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.

and suddenly, she

me?" Norton couldn't help but smile at her earnestness, though he was more touched

he was only nine-hardly in need of

girl frowned, thinking hard. "Well, I can play with you every day, and pick you up after

Norton laugh out

enough to prove her devotion, hesitated a moment, then said through obvious reluctance, "Then...I guess I'll share my favorite cookies with you too. Even if it's my very last one, you can have it.

lip trembled as she spoke, clearly feeling

laugh again, utterly

a small, gentle hand slip

up

home with me?" she asked, her voice soft and sweet,

heart melted. He crouched down and scooped her into his arms, whispering in her

along to meet