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 used to calling Abby

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

the window, Sophie saw Abby sitting alone,

pang in her heart and quickly walked

eyes lit

Sophie but stopped halfway when she saw

but now her "Daddy" was

up toys, heard Abby and came over with a smile. "First

a bit

go play on the slide with the other teacher? I

nodded and was led away

Richard. "Have a seat. I want to discuss Abby's situation with you. I'm sure you want to know

sudden request made Sophie uneasy, wondering if Abby

her age, she shouldn't have any worries. They should play, cry, make

stack and handed them over. "Look, these are Abby's drawings. Richard, you're in a lot

but look at the

child's drawing style was simple, but the meaning was

was a bridge, with a small

out to catch

teacher smiled. "Abby titled this

was moved, recalling the scene

bridge and saw Abby being thrown down. He didn't have time to think; catching her

and this is her dad. She said her Mommy told her that her Daddy got hurt saving her, so she thinks Daddy is

blankly at the

The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively

Abby

her understand that Richard loved her, hoping it would make her feel less

drawing depicted

her hands, playing on a green lawn. Everything was

asked Abby why she didn't color Daddy. She said because Daddy never

actually blank!" This sentence

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

it turned out she had kept all this inside. The teacher

up and looked outside. Abby was playing on

but her smile lacks the vitality that children her age should have. This isn't

looked at Abby, tears

felt heartbroken and guilty. As a mother, she

young, and there's time to change things. For children, no toy is more important than the company of their parents. I

by the slide. She ran to Sophie, holding her hand. "Mommy, I

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

suddenly said, "Let's

squatted down and said to Abby, "Abby, how about Daddy

burger?"

answer immediately;

made Sophie feel heartbroken. She gently said,

to you, why don't you