Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 282 Warm Interactions

Sophie shot a warning, "Hey, what do you guys want? Try anything funny, and I'll scream for help."

The thug just grinned, totally unfazed. "Relax, we don't want anything. Just wanna buy you a coffee."

Two guys moved in to grab her, following his lead.

Sophie took a couple of steps back, her voice shaky. "I'm not alone. My husband will be here any second."

They clearly didn't buy it and kept closing in on her.

"Honey."

Just when Sophie was freaking out, a familiar voice came from behind.

She spun around, almost relieved, and saw Richard standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, looking all chill.

His "Honey" was like a lifeline, and she dashed over to him, grabbing his arm.

"Honey, what's going on? These your friends?" Richard asked, his eyes sweeping over the group, sounding totally indifferent.

Sophie shook her head.

The guys hadn't expected anyone to show up, especially not a man. It was broad daylight, and they weren't dumb enough to cause a scene. With her "husband" there, the thug waved them off.

As they walked away, Sophie let out a sigh of relief.

Richard's teasing voice snapped her back to reality. "I'm curious, if I hadn't shown up, who were you planning to have pretend to be your husband?"

The word "pretend" made Sophie reluctantly let go of his arm.

She'd almost gotten swept up in his earlier "Honey."

How could she forget Richard had nothing to do with her? He only played along to help her out.

"I need to pick up the kids," Sophie mumbled, heading quickly towards the kindergarten just ahead.

After a bit, Richard caught up with her.

Sophie looked at him, surprised.

Wasn't he just passing by?

Richard glanced at her. "Why are you looking at me like that? I'm the kid's dad. Can't I pick up my daughter?"

Of course, he could! Sophie was surprised but also pleased.

She remembered when he first got out, he wouldn't go near Abby, refusing to admit she was his daughter.

He used to be so harsh whenever he saw Sophie and Abby, and Abby was terrified of him.

But in the past six months, Richard had changed a bit.

still be tough, but he seemed to have gotten

school was already out, and most of the kids had been picked

sitting alone, watching the door eagerly, her

felt a pang in her heart and

eyes lit up.

Sophie but stopped halfway when she saw

"Mommy" was joyful and clear, but now her "Daddy" was

up toys, heard Abby and came over with a smile. "First time I've

a bit

to Abby and gently said, "Abby, why don't you go play on the slide with the other teacher?

and was led away by

two chairs for Sophie and Richard. "Have a seat. I want to discuss

made Sophie uneasy, wondering if

teacher said, "Abby is very well-behaved and sensible, but she's too quiet. At her age, she shouldn't have any worries. They should play, cry, make mistakes, and fight over toys,

teacher pulled out two drawings from a stack and handed them over. "Look,

but

style was simple, but the

drawing's background was a bridge, with a small figure falling from it,

out to catch

smiled. "Abby titled this

recalling the

was under the bridge and saw Abby being thrown down. He didn't have time

is her dad. She said her Mommy told her that her Daddy got hurt

stared blankly at

The next

Abby to draw this

told Abby the story to help her understand that Richard loved her, hoping it would make her

depicted

holding her hands, playing on a green lawn.

Daddy. She said because Daddy never played with her and Mommy. This is her dream, not reality, so Daddy is actually

actually blank!" This

he was actually blank to her, without warmth. Sophie felt very uncomfortable seeing

Abby didn't understand, but it turned out she had kept all this inside.

outside. Abby was playing on the

smile lacks the vitality that children her age should

Abby, tears welling

mother, she hadn't

is more important than the company of their parents. I hope

again, she saw Sophie and Richard standing by the slide. She ran to Sophie, holding her hand. "Mommy, I don't want to play

the kindergarten together, Richard tried a few times to hold Abby's hand

bit, Richard suddenly said, "Let's not go

"Abby,

burger?"

didn't answer immediately; she

sensible reaction made Sophie feel heartbroken.

you,