Chapter 226 Did She Overlook Something

Eric navigated the car slowly, particularly as they neared the riverside park.

He intentionally stopped the car and lowered the window, peering out in hopes of spotting Joy.

Considering Joy had been hospitalized just the day before, he actually wasn’t optimistic about seeing her here today.

Yet, there she was unexpectedly!

Joy, well–wrapped against the cold, sat on a swing, gently pushed by a boy who seemed slightly older.

Eric exited the vehicle.

“Enjoying yourself?” the boy behind Joy asked.

“Yup!

“Want to swing higher?”

“Oh yes, please! Haha…”

“Joy,” Eric called out, reaching for the swing’s ropes to stabilize them.

Joy had her hat and mask on, leaving only her eyes visible, which sparkled as she noticed Eric.

“You’re here!” she cried out joyfully.

With a leap from the swing, the little girl was quickly enveloped in Eric’s welcoming arms.

Snuggling against him, Joy asked, “Did you come just to see me?”

“Indeed, I did,” Eric answered, his smile broadening.

“Do you need something from me?” Joy asked, curious.

“Actually, I have something for you,” Eric replied, producing a small box from his coat pocket and flicking it open with a deft flick of his wrist.

“This is for you, Joy. What do you think?”

Her eyes lit up at the sight of the gift. “It’s beautiful!”

As she reached out tentatively, her hand paused mid–air.

“What’s the matter?” Eric asked, a curious look crossing his face. “Isn’t it to your liking?”

“I love it.” Joy quickly reassured, yet with a pause. “But Mommy said I shouldn’t accept gifts from strangers.

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maturity; her mother had clearly done

hairpin that went missing? I found this new pair for

touched by his

him to remember she liked Minnie

him. “Thank you! I really like you!”

heart swelled with a warm, affectionate glow. “And I

“May I

“Please do!”

hairpins, each poised to become a cherished

in place?” Joy

“Do I

ok nice?”

Eric confirmed with smile, his eyes soft. “Joy, you’re the prettiest girl in the

filled the air, her voice light and joyful. “Thank

“You’re most welcome.”

a pull at his heartstrings

their first encounter in Blathe, he had been aware of her frail condition,

closer connection, he considered

“Joy, you…”

“Joy!”

moment, Melba reappeared, disrupting the

“Oh, my!”

offering Eric a polite but cool smile. “Hello.”

“Hello.”

adorning Joy’s

‘she had witnessed the entire

conversing, yet Joy

“No, no!”

her hands to her hair. “He gave

“You…”

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to defuse the tension. “I gifted them to Joy. They’re simple tokens, just playful adornments for a

“But, this…”

instead turning his attention

to me.”

“Okay, goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

short distance away, Hadley observed the scene, her

for Joy… for her Joy!

More than that, Joy clearly

did it come

she overlook

Hadley

herself, “Huh? Your mom’s shoes are here. She’s back! Oh no, she’s going to be furious when she knows!”

mock puzzled look. “What’s the issue?

she joyously sprinted

responded warmly, lifting Joy into her arms and helping her out of her bulky

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