The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 182

Norton was the oldest child at the orphanage. In this place, the younger kids were usually the first to be adopted, leaving behind those like him-children who were either living with disabilities or, like Norton and his little brother, simply too old or too prickly in personality to catch anyone's eye.

"Why me?" he asked. Norton had overheard the entire conversation between the little girl and her father, but he couldn't understand why she wanted to choose

him.

He was already nine years old-the oldest one left here. There were so many other kids she could have picked.

He stood there in silence, until the little girl's triumphant voice broke through his thoughts.

"No real reason! I just like you. I want you to come home with me and play with me forever." She threw her arms around his waist, pressing her head against him like a little cat, nuzzling softly.

"Forever? Won't you get tired of me?" Norton squirmed at her touch, a bit ticklish, and took a step back to put a little distance between them.

on TV, and suddenly, she thumped

of me?" Norton couldn't help but smile at her earnestness, though

only nine-hardly in

can play with

made Norton

a moment, then said through obvious reluctance, "Then...I guess I'll share my favorite cookies

lip trembled as she spoke, clearly

help but laugh again, utterly charmed

he grinned, he suddenly felt a small, gentle hand slip into his.

up at him with wide, pleading

she asked, her voice soft and sweet, as she

crouched down and scooped her into his arms, whispering in her ear, "Alright. I'll come

him along to meet her father, Norton stopped in