Chapter 29
The little girl’s round eyes stared intently at them, making Lia awkwardly look away
“Eat your taco
You’re not kissing anymore?” The little girl looked disappointed
“Mind your own business, or I’ll take your taco away. Knowing how easily embarrassed Lia was, Coby redirected the conversation back to the little girl.
“Are you going to eat too?” the little girl asked.
“Yeah. What’s wrong?” said Coby.
The little girl suddenly brightened up. “I know! You should feed him!”
Lia buried her head in her hands, wishing she could crawl into a hole out of sheer embarrassment.
“You sure know how to talk. Coby gently tapped the little girl on her forehead. “What else do you want to eat? I’ll go get it.”
The liule girl responded without hesitation. “Chocolate!”
“No.” Coby denied her request.
The girl pouted, her lips trembling. “So mean. Don’t feed him anymore.
Lia couldn’t help but laugh and glanced at Coby, who didn’t seem upset. Just cat your taco.”
“Okay!” The little girl smiled.
You little brat. Lia smiled as well
The little girl must have been starving because she finished two tacos very quickly. Lia didn’t eat much, and the rest ended up in Coby’s stormach.
She thought he was joking about finishing it, but to her surprise, he actually did.
After the meal, they stayed in the area, just in case the girl’s parents came looking for her.
“What’s your name? How old are you?”
In their short time together, the little girl had grown to trust Lia completely.
“My name is Sarah Brown. I’m five years old!” Sarah had two playful pigtails, and her mischievous demeanor was utterly adorable.
“Sarah, that’s such a pretty name. Do you remember where you live? Lia asked as she wiped the girl’s mouth with a napkin.
“I don’t know,” Sarah pouted again.
Lia and Coby exchanged a look.
“Do you remember your mommy and daddy’s phone numbers
“Wahhhh! I don’t know! Sarah burst into tears
Lia gave up asking and focused on comforting her instead.
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“Don’t cry. I will buy you something nice,” said Lia.
Sarah immediately perked up, her tear–streaked face lighting up as she smiled at Lia.
“Except chocolate, Coby added with a calm tone.
Lia chuckled softly.
Sarah pouted again. “You’re so mean!”
“Sarah. I saw some dolls over there. Do you like those?” Lia asked gently.
“Yes! I want a doll!”
Like most children, her mood shifted instantly. She eagerly pulled Lia along, wanting to go see the dolls.
“Coby, are you coming?” Lia asked.
“Come on! There are so many dolls over there!” Sarah pleaded enthusiastically.
“Let’s go,” Coby said, taking Lia’s hand as she held Sarah’s. The three of them walked toward the toy vendor.
“Hey, do you want to win some toys for your daughter?” the vendor asked, eager to sell. “Five rings for 3 dollars, and if you buy more, I’ll throw in extras!”
“We’re not…” Lia started to explain but was cut off by Coby.
“We’ll take 100, he said calmly.
A family of three. Not bad! Coby thought to himself.
“Sure thing! For a big order like this, I’ll throw in ten extra rings for free!” The vendor beamed with delight.
As the vendor counted the rings, Lia whispered to Coby, “Why buy so many? It’s hard to win at these games.”
“As long as you two have fun, that’s all that matters, Coby replied.
Lia glanced at Sarah’s excited face and quietly agreed.
A total of 110 rings were piled into a small basin placed by Lia’s feet.
She picked up a handful of rings and handed them to Sarah.
“Sarah, you can aim for anything you like!” she said.
“I want that Pikachu!” said Sarah
The plush toys closest to them were small, but the farther back they went, the larger the toys got. The Pikachu Sarah wanted was in the last row, making it much harder to win.
“Do you think she can get it?” Coby teased, gently tapping Sarah nose.
Don’t underestimate me! I can do it! Sarah declared confidently
Lia found their playful banner amusing. The two of them seemed to enjoy bickering, creating a funny and lighthearted atmosphere.
“Okay, good luck! Just try your best,” said Lin.
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“Alright, I’ll get that Pikachu for sure!” Sarah was confident.
Sarah clenched her tiny fists, tossing her small rings with great enthusiasm.
At first, she was patient, but after missing several throws in a row, she started to panic.
Eventually, she stopped aiming altogether and just threw the rings blindly.
Finally, with tears welling up in her eyes, she looked at Lia. “I can’t get any of them. Can you help me, please?”
