Chapter 94

Chapter 94
"I have something to show you, Mommy," she exclaimed.

“What is it, Cleo?” I asked, my interest piqued by her enthusiasm.

“Just a moment, Mom,” she replied.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I watched as Cleo knelt down on the floor, opening her small suitcase filled with clothes, and began rummaging around inside, a frown creasing her forehead.

"I told Daddy to put it here, but why can't I find it?" she grumbled under her breath.

"Do you want me to help you, sweetie?" I offered.

"Thank you, Mommy, but no. You shouldn't see it. I want it to be a surprise for you," she replied, dismissing my offer with a wave of her hand.

The way she gestured with her fingers only added to her adorable charm. I couldn't help but smile to myself.

"I found it at last!" she exclaimed, jumping up and down, holding the photo album close to her chest. "This is Daddy's treasure, and he entrusted me with taking good care of it.”

“A treasure? That must have cost a fortune,” I teased her.

"Its value is priceless, and no amount of money in the world could ever purchase this treasure.” She responded proudly.

"Come sit next to me, my sweetie," I patted the space beside me. "Let's go through the photo album together."

Cleo nodded.

I lifted her and gently placed her on the bed.

"Can you tell me about that, honey?" I pointed at the photo album she held tightly in her small arms. I reached out to brush the strands of hair away from her face and tucked them behind her ears.

"It's full of Mommy and Daddy's precious memories," she beamed at me. I was caught off guard. I never imagined that Crimson would still hold onto pictures of us and even organize them in a photo album. I used to have pictures of us as well, but sadly, they all turned to ashes when our ancestral house burned down.

I cleared my throat to try to ease the tightness I felt.

“Daddy says he treasures it very much. Suh-les-teen tried to burn it many times, but Daddy saved it each time. There was even a time when the witch ordered a servant to steal it, and Father got so mad that they had a fight. Suh-les-teen was very angry too, but Daddy was even more enraged and ordered her to leave. She did leave, and she didn't come home for a week. That one week was the best time of my life. I even wished that she would take a one-year vacation because life's much better without her.”

Cleo opened the photo album with great care, as if afraid it might crumple or tear if not handled gently.

As I focused on the photo album now resting in my lap, I turned the pages to view the pictures. A wave of nostalgia washed over me, but I managed to keep my composure.

In the photo, I was dressed in my school uniform, captured during my graduation. Crimson stood beside me, a broad smile stretching across his handsome face as he had his arms wrapped around my waist.

“Daddy mentioned that this memory is one of his most cherished because it was the first time you let him kiss you. Look at that smile, Mommy. Daddy looks as if he just won the lottery.”

I chuckled softly, the memory flooding back to me. "Yes, I remember that day. It was a special moment for both of us."

Cleo turned the page, revealing another picture. This time, it was a snapshot of us on a beach, the sun setting behind us.

"This was when we went on our first vacation," I explained, pointing to the picture.

“Daddy and Mommy looked so happy in the picture,” Cleo observed.

Tears welled up in my eyes, remembering the joy and love that radiated from that moment captured in the photo. It was a time when everything felt perfect and full of promise.

Cleo turned to another page. “Look, Mommy, there's another beautiful picture.” The image was taken at a party thrown by a mutual friend.

Each picture brought a smile to my face, whisking me back to those wonderful moments when we were young and carefree, believing that we would stay together until our hair turned gray.

Cleo finally closed the photo album, clutching it to her chest. "This is Daddy's treasure, Mommy. He said it reminds him of the wonderful past."

I pulled her into a tight hug, tears falling freely now. "Thank you for showing it to me, sweetie.”

“Are you happy, Mommy?”

“Of course I am.”

"Why are you crying?" Cleo inquired, her temples furrowed in concern. She gently reached out to touch my cheeks and wipe away the tears with her delicate hands.

“I’m crying because I miss the old times. But seeing these pictures and reminiscing about our past brings me joy and gratitude for the memories your father and I once shared together. I wish that I could bring it back. However, it's in the past now. I can always look back, but I can never go back.”

“Mommy, you're right that we can't go back in time. But we can still make new memories—new moments that we can look back on fondly in the years to come," she said, a hopeful smile spreading across her face. "You just have to give Daddy a chance.”

Could I truly give Crimson another chance, despite the pain and hurt that lingered from our past? Could I open my heart once more to the man who had once been my everything?

But a voice inside me answered that I couldn't. I was afraid of making the same mistake twice and getting hurt again.

“I know deep down that Daddy truly cares for you, Mommy. Please consider giving him another chance. I truly believe it will bring happiness to both of you.”

I sighed and stood up from the bed, "I would like you to meet someone.” I told her, changing the topic.

"Who is it, Mommy?" she asked, her eyes wide.

“It's Mommy's brother… your uncle. But before you meet him, promise me one thing. Don't tell anyone that he's my brother. It's a secret for now.”

“I promise Mommy.”

I assisted Cleo in getting down from the bed, holding her hand as we made our way out of the room and walked through the long hallway of the hotel.

Louis was in the lobby. His face lit up when he saw me.

"Cleo, this is your uncle. Say hello to him.”

Louis's eyes widened in surprise as he looked down at the child. "Hello, Cleo. It's a pleasure to meet you," he said warmly, extending his hand towards her.

Cleo, however, was still feeling a bit shy and hid behind me, peeking out with curiosity in her eyes.

“She's a little shy, but she'll warm up to you soon enough,” I assured my brother, patting her head affectionately. “It's her first time seeing you, so she must be a little overwhelmed.”

"I'm your mother's brother. You look so cute, just like a mini version of your mom.”

The child slowly stepped out from her hiding place, her hand reaching out tentatively to shake Louis's hand. Before long, her shyness began to fade away.

“You look handsome… You also have green eyes and blonde hair like Mommy,” she mumbled under her breath, her eyes surveying his face.

Louis's laughter filled the lobby, a genuine and warm sound that made every passing girl look at him admiringly.

“Gosh, how could you be so adorable? You're such a sweetheart," he said, ruffling the child's hair affectionately. "I'm glad to finally meet you."

My daughter giggled, her green eyes sparkling with delight. I watched the interaction between my brother and my daughter, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment wash over me.

“Are you feeling hungry? Would you like something to eat?”

“I'm not hungry, Uncle. But… Cleo would like some cake.”

Louis chuckled. "Well, if Cleo wants cake, then cake she shall have! Let's go to the restaurant and treat ourselves to some delicious desserts."

The child's eyes lit up at the mention of cake, and she eagerly grabbed onto Louis's hand, her excitement palpable.