Chapter 404
Sweet Subterfuge
Aster held the bottle of water with both hands. As he was about to drink from the opening, he froze on the spot when he heard Dylanâs question. The sparkle in his eyes disappeared for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.
âI donât have a dad,â he said calmly with a nonchalant expression. There was no hint of sadness or regret in his voice. âInstead, I have two moms. I have a very happy family.â
He intentionally emphasized the last sentence Dylan couldnât help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart when he heard this.
âI see.â Dylan patted Asterâs hair affectionately and discreetly plucked a strand from his head.
While Aster was distracted, he put the strand of hair into a small sealed bag and carefully tucked it into the hidden pocket of his suit.
The two of them played together for the entire morning.
As lunchtime approached, Dylan knew Larissa would soon come looking for Aster, so he quickly bid farewell.
âI have to leave now, but weâll definitely have the chance to play again in the future. When you meet your mom later, do not tell her I came.â
Aster asked in confusion, âWhy?â
âBecause I havenât made up with your mom yet.â Dylan cooked up a cock and bull story to explain his actions. âIf she found out that I secretly spent time playing with you, she would be furious!â
Puzzled, Aster nodded. He even made a pinky promise with Dylan to keep this a secret from Larissa.
Once Dylan got into his car, he took out his phone and made a call, âI managed to get the childâs hair. Iâm going to deliver the sample to the research lab right now.â
Larissa brought Aster to the hotel for work the next few days.
As Wendy had predicted, Aster quickly grew tired of the hotelâs play area and began to miss his friends from kindergarten However, whenever Larissa suggested sending him back to Westonia, he kicked up a fuss and âIf he really doesnât want to go back to Westonia, Iâll have to find a suitable kindergarten for him here as soon as possible.â Larissa expressed her dilemma to Wendy during a video call âHonestly, I donât want him to stay here in Bartham.â
She knew it would take at least three to five years for her to be transferred back to the headquarters.
By that time, Aster would already be in elementary school.
The primary education between schools in Caldor and overseas was significantly different.
Larissa was worried that Aster wouldnât be able to adapt to a new environment by then.
More importantly, it was inevitable that children from singleâparent families would face more discrimination in Caldor, regardless of whether their parent was a successful career woman or not.
While Aster was growing up, Larissa and Wendy protected him from the cruel reality and showered him with love so that he wouldnât feel the absence of a father.
She didnât want Aster to feel hurt because of his background.
âBut if you force him to return to Westonia, neither he nor you will be happy, right?â Wendy understood her well âYesâ Larissa sighed 111 observe him a little longer. Hopefully, he will come to terms with it.â
Larissa took a day off from work and brought Aster to the largest amusement park in the city.
From the moment they left home, Aster was unusually excited and couldnât sit still in the car.
His eyes shining brightly, Aster pressed himself against the car window and asked Larissa,â Mommy, how much longer until we get there?â
She patiently answered his question each time.
Meanwhile, Larissa felt a little guilty. This was the first time she had taken Aster for an outing since he was born.
The amusement park was located on the outskirts of the city, about a twoâhour drive away.
Larissa couldnât help feeling drowsy, but Aster remained as energetic as ever.
As soon as the car pulled to a stop, he unbuckled his seatbelt eagerly and got out of the car.
He ran over to the driverâs side and waited impatiently for Larissa.
âMommy, hurry up!â Aster urged, stomping his feet.
Aster ran around like a wild horse inside the amusement park, dragging Larissa after him.