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.

tough, but he seemed to have

earlier delay, school was already out, and most of

Sophie saw Abby sitting alone, watching the door eagerly, her little

in her heart and quickly

lit

ran towards Sophie but stopped halfway when she saw Richard behind her.

but now her "Daddy" was timid and

and came over with a smile. "First time I've seen

felt a

teacher knelt next to Abby and gently said, "Abby, why don't you go play on the slide with the other teacher? I need to talk to your

led away by

Richard. "Have a seat. I want

teacher's sudden request made Sophie uneasy, wondering if Abby had

very well-behaved and sensible, but she's too quiet. At 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

couldn't help but look at the

drawing style was simple, but the

was a bridge, with a small figure

below reaching out to catch

smiled. "Abby titled this drawing

recalling the scene when

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

is her dad. She said her Mommy

stared blankly

uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on

expected Abby

Abby the story to help her understand that Richard loved her, hoping it would make her feel less distant

drawing depicted Daddy, Mommy,

holding her hands, playing on a green lawn. Everything

said, "I asked Abby why she didn't color Daddy. She said because Daddy never played with her and Mommy.

actually blank!" This

blank to her, without warmth. Sophie felt very uncomfortable seeing this

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

outside. Abby was playing on the slide

her age should have. This isn't the state she

tears welling up

heartbroken and guilty. As a mother, she hadn't realized Abby

than the company of their parents. I hope you can spend more time with her, giving her a healthy

Abby slid down again, she saw Sophie and Richard standing by the slide. She ran to Sophie, holding her hand. "Mommy, I

they walked out of the kindergarten together, Richard tried a

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

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

burger?"

didn't answer immediately; she looked

reaction made Sophie feel heartbroken.

to you, why don't you