Chapter 84 084
LAYING sprawled on the wide expanse of his bed was Adrian, one arm tucked beneath his head, the other holding his phone above his face. The screen glowed faintly in the dimness of the room, and there she was— Hazel. His daughter’s bright smile filled the frame, her hair pulled into two neat braids that bounced whenever she tilted her head.
“Daddy!” she squealed, waving at the camera as though he wasn’t already looking right at her.
Adrian’s lips curved faintly, the first real smile he had managed all day.
“Hey, pumpkin. How is my girl?”
“I’m fine! Guess what?” Hazel leaned close to the screen, her eyes twinkling.
Adrian chuckled softly.
“Hmm… you finally beat your friend Sophie in that spelling competition?”
Hazel gasped, covering her mouth in mock drama.
“Daddy! How did you know?”
“Because I know my daughter,” Adrian said, his voice warm with pride. “Sharp as a tack.”
Hazel giggled, but then her eyes narrowed a little. She tilted her head, studying her father’s face on the screen.
“Daddy… why do you look so tired? Your eyes look funny.”
Adrian blinked, immediately trying to adjust his expression. He ran a hand over his face, forcing another smile.
“It is nothing, pumpkin. Just… work.”
“Are you sure?” Hazel pressed, her small voice tinged with concern. “Because you look… sad. Not just tired.”
He let out a low laugh, shaking his head.
“Of course, baby I’m sure. Don’t worry about Daddy, okay? Daddy is strong. Just a long day at the office, that is all.”
Hazel pursed her lips, unconvinced.
“Hmm… okay. But promise me something?”
“Anything.”
“Don’t let work stress you too much. You always tell me to rest after school, so you should rest too. Promise?”
Adrian’s chest tightened at the innocence in her tone.
“Promise, pumpkin,” he said softly.
“Good,” Hazel nodded, satisfied. Then her face lit up again. “Oh! You wanna hear what I did in school today?”
Adrian shifted on the bed, propping himself up slightly, giving her his full attention.
“Tell me everything. I'm all ears, my baby.”
“Well,” Hazel began, excitement bubbling in her voice, “I got first place in math again— Miss Rivera even said I solved the problem faster than anyone else. And then, in art class, my drawing of the rainbow got put on the board for everyone to see. And—” she giggled, “I got picked to be class monitor for next week!”
Adrian’s eyes softened with pride.
“Hazel, that is amazing. My girl is a genius and an artist? Look at you. I’m so proud of you.”
She grinned so wide her cheeks puffed up.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“You keep this up, pumpkin, and I will have to build you your own company sooner than I thought.” His tone carried playful teasing, but his eyes shimmered with sincerity.
Hazel giggled again, covering her face shyly. Then, for a few moments, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched, not uncomfortable, but heavy. Adrian stared at her, his thumb frozen against the edge of the phone, as though debating something deep inside him.
Hazel, perceptive beyond her years, leaned forward.
“Daddy? You look like you want to say something.”
Adrian blinked, caught off guard.
“Er… not really, I…” He cleared his throat, stalling, his words tumbling out unevenly. “I was just— uh— it is nothing.”
“Daddy,” Hazel pressed gently, “do you have something to say?”
Adrian’s jaw worked as though he were weighing the