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

Remember your hairpin that went missing? I found this new pair for you. Look, they also got

shimmered, touched by his thoughtfulness.

hadn’t expected him to remember she liked Minnie Mouse!

threw her arms around him.

a warm, affectionate glow. “And I like you very much too, Joy.”

the box. “May I put these on for

“Please do!”

each poised to

place?” Joy patted her head,

“Do I

heart ok nice?”

eyes soft.

laughter filled the air, her voice light and joyful.

“You’re most welcome.”

a pull at his heartstrings

had been aware of her frail condition,

closer connection, he considered offering his

“Joy, you…”

“Joy!”

Melba reappeared, disrupting

“Oh, my!”

swiftly scooped Joy into her arms, offering Eric a polite but

“Hello.”

Melba gestured towards the hairpins adorning Joy’s

vantage point, ‘she had

assumed they were merely conversing, yet Joy had received a gift.

“No, no!”

defensively raised her hands to her hair. “He gave them to me! I like them!”

“You…”

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assured with a reassuring smile, aiming to defuse the tension. “I gifted them to Joy. They’re simple

“But, this…”

allow Melba to continue, instead turning his attention to Joy. “I must be off now. Say

to me.”

“Okay, goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Hadley observed the scene, her expression one of

hairpins were for

that, Joy clearly had a fondness

did it come to

overlook

Hadley

muttered to herself, “Huh? Your mom’s shoes are here. She’s back!

puzzled look.

joyously sprinted into her mother’s embrace.

Joy into her arms and helping her out of her bulky coat.

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