desperately trying to burrow into her chest.
Her eyes were rimmed with red, tears threatening to spill again.
Left with no choice, Charlotte picked her daughter up, pressing kisses to her chubby cheeks to soothe her. "You especially. Try not to drive your dad crazy."
"Mama..."
The little girl kicked her legs, accidentally knocking off one of her pink socks. Large, crystalline tears gathered in the corners of her eyes.
She really couldn't bear to see her mother leave. It was genuine heartbreak.
Setting Ophelia down, Charlotte scooped the quiet Frederick into her arms.
Compared to his sister, the little boy was incredibly 'composed.'
His large, round eyes locked onto his mother. He didn't cry, didn't fuss—he was almost too quiet.
"Mom's leaving."
Pressing a kiss to her son's cheek, Charlotte squeezed his tiny hand, her voice incredibly soft. "Be good, okay?"
Hearing his mother's voice, Frederick's bottom lip quivered, looking like he was just one second away from bursting into tears.
"..."
Seeing the utter devotion on her babies' faces, Charlotte's brow furrowed, a heavy ache settling in her chest.
"Ma'am, let me take them. You don't want to miss your flight."
Helen wisely stepped in, whisking the babies away to give the couple a moment alone.
"Be careful. Call me if anything happens," Anthony murmured, his dark eyes fixed on her face.
"Mhm."
Charlotte nodded. Seeing that he had nothing else to say, she turned to walk away.
"Wait!"
She barely took a step before her wrist was grabbed. She was yanked straight back into his chest. The man looked down at her, a mixture of deep affection and utter exasperation flashing in his eyes. "You're just going to leave like that?"
"What else am I supposed to do?"
Charlotte blinked, looking the picture of pure innocence.
"..."
He didn't speak. He just stared at her, his deep gaze darkening with a very dangerous, predatory edge.
Fine.
After a two-second stare-down, she went up on her tiptoes, leaned into his face, and kissed the corner of his mouth. "You be a good boy at home too. I'll bring you a present."
She was using the baby voice on him?

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