Chapter 622

In that moment, Charles didn't have the luxury of wondering how Charlie-who had died on the operating table all those years ago-could possibly be standing here in Country Y.

All he could think about was gathering his long-lost daughter into his arms and never letting go, as if holding her tight enough could somehow make up for everything.

He barely remembered crossing the room, his steps blending into a blur as he dropped to one knee in front of the little girl. Arms outstretched, he reached for her

But she slipped away before his hands could even brush her sleeve, darting behind Luna, her eyes wide and wary, her whole body tense with distrust.

A fierce ache twisted in Charles's chest.

Charlie's rejection felt like a knife, sharp and unrelenting, stabbing straight into his heart.

He went pale.

In his memories-the few precious moments they'd shared-Charlie's eyes always sparkled when she saw him. Whenever he came near, she would break into this radiant smile, her big, beautiful eyes, so much like Eve's, glowing with happiness.

She'd look at him with that endearing, crinkly-eyed grin and call him "Daddy" in the softest, sweetest voice.

She used to love being close to him.

She used to love her dad.

But now? All he saw in her was distance, suspicion, and a wall he couldn't cross.

She hates me.

The thought sliced him open all over again.

Charles fought to steady himself, lowering his arms, even though every instinct screamed at him to hold her close. He swallowed down his longing, met her gaze with all the tenderness he could muster, and spoke softly, "Charlie, I know you hate me. I know I failed you. I was blind. I favored Dahlia and Sandy and let you and your mom suffer. That's all on me. You have every reason to hate me, to shut me out. I don't expect you to forgive me overnight. But your mom misses you so much. Will you let me take you to see her?"

Her silence was a punch to the gut, but Charles knew he'd earned it.

He deserved this.

If Charlie never forgave him, he would just have to live with that. As long as she was alive, maybe he'd have the chance to make things right, to earn back a piece of her trust.

For now, nothing mattered more than bringing her home, letting her and Eve see each other again.

Trying to keep his hope alive, Charles reached out a trembling hand.

He thought-maybe she hated him, but she adored Eve. Surely, she'd want to see her mother.

But nothing happened.

At the mention of Eve, Charlie's expression didn't change. She stayed hidden behind Luna,

clutching Luna's dress so tiel

knuckles turned white.

She trusted Luna.

her

But to him and even to Eve-she was nothing but a stranger.

That's when Charles realized something was off.

She might ignore him, but she would never turn away from Eve.

Unless... she wasn't Charlie.

Luna could feel the girl's unease and fear.

She crouched down quickly.

The little girl instantly pressed herself against Luna, hugging her waist, whispering, "Mommy."

Luna gently stroked her hair. "Aurora, don't be scared. Mr. Jenkins isn't a bad person."

That single word-Mommy-hit Charles like a bolt of lightning.

Was it really possible she just looked like Charlie?

Could two people look so much alike?



"I'm sorry, Mr. Jenkins. Aurora's just a little shy with strangers," Luna om

apologized as Aurora buried her face

NO

in her arms and refused to look up.

Luna motioned for the nanny to take the little girl back to her room. !

Charles didn't stop them.



V

m

He was too busy trying to make sense of it all. They needed to talk. !

Once

tu Gwere both seated on the

sofa,

sat lost in thought,

the puzzle over and over

hiş his mind.

in



Luna broke the silence. "Mr. Jenkins,

does Aurora really look so much like your daughter? !

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