abcnovels
Chapter 234
Chapter 234
Chapter 234
Chapter 234
Anastasia was buzzing with excitement over the decision to adopt Pattie. While Herman was off sorting out the paperwork, Anastasia was brushing Pattie’s hair. Seeing Pattie sitting there quietly, Anastasia couldn’t help but think of her own daughter. She had no clue where she was or if she was being treated well by others. Part of her reasons for adopting Pattie was to build up some good fortune for her own daughter, hoping she could meet kind people and be treated well.
“Pattie, you’ll be discharged from the hospital this afternoon. Once we get home, mommy will cook you loads of yummy food and buy you pretty new clothes. How does that sound?”
Anastasia grabbed Pattie’s shoulders, making her look into her eyes, “Pattie, can you call me mommy?”
Anastasia looked at Pattie expectantly and nervously, “Is that okay?”
Pattie, with her big eyes, stared back at Anastasia and finally said, “Mommy.”
It was the first time Pattie had called Anastasia ‘mommy’. Even though it was barely above a whisper, it filled her with joy. She liked the idea of Ana being her mom. Ana’s embrace felt so warm.
Hearing Pattie call her “mommy”, Anastasia’s eyes welled up with tears. She pulled Pattie into a hug and peppered her with kisses, “Good girl, I’m your mommy.”
Anastasia couldn’t help but miss her own daughter she had yet to meet.
Pattie snuggled up against Anastasia. Seeing Anastasia’s tears, Pattie reached up and wiped them away, “Mommy, why are you crying?”
“Mommy is just too happy,” Anastasia replied, holding Pattie’s hand, her eyes still moist.
Seeing Pattie like this, Anastasia’s determination to find her own daughter strengthened.
Just then, a male voice came from the door. “Pattie.” It was Leo.
Since Penny was locked up and there was no one at home to take care of the kids, Leo had to bring his son to the hospital. He brought some fruit and candy, his face full of guilt when he walked in, “Pattie, look what daddy got for you.”
Pattie was still happy to see Leo and called out, “Daddy.” In Pattie’s eyes, Leo was her father.
Hearing the word “Daddy” and seeing Pattie’s innocent smile, Leo felt a pang of shame.
Anastasia didn’t react much to Leo’s arrival. It was clear from Pattie’s reaction that Leo had been taking good care of her.
Leo put the fruit and candy on the table and said to Anastasia, “Ms. Jewell, I just came to check on Pattie. As long as she’s okay, I’ll be
at ease.”
Then he turned to Pattie, “Pattie, I won’t be your daddy anymore, you have to listen to Ms. Jewell, okay?”
Pattie obediently nodded. Leo then addressed Anastasia, “Ms. Jewell, I know you genuinely care for this child. I hope you’ll take good care of Pattie. She’s really smart, and I am sure she’ll excel when she grows up.”
“From now on, Pattie is part of our family. I’ll do everything I can to take care of her,” Anastasia said, looking at Leo with pity, “If you miss Pattie, you’re always welcome to visit.”
They lived in the same neighborhood, so they’d bump into each other often. Leo didn’t plan on moving. Someone had told him that his son’s fate was tied to Pattie’s, so they couldn’t be too far apart. He’d need Pattie’s help at crucial moments.
“Okay. Okay.” Leo said twice. His son on his back started to fuss, and he had to leave.
Herman was back in about an hour, having finished the adoption process. Pattie’s name was now Paradise, and she was his daughter. Anastasia felt a sense of relief.
Pattie was doing much better and didn’t need to stay at the hospital any longer. Anastasia decided to take her home. Salma didn’t like staying at the hospital either, so Anastasia brought her home too.
With two more people to take care of at home, Anastasia couldn’t work for the time being. Thinking of Herman having to be the sole breadwinner, she felt guilty and distressed.
Herman brought Anastasia’s mother’s stuff into the room, “Mom, you’ll stay in this room. I got a new bed. Someone will come later to turn the study into a kid’s room. That’s where Pattie will be staying.”