used.
Chapter 17
“Faith, stay with Callie for a while. Dinner will be ready soon,” Ethan chirped.
This scene, which he had dreamed of countless times, had finally come true.
Callie was happily unwrapping her gifts, which included everything from dolls and busy boards to Lego sets and virtual pets.
Faith watched, her heart aching. Why did people only realize the value of what they had after losing it?
“Dinner’s ready.”
Ethan brought out the last dish, took off his apron, and personally called Callie to join dinner.
Callie was sweating, and her hands were covered in colorful marks.
He first took her to wash her hands, dried them himself, and led her back to the dining table.
“I’m really an inadequate husband and father. I don’t know what you like to eat, so I just made a few things,” Ethan said regretfully as he cautiously glanced at Faith.
He had prepared ribs, chicken chops, a salad, and clam chowder.
Faith didn’t know he could cook. Nicole had taught him well.
“Try it. I just learned it. Not sure if it’s any good,” Ethan said.
He served Faith a bowl of clam chowder and added a piece of rib to Callie’s plate.
Faith’s gaze grew heavy, and her expression went blank.
“Mom is allergic to seafood,” Callie reminded Ethan.
She pushed the soup away and placed a piece of chicken chop on Faith’s plate.
Ethan’s face fell, his hands trembling so much he could barely hold his cutlery. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“It’s fine,” Faith said indifferently.
She had no appetite and didn’t want to take a bite.
Callie ate happily and licked her plate clean very soon.
Ethan kept his eyes on them, bccasionally adding food to Callie’s plate.
“Faith, are you really not going to eat?”
“I’m not hungry,” Faith replied coldly.
Her attitude broke his heart.
“I’ll make you something when you’re hungry,” Ethan murmured, adding another piece of meat to Callie’s plate, but Callie was already stuffed. She wiped her mouth and ran off to unwrap more gifts.
Faith helped clear the table out of politeness, and Ethan helped out. Several times, he was on the verge of speaking.
Only after Faith had washed the dishes did he muster the courage to speak to her.
“Faith, give me another chance. I love you. I wasn’t aware of my feelings at first; I shouldn’t have hurt you.”
He stood in Faith’s path, his eyes nearly burning a hole in her.
“Faith, give me a chance to win you back.”
Faith stared into his eyes with a light frown. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.” She turned him down decisively.
“Why? I’m being sincere,” Ethan said in agitation.
He grabbed her arm, but seeing her frown, he quickly let go. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”
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“Because love can grow cold. I’m unlike Callie. She’s always longed for your love, and as long as you love her, she’ll love you back twice as much,” Faith
said.
She stared at the happy Callie in the living room with a hint of relief, but her eyes soon turned cold again.
“My love for you has long since died. If you truly feel guilty and wish to make amends, be good to Callie from now on.”
Faith walked past him and left the kitchen.
Ethan stood there, stunned. He closed his eyes to hold back the tears.
“Callie, when are we going home?” Faith rubbed her sore eyes and walked over to Callie.
Hearing this, Callie stood up, holding a purple doll, and looked at Ethan. “Uncle Ethan, can I take this with me? I really like this doll ” Her tone was still cautious.
Chapter 17
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Ethan took a deep breath and tried to suppress the bitterness in his heart. He walked out of the kitchen. “Take it if you like it. All these are for you, Callie.”
“Thank you, Uncle Ethan.”
“Callie, can you call me Dad?”
