Chapter 223

William glanced at Christina and smiled, nodding. "Sure thing."

Before Christina could say anything, they were already getting ready to head to the grocery store together.

Christina noticed how much Harper cared about this, so she didn't say much. But deep down, she felt that meeting William here wasn't just a coincidence.

"Planning to cook at home?" William asked, noticing the amount of groceries she was buying.

"Yeah," Christina replied with a faint smile. "When we were abroad, Harper wasn't used to the food there, so I always cooked for her. She's gotten used to my cooking."

"Mom's cooking is the best! Dad Cavendish, do you want to try it?" Harper asked with hopeful eyes.

Before William could respond, Christina quickly interjected.

"Sorry, she's just being a kid. It's not really convenient."

William felt a pang of disappointment but managed a smile. "No problem!"

Harper looked at her mom, puzzled. Back when they were abroad, many friends would come over, and her mom was always welcoming. What had changed? But she didn't dare ask.

With their shopping almost done, Christina headed to the checkout, while William carried Harper, trailing behind.

A young couple nearby was also shopping. They glanced over with envy. The girl said to the boy, "Do you think we'll be as happy as them when we get married?"

The boy earnestly promised, "We definitely will."

The girl blushed and looked down shyly.

"And we'll have a cute daughter like that?"

"We will. When we have kids, I'll hold your hand and our child's hand, and we'll watch the sunset together," the boy said wistfully.

Christina overheard their conversation and felt the urge to clarify that they weren't a family. But seeing their happiness, she decided against it. A stranger's words wouldn't change anything.

However, William felt a strange emotion stirring inside him. Was there still a chance for them?

At the checkout, William pulled out his card to pay.

Christina quickly took it from him. "Mr. Cavendish, there's no need for this. We're not that close. You don't need to pay for us."

She handed her card to the cashier and said, "We're done here. If there's nothing else, I'll take Harper home."

Harper's eyes sparkled with an idea. She tugged on William's arm.

"Mom, Dad Cavendish looks like he's good at crafts. I can't make the lantern. Can he help me?"

"Harper, you should do your own tasks. Don't trouble others. I'll help you find a tutorial when we get home," Christina said, patting her head.

Harper pouted. "Okay."

But as they left, William persisted.

"Do you live nearby? I can give you a ride."

"No need," Christina replied curtly. "It's just a short walk. Besides, giving my address to a stranger isn't safe."

William felt a pang of sadness but couldn't argue.

As they parted, Harper waved goodbye, looking reluctant.

"Goodbye, Dad Cavendish."

Christina said nothing. After William left, she smiled and asked, "You've only met him a few times. Why do you like him so much? I'm getting jealous."

Harper quickly responded, "Mom, you're the most important person in the world to me. But Dad Cavendish saved me. He's a hero, and I like heroes."

Christina's eyes darkened.

William, a man who had hurt children, was now seen as a hero by her daughter? Life was truly unpredictable.

"But remember, we need boundaries. Dad Cavendish is still an outsider to us," Christina said seriously.

Harper bit her lip. "Mom, I really wish I had a dad."

"But you can't just pick any dad," Christina said, patting her head. "He bought sanitary pads for his girlfriend, which means he has a family. It's wrong to interfere in someone else's relationship."

Harper nodded firmly. "Okay, I understand."

Christina sighed in relief. Sometimes, kids were easy to placate.

Back home, she made Harper's favorite dish, garlic butter shrimp. Harper took a picture before happily digging in.

After dinner, it was time for some mother-daughter bonding.

Christina, who used to be an architect, was skilled with her hands. Together, they made a red paper lantern with a small light inside, using a bamboo stick to hold it up. It took time, but it turned out beautifully.

Harper clapped her hands. "Mom, you finished it so quickly! The teacher said it's due next Monday, but it's so pretty, I want to show it off at school."

"Alright, but it's late. Time for bed," Christina said, patting her head. It was already past nine, and Harper needed her sleep.

William returned home, deep in thought.

He couldn't figure out a way to get closer to Christina. After everything that had happened, he didn't want to push her away again.

After much contemplation, he called a friend.

"About your kid..."

His friend chuckled. "My kid's a handful. Didn't give you too much trouble, did he?"

But William wasn't concerned about that. "No, he's great. I was wondering if there are any more activities at the preschool that I could help with."

His friend sensed something. "Hey, Mr. Cavendish, you used to avoid kids. What's changed?"

William smiled. "Maybe I'm getting older. I never really spent time with kids before, but now I find them adorable."

"Come on, be honest," his friend said. "What's your real motive?"

William sighed. "I just want to know what activities the preschool has coming up."