Even though he was his daughter's own husband, Damon's indifference towards his kids seemed a tad too callous, didn't it? The thought tugged at Yasmine’s heartstrings as she considered her adorable grandchildren.
Standing beside him, Elizabeth rolled her eyes and said in a jealous tone. "In his eyes, only Chloe reigns supreme. Poor little babies might as well be accidents to him," she huffed.
Damon, of course, nodded in agreement. That was pretty much the gist of it.
Chloe, half-irritated and half-amused, gave Damon a playful punch on the chest. Damon caught her hand, holding it firmly as they walked back inside together.
After freshening up, Damon finally meandered over to the double stroller and peered inside. At the sight of him, the babies' tiny arms and legs flailed with joy, their babyish laughter sounding like music to his ears.
Damon's lips curled into a small, contented smile—accidents they may have been, but they were his flesh and blood after all.d2
He poked Little Sun's cheek, and the little guy gazed up at him with sparkling eyes, batting at his finger with chubby hands. Then, turning to Little Moon, he lifted her into his arms. Maybe it was the swing-like sensation of being picked up, or just the closeness to her favorite person, but Little Moon's big beautiful eyes never left Damon's face, and her tiny mouth spread into a delighted grin.
Even when the maid called them to dinner, Damon couldn't bear to put Little Moon down.
As they headed to the dining room, Elizabeth couldn't help but complain. "Aren't you playing favorites? You barely hold Little Sun. He's your child too."
"He'll be the one protecting Little Moon eventually. He should be glad I'm doting on her now," Damon reasoned.
Elizabeth was at a loss for words. Had she been too soft on him when he was born? What a peculiar notion.
Yasmine spoke up nonchalantly as they sat down to eat, "It's fine. They're both his, after all. If he favors Little Moon, someone else will just have to cherish Little Sun more. Chloe certainly hasn't skimped on cuddling with our little boy."
Damon's brow twitched at Yasmine's comment, giving her a fleeting glance.
Chloe came from the kitchen, where she'd been helping serve dinner. She overheard Elizabeth's words and just smiled faintly, without a hint of objection or denial. Damon's expression tightened slightly, his eyes on Chloe carrying a subtle trace of displeasure.
Yasmine, noting this, allowed herself a sly smile of triumph. She suspected Damon and Boyd might be up to no good behind the scenes. Chloe's pointed comments earlier that day were all the evidence she needed. When had Chloe ever meddled in her affairs before?
Sometimes a woman's intuition was frighteningly accurate. Damon had indeed been pulling some strings behind the scenes, but to accuse him of influencing Chloe's thoughts was a bit much.
After dinner, Yasmine's phone began to ring. She ignored it deliberately, several times.
Chloe and Damon exchanged glances, watching Yasmine play with the twins as if nothing was wrong, and stayed silent. They couldn't find a discreet way to suggest she leave. When Yasmine's phone rang again, Chloe nudged Damon with her elbow, clearly passing the buck to him.
Damon closed his eyes for a moment, rubbing his temples.
"Your phone's been ringing quite a bit. If you need help, feel free to ask. " He said reluctantly.
Yasmine's smile faded as she picked up her bag and stood up. "You want to help? I wouldn't want to bother you."
"Mom, where are you going?" Chloe asked as she hurried after Yasmine.
Yasmine kept walking. "Where can I go? You're so eager to send me away, I might as well sleep under a bridge."
At the door, Chloe saw Boyd's figure waiting outside, but she still tried to persuade her mother, "If you feel that way, then please don't leave. We have plenty of rooms, just pick any you like."
Yasmine, spotting Boyd, shook off Chloe's hand. "No need. I don't want to trouble you."
"Mom."
"Enough, Chloe. Don't think I don't know what you're plotting."
Chloe pursed her lips, watching Yasmine's figure gradually moving toward the door. Then, she saw her mother being suddenly embraced by that man. After Yasmine pushed him away, the two of them got into the car one after another. Chloe sighed. Her mother could be so stubborn.
Wrapped in a warm embrace, Chloe leaned into Damon's familiar presence. "I wonder what will happen to them," she mused.
Damon stroked her shoulder. "Looks like that man has no temper when it comes to your mother. Probably gets bossed around by her. At least you don't have to worry about her being bullied."
Chloe watched the car drive away, with a small smile on her face. "He wouldn't dare, would he?"
Damon stared at the doorway for a long moment, then said quietly, "Your mom doesn't seem too happy with me over this."
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