I’m not very good at this either, but I’ll give it a try. Lia said, unsure.
“Yay! You will definitely get it!” Sarah jumped up excitedly.
Lia reluctantly gave it a shot, tossing a few rings, but missed all of them. Sarah’s initial excitement turned into disappointment.
“I’m sorry, Sarah. I couldn’t get one either.” Lia apologized, feeling guilty.
“It’s okay,” Sarah said, hiding her sadness and trying to comfort her.
“If I manage to get one, will you come with us to the police station?” Coby bent down and pinched her now
playfully.
“Maybe your mommy and daddy are looking for you. You wouldn’t want them to wait too long, right?” Lia quickly added, understanding his intentions.
Sarah hesitated, not wanting to leave but also wanting the Pikachu toy. “Can you really do it?”
Lia glanced at him, unsure herself.
Coby picked up two rings, aimed carefully, and threw them.
One ring landed next to Pikachu, while the other perfectly hooked onto its ear.
“Wow! You really did it! You’re amazing!” Sarah exclaimed, jumping with excitement.
Lia looked at him in awe. “Coby, do you play this often?”
“This is my first time,” he answered.
“Your first time, and you’re this good?” Lia was surprised. She had tried ring toss a few times before but rarely succeeded.
“It’s all about finding the right angle. He explained, drawing from his experience playing darts.
“Come get Pikachu!” Sarah shouted gleefully, circling the toy, too big for her to carry.
“Coming!” As Lia walked over to pick up the toy, a large hand reached out.
Til carry it. You hold her hand. Let’s head to the police station, aid Coby.
“Already? That’s so fast. Sarah pouted.
“We have to keep our promises, Lia said with a smile.
So, the two adults and the little girl went to the police station.
After completing the paperwork, the police wanted to keep Saral at the station as per protocol, but she refused.
“Can I stay with you? I don’t want to stay here. I don’t want to!” She cried, her sobs heartbreaking and loud.
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No amount of soothing from the police worked.
Feeling sympathetic, Lia hesitated before seeking Coby’s opinion. “Coby, can we take her home with us and keep her until her family is found?”
Please?” Sarah pleaded tearfully, looking at him with wide, hopeful eyes.
Though Coby wasn’t fond of kids, he didn’t want to see Lia upset “Whatever you decide is fine.”
Yay! I can go to Lia’s house!” Sarah was excited.
Lia smiled. That’s right.”
With Coby’s coordination, the police agreed to let them take her home until her parents were located.
At Skyview Villa, Sarah clung tightly to Lia’s clothes. “Can I sleep with you? This house is so big, and I’m scared.”
Lia knelt down, gently stroking her pigtails. ‘Of course, I will sleep with you.”
“What about me?” Coby asked with a pitiful expression.
After reassuring the little one, Lia looked at him. “Coby, she’s in new place. It’s normal for her to feel scared. Let me sleep. with her tonight, okay?”
“You’re a grownup, and you’re scared to sleep alone? Shame on you!” Sarah teased, making a silly gesture.
You brat!” said Coby.
Lia tugged on Coby’s sleeve, giving him an apologetic look.
Unable to refuse her pleading gaze, Coby relented.
Leaning close to her car, he whispered, “Fine, Lia, but you owe me one. You’ll have to make up for it.”
“What are you whispering about? I want to hear too!” Sarah said curiously.
Lia’s face flushed red. She quickly nodded and said, “I’ll take her to the bath first,”
“Bye!” the little girl said as she made a funny face at him on her way out.
“What a brat! Coby thought.
A faint smile appeared in Coby’s eyes as he looked at the little girl. In the future, if their own kids fought over their mom like this, he’d definitely have to give them a playful spanking.
In the bathroom, Lia was giving Sarah a bath. She was having a blast playing with the bubbles. “This house is so huget And there are so many bubbles!”
“If you like it, you can play a bit longer,” said Lia.
“Thank you!” Sarah was happy.
But as she played her mood suddenly shifted, and she looked sad.
What’s wrong
Sarah? Lia noticed something was off and asked with concem.
“I miss my mommy and daddy. Boohoo.. She started crying
“It’s okay, sweetie. Your mommy and daddy are definitely looking for you, and the police will find them soon.”
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Lia continued to comfort her as she bathed her, finally managing to stop her tears.
