Chapter 565

Hayes was feeling a bit anxious. He scrambled onto the bed and grabbed his writing pad, scrawling a message with such fervor that his pen practically punched through the paper, “Daddy said that Manley had a nightmare, right? We just made up with him after that big fight; we can’t let another misunderstanding get in the way. Plus… Manley’s been really generous with us too. He got you those Hello Kitty stickers and even gave me a Bumblebee action figure!”

Teresa could feel the guilt weighing on her as she read Hayes’ earnest words.

That’s right; during their previous hospital stay, their room had been so bare and boring. Out of sheer boredom, Manley had used a kid’s tablet to order takeout, even treating her to some cupcakes and her favorite stickers.

The thought of his kindness made her dislike for him waver. She sighed and turned away, sullenly fiddling with her toys.

Hayes wobbled back, clutching a Transformer toy and pushing it into Marguerite’s arms with his little voice trembling, “The… misunderstanding… is the biggest… you go talk…*

Manley had once confessed to Hayes in secret that he thought Aunt Marguerite was really soft and gentle. So, in truth, Manley actually liked Teresa’s mommy.

Hayes definitely didn’t want that so-called nightmare to cause any anger towards Marguerite.

Marguerite was touched by Hayes’ thoughtfulness. The little boy was so kind and considerate; who wouldn’t adore him?

Suddenly, Marguerite felt a pang of longing. What if Hayes were her son? How wonderful that would be! She stroked his head affectionately, her smile reassuring as she offered him a promise, “Alright, I’ll take the toy to Manley, okay?”

Hayes nodded happily, his voice soft and sweet, “Okay!”

Marguerite left the children’s bedroom and made her way to Manley’s room.

The door to Manley’s room was ajar. He was engrossed in a movie on his tablet.

When Marguerite entered, he didn’t look up, just said, “The milk’s on the coffee table; I’ll drink it after the movie.”

Marguerite paused, her tone gentle yet probing, “Manley, it’s me.”

Manley jolted in surprise, then lifted his gaze to Marguerite.

Her hair was loose, and she was still in her creamy white nightgown!

Instantly, the terrifying scene from the night before replayed in Manley’s mind.

He trembled uncontrollably, dropping the tablet and cowering in the corner, “Don’t… don’t come any closer! I didn’t bully Teresa, I’ve been in my room all night! If you hit me again…. I’m going to call Daddy…”

Manley’s reaction was baffling to Marguerite.

Why was he so afraid of her? She had never laid a finger on him!

And his behavior didn’t seem like he’d had a nightmare. It felt too real! What on earth was going on?

Marguerite took a step forward, shaking the toy in her hand, “Don’t be scared, Manley. Hayes told me you like Transformers. Here, this one’s for you.”

But Manley couldn’t care less about the toy at that moment. His whole body was shaking. he was the picture of misery, “Get out! Just get out! Don’t try to buy me off with toys! You’re just a… you’re just a