Chapter 496 Calliope: Loving Nicole with Her Life
Octavius's face twisted when he heard those words.
He knew Calliope couldn't have kids. He also knew why, but he never brought it up.
Honestly, he didn't care much about it.
When Calliope mentioned it, he felt even less interested. After a moment, he gently moved his wife's hand off him and said, "It's late. Let's get some sleep."
Calliope lay down, feeling awkward.
She came from a rough background and always felt a bit beneath her husband.
But tonight, she really wanted a child, a sweet little girl like Nicole.
She really wanted it.
In the dark, she held her husband's hand and softly pleaded, "Octavius, that kid tonight isn't Mr. and Mrs. Windsor's biological daughter. They have a son, and Mrs. Windsor is pregnant again. She's still young and might have more kids in the future."
Octavius guessed what she was getting at. He put his hand behind his head and asked quietly, "You want to adopt that little girl?"
Calliope looked hopeful.
But Octavius shook his head. "You saw how Oliver treated that kid tonight. He sees her as his own. There's no way he'd give her up for adoption. Don't even think about it."
Calliope tried to argue, "I would treat her as my own too."
Octavius's mood lightened a bit.
He turned to her, gently playing with her hand, and teased, "If you really want a kid, we can adopt a cute one."
But Calliope didn't want that.
She was set on adopting Nicole, feeling a special connection with the child.
By now, Octavius had lost interest in the conversation.
He just wanted to satisfy his desires.
Everything was quiet.
The small mansion was brightly lit.
Oliver had to leave for Evergreen City early the next morning. He didn't want to sleep, spending the night checking on his two kids. He was tender and loving with both of them.
Of course, he was most reluctant to leave Sarah.
The bedroom was decorated in a French style, with luxurious and comfortable gilded sofas and brocade upholstery. Sarah, wearing a white bathrobe, leaned against her husband's chest.
With their parting imminent, the couple had endless things to say.
Sarah nestled against his neck, whispering, "If only we could stay like this forever, without any dangers, never having to part again."
Oliver stroked her hair, his voice gentle, "Of course we will! We have Jacob and Nicole, and the baby you're carrying. Sarah, I promise, I will never put myself in danger."
Despite his promise, how could Sarah be at ease?
She barely slept that night, feeling like dawn came too soon.
The morning light softly filled the bedroom.
Sarah's long lashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes, looking into Oliver's gaze. He was gently caressing her swollen belly, his voice hoarse, "I have to go back to Evergreen City."
Sarah looked up at him.
Just waking up, she had a fragile beauty.
Oliver's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily. Finally, he leaned down and kissed her forehead. As he got up to button his shirt, Sarah rose too, standing in front of him to help.
Oliver was reluctant, "You should sleep a bit more. I'll check on the kids later."
But Sarah insisted on helping him dress.
Then, she stood against his chest, silent for a long time.
Oliver gently touched her belly, then went to hug the children. Jacob was sound asleep, and Nicole's little bottom was adorably bouncy.
His eyes grew warm with reluctance, but he had to leave.
Early morning.
A black car slowly drove through the mist, leaving the Everhart Residence.
Sarah, wrapped in a coat, stood quietly on the balcony, watching her husband leave until the car was out of sight.
Her eyes were slightly wet, but her expression was resolute.
When they got married, their invitation read: "Hand in hand, growing old together."
She and Oliver would be happy together forever!
They lived apart.
Oliver was busy fighting Matthew, while Sarah expanded her social network in Evergreen City, thriving with Sofia's frequent updates. They kept in touch, and the distance added a sweet longing to their days.
Jacob started school.
Nicole, still young and uninterested in studying, had a tutor at home. Sarah also taught her during her free time, but Nicole found learning difficult.
Over time, Sarah came to accept it.
Oliver was swamped with work.
He rarely visited, sometimes only staying a night or even just a couple of hours, chatting briefly with Octavius before rushing back to Evergreen City.
Sarah missed him but mostly felt worried.
Calliope visited often.
She was great at making snacks, frequently bringing some for the kids. Nicole liked her and always greeted her warmly, even letting Calliope hold her.
Calliope hesitated for a long time but couldn't hold back.
In May, the weather was hot.
Sarah was seven months pregnant, with two months to go until her due date. Fortunately, she had a good appetite, and this pregnancy made her skin glow, though she remained slender overall.
Calliope kept her company, chatting in the living room.
Nicole sat nearby, drawing diligently.
Calliope adored her.
After much hesitation, she finally spoke, "Nicole is such a lovely child! Octavius and I always regret not having any children."
Sarah smiled, "With your and Octavius's resources, adopting a child should be easy."
Calliope paused.
Then she spoke directly, "I've discussed it with Octavius many times. We want to adopt Nicole. I know Mr. Windsor and you would be reluctant, but I promise we would treat her well."
Tears glistened in Calliope's eyes.
She truly loved Nicole.
Nicole seemed to understand a bit, staring at them.
"Mommy."
Nicole called out, like a pitiful kitten, then she stopped drawing and clung tightly to Sarah, "I don't want other parents."
"You won't." Sarah gently stroked her head, comforting her for a long time.
Finally, she looked at Calliope and reasoned, "Calliope, you must know the situation to dare ask me this. Since you've brought it up, I'll be honest. Adoption is impossible. Not just Oliver, but I would never agree. I won't trade her for any benefit."
Holding Nicole close, She whispered, "Her last name is Windsor. Her father and I love her very much."
Calliope felt disappointed but forced a smile, patting Nicole's head.
Nicole looked timid.
This incident strained the relationship between the two families, and Calliope visited less often.
In June, early summer.
The situation in Evergreen City was tense, like a powder keg ready to explode.
The Moore family was on the brink of collapse.
Oliver was close to victory but busier than ever, sometimes missing their daily calls. Sarah understood and didn't blame him.
But after June 10th, Oliver disappeared.
Zoey couldn't reach him either.
48 hours later.
Sarah called Sofia, deciding to return to Evergreen City, "At this point, whether it's the Windsor Group or dealing with Matthew, I have to take over."
But Sofia disagreed.
She gently advised, "Mr. Windsor's car was found by the roadside, intact, indicating he's safe. Rushing back to Evergreen City won't help. I suggest you stay in Harmony City and keep a close watch on Octavius and his wife to prevent them from betraying us again."
When Sarah heard Sofia's words, she understood and thanked her softly. "I was so anxious I forgot that Harmony City, where Octavius is, is Oliver's stronghold! Sofia, please help find Oliver in Evergreen City. I'll stay in Harmony City to manage the situation."
Sofia assured her, promising to do her best.
On June 15th.
In Evergreen City, those who had supported Oliver began to waver, easing the pressure on Matthew.
Sarah suspected Octavius had made another deal with Matthew.
Octavius wanted to take control.
Sarah wanted to see Octavius, but Calliope told her, "Octavius hasn't been home for half a month. He doesn't answer my calls either. I'm sorry, Mrs. Windsor."
Sarah inquired about his whereabouts, but Calliope dodged the question, refusing to answer, and Sarah was left at a loss.
The small parlor door opened gently.
Nicole ran in, throwing herself into Calliope's arms, asking softly, "Do I not have a daddy anymore? Is daddy going to die?"
Soft little Nicole, clinging to her.
Calliope's heart felt like it was breaking!
After much hesitation, truly risking everything for this child, she told Sarah, "There's a business dinner tonight. Octavius should be there! I have an invitation. If you take it, no one will stop you. Just say Calliope invited you."
Sarah thanked her with tears in her eyes.
Her voice choked with emotion, "Thank you! I will repay this kindness if I get the chance."