Sarah was dressed in one of Lia’s t–shirts, which fit her perfectly as a long dress. After finishing the bath, Lia was about to take her to the guest room to sleep but was stopped.
“I want to sleep with Lia!” Sarah said.
“I never said you couldn’t.” Coby wondered if he really seemed so mean.
“Is there anything. Coby?” Lia asked.
“Go to the bedroom. Ill sleep in the guest room,” he replied.
“It’s fine. We can…” Lia was cut off short,
Just go. Coby was determined.
“Alright.” Seeing that Coby insisted, Lia didn’t push further.
He kissed her on the forehead.
Lia blushed and said, “Sleep well.”
“It’s okay. Lia. My dad also kisses my mom when I’m not looking Sarah chuckled.
Lia felt so embarrassed hearing that.
“If you know, then you should close your eyes.” Coby covered her eyes and then kissed Lia on the lips.
Lia’s face turned even more red.
“Good night, Lia. Coby left and closed the door.
Lia looked at his back and had a sweet feeling inside.
“Lia, what did he do? I couldn’t see!” 5
Sarah was curious.
“Nothing. Let’s go to bed. I’ll tell you some stories,” said Lia.
“Yay! Tell me princess stories! Snow White, Little Mermaid… Sarah was very excited.
“Do you want to be a little princess?” Lia smiled.
They both lay in bed, and Lia tucked her in.
“My mom says I’m a princess, and someday I’ll find my own Prince Charming. I love hearing princess stories the most, Sarah said with bright eyes, full of anticipation
“I see,” said Lia. ‘She’s only four, and already thinking about getting married.
“Is Coby your Prince Charming?” Sarah said innocently, “Mom says that Prince Charmings have big palaces with lots of people, and his house is really big, with lots of people.”
‘Coby? Is he my Prince Charming? Lia asked herself.
“So, do you like him?” Lia didn’t answer her question.
Sarah thought for a few seconds, then cuddled Lia’s arm and pouted. “I like you. He’s a little scary”
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“But he’s the one who got you Pikachu, though,” said Lia.
Then I’ll like him too, Sarah said sweetly.
Lia smiled. “Alright, let’s start the story.”
“Yay!”
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“Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a king and queen in a palace. They prayed earnestly to the heavens, hoping for a baby of their own.
“Months later, the queen gave birth to a beautiful little princess, whose skin was as white as snow and her cheeks as red as apples. The king and queen loved her dearly and named her Snow White. But their happiness was short–lived…”
Half an hour later, Sarah fell asleep.
Lia adjusted her position to rest, when suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.
She quietly got tup. put on her coat, and went to open the door.
The man was standing outside, holding a glass.
“Coby?” Lia looked confused.
“Lia, is she asleep yet?” asked Coby.
Just fell asleep. She glanced at the glass and suddenly understood his intention. “Did you bring this just for me?”
Her body wasn’t feeling well, and she still had to care for the little gne. Coby felt sorry for her. “Yeah. Have some warm milk before you sleep.
“Thank you.” Lia drank the milk, her heart filling with warmth.
He handed her a tissue. She reached out to take it, but he had already wiped her lips for her. Lia retracted her hand and thanked him again.
“The police just called me. They’ve found Sarah’s parents–they’re very worried.”
“Really? That’s great! Her parents… Lia still worried that Sarah’s parents might really mistreat her. She had checked the child. for injuries during bath time and found nothing unusual, but she still couldn’t be completely at ease.
“Don’t worry. According to the police, Sarah’s parents had a second child and neglected her, but it wasn’t because they didn’t love her. The police have already given them a warning,” said Coby.
Though Coby didn’t enjoy having a little kid around to interrupt them, a child’s well–being was important to him.
“Okay, but she’s already asleep. Are we sending her back tonight? Lia glanced toward the bed.
“I’ve explained the situation to the police and got her parents‘ consent. We can take her back tomorrow instead.” Coby replied
Alright, thank you,” said Lia
“For what? You’re my wife Coby smiled.
Lia stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek. “Goodnight.”
He took the chance to wrap his arm around her waist, his nose brushing against hers. “Goodnight.”
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Though he said so, he made no move to let
“It’s late,” Lia murmured, lowering her gaze.
“Lia His gaze turned mischievous as he gently tilted her chin upward.
Lia watched his handsome face draw closer, her breathing growing uneven.
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