Chapter 84
Summer was momentarily dazed, staring blankly at James and then scurrying into Kristin’s arms, a bit scared.
Kristin nervously looked down. “Mr. Bryce…”
“It’s my fault.” James apologized first, admitting he had been careless this time, not expecting Vincent and the Haywood family crew to go after his grandpa.
“Come back with me.”
Kristin took a deep breath, head still lowered. “No, I’m not going back.” she said.
James reached out to comfort Kristin but caught air instead, and in her eyes, he saw a distance forming.
“Is it because I didn’t protect you, or is it because I didn’t agree to call off the engagement with Adrienne?” James asked, his voice heavy with concern.
Kristin kept her head down, silent.
James knew it all deep down. She just wasn’t important enough. That was all.
“Mommy…” Summer hugged Kristin, asking softly. “Who is he?”
Kristin’s eyes reddened, glancing at James tentatively.
She wasn’t sure if James was willing to acknowledge Summer.
“Summer, I’m your dad.” James crouched before Summer, reaching out gently. “Sorry, I was late.”
In his mind, Kristin was probably having a momentary spat with him, something he could sweet–talk out of.
A guy like Rhett, with his serious germaphobia, wouldn’t fall for someone like Kristin.
Wide–eyed and tearful, Summer looked to Kristin for reassurance. He’d often dreamed about his dad showing up one day, saying, “Summer, I’m your dad.”
But when James appeared, apologizing for his lateness, Summer felt like crying.
“I don’t like Daddy.” Summer looked away, clinging to Kristin. It was because Daddy hadn’t protected Mommy.
James took a deep breath, looking at Kristin. “Just come with me for now.”
Kristin stood up, holding Summer, then shook her head. “No need, Mr. Bryce…”
She was drawing a line with James.
James felt tight in his chest as he watched Kristin walk away with the child.
13:10 F
Chapter 84
Rubbing his temples, James cursed the Haywood family in his mind and hurried after them.
It had been hard enough to get her to stick around him, and these jerks had to ruin it all.
“Kris, let me take you guys.” James caught up, offering to carry Summer. “Mommy’s tired. Let Daddy carry you, okay?”
Summer hesitated, then asked softly, “Can you protect Mommy?”
James paused, looking into the little one’s eyes. Those eyes, looking so much like Kristin’s from back in the day, were so innocent and pure.
“I can,” James nodded firmly.
It had been an accident this time. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
“Then will you marry Mommy?” Summer sniffled and asked softly.
James‘ steps froze, and he said nothing.
Kristin held Summer tight and quickly explained, “He’s just a kid. He doesn’t understand these things.”
“I do understand. Milo said no man would marry Mommy and called her a thief who steals other people’s dad, but that’s not true. Someone will marry Mommy.” Summer cried out, feeling wronged. He didn’t believe Milo’s words.
That was why he had fought with Milo.
When Milo bullied him, he never fought back, afraid to cause trouble for his uncle and mom.
But when Milo badmouthed his mom, he lost control.
James stood there, stunned, massaging his temples. He couldn’t possibly marry Kristin.
Apart from that status, he could give Kristin anything.
Kristin glanced back at James. She was clueless about what she was expecting, maybe even harboring a fleeting fancy to give Summer a complete family.
But she knew James wouldn’t marry her. It was all just wishful thinking.
Without a word, Kristin stood alone at the bus stop with Summer, waiting for the bus.
James stood by Kristin, wanting to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out each time. he opened his mouth.
The bus arrived, and Kristin got on. James followed.
In James‘ memory, he had never taken the bus before.
The bus was too crowded. James offered to hold Summer, not wanting Kristin to tire from holding the child.
Kristin hesitated, then passed Summer to James.
Chapter 84
The bus jolted to a stop, and Kristin nearly fell, but James caught her.
“Young lady, why don’t you and the child take a seat? Look at you three. What a good–looking family,” an elderly lady on the bus said, smiling as she stood up to offer Kristin her seat.
“Thanks, ma’am, but no need,” Kristin waved off.
The lady chuckled. “Youth is wonderful, and the kid is adorable.”
James didn’t explain. He just held Summer and smiled politely.
Kristin whispered. “We’re not family…”
Marriage and a complete family for Summer were things Kristin didn’t even dare to dream about.
Her life was already ruined. No one would want to marry her. And no one would willingly become Summer’s stepdad.
She didn’t want to settle for someone and have Summer suffer.
Bever
She had fantasized about James, even knowing it was unrealistic, but she had thought she’d do anything, even if James didn’t love her but was willing to give Summer a complete home.
She no longer longed for love. She wouldn’t love anyone else, and nobody would love her.
The elder lady said nothing more and got off at her stop.
Kristin glanced at Bill, following the bus in his car, and said helplessly, “Mr. Bryce, you don’t have to do this.”
What was this? Rich man’s life experience tour?
“If you don’t want to return to Crescendo Town with me, stay in Silvergrove City. I’ll sort everything out. I’ll hang out with you in Silvergrove City for like two weeks every month. If your need anything, call me or Bill, okay?”
James whispered, and when Kristin got to her stop. He helped her off the train with Summer in his arms. “Here’s the key for Elmwood Estate. You and Summer crash there. And don’t forget to keep the card I gave you…”
Kristin glanced at the card James handed over.
The guy was being really nice to her.
If James wasn’t engaged, she might have just gone with the flow and become his mistress.
“James, I’ve told you I’m not playing the other woman for anyone. That’s a line I won’t cross.” Kristin shook her head and took Summer from him. “Mr. Bryce, we must split and catch the subway. You better head back.”
“Kristin!” James was getting desperate. “Do you have to be so stubborn, clinging to your guns? I’ve told you whatever I can offer, I’ll give it to you.”
Chapter 84
“What if I say all I want is a legit title, a real status for Summer and me? What if I say I want you to marry me?” Kristin turned to look at James..
James clenched his fists, his brow furrowed as he stood frozen. “Kristin, I told you not to get
too greedy.”
Kristin chuckled and walked away. Yeah, she was way too greedy.
Six years ago, it was James who had ignored her pleas and forced her. He wrecked her life and made her have Summer.
Looking up at the sky, Kristin tried to hold back her tears.
But what was the point of all this hurt? It was nothing.
“Kristin!” James couldn’t let it go and chased after her, but the station was too crowded, teeming with people.
Holding her child, Kristin had already vanished into the crowd.
Someone like James, who had never dealt with subways or buses growing up, was at a loss. He couldn’t even begin to look for Kristin and Summer.
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