Benjamin held Daisy close with his eyes lowered. His long lashes velled the emotions in his gaze.
After a moment, he spoke, his tone tinged with awkwardness. “I just wanted to embarrass you, but you caught on. I guess this round is yours.”
The proud little look on his face was both endearing and playful.
Layla gave him a knowing nod and said, “Losing means you take the punishment. I’ll send you a file later with problems from international math competitions. Solve ten, and we’ll call it a tle.”
me to join the International competition?”
Benjamin’s dark eyes lit up with interest. He asked, “You want the to
“That depends on your results in the national one. Only gold medalists quality,” Layla replied calmly.
“And if I win gold and make it to the international level?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.
“I’ll treat you to a fancy dinner,” Layla promised, her tone light.
“You promise? No backing out!” Benjamin exclaimed, a rare excitement lighting up his face.
Benjamin had never felt this excited before. Thoughs he had grown up dining on gourmet dishes, the thought of Layla’s promise brought a unique anticipation he couldn’t ignore.
Benjamin held out his hand for a high–five. Daisy joined in, her chubby little hand eagerly reaching up to complete the moment.
As their hands met, Layla’s heart grew heavy with a swirl of emotions.
This was the scene she had envisioned long ago, even before she was pregnant with Daisy. She knew Seth had always wanted a daughter, and Benjamin had long dreamed of having a little sister. Back then, she had imagined how perfect their family of four could be.
Layla thought their daughter would grow up cherished by her parents and adored by her brother. She imagined her as a little princess in a loving, harmonious home.
To make that dream a reality, she endured months of prescribed treatments. Her perseverance finally paid off, and she became pregnant with a baby girl. Her joy was overwhelming, and she sought confirmation from her trusted doctor, who assured her it was indeed a girl. Only then did she begin planning how to share the wonderful news.
But before she could, devastating news shattered everything
As she revisited those memories, a sharp ache gripped Layla’s chest,
“How many people could withstand such a blow?” she thought bitterly. She was betrayed by the husband she had loved with all her heart and abandoned by the son she adored beyond measure. The happiness she had so carefully built crumbled before her eyes.
If Seth had shown even the slightest indifference or coldness, she might not have fallen so deeply into the illusion of his love.
Everything beautiful in her life had been destroyed in an instant. It was like waking up from a dream, only to find that the price she had paid was far too
Pushing those thoughts aside, Layla brushed a soft smile onto her face and ruffled Daisy’s hair. “Do you want to join a competition too? Mommy can sign you up for an art contest and take you there,” she offered gently.
Daisy’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Clapping her little hands, she beamed with joy.
She turned to Benjamin with a proud smile, as if to say, Look, I can compete too!
Benjamin couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. The comers of his lips lifted slightly as he said, “Don’t get too excited. You’ll have to bring home first place.”
Daisy patted her chest with confidence and nodded, her movements reminiscent of a tiny chick pecking at grains.
She was so adorable that Benjamin had the urge to kiss her, but with Layla watching, he quickly restrained himself. Tilting his head with mock arrogance, he teased, “The teachers aren’t in the classroom right now. Want to come to class with me?”
Daisy nodded eagerly, picked up her little backpack, and tugged on Benjamin’s hand.
Layla hesitated and called after them, “Dalsy, the next class is language arts. Stay in the office with Mommy Instead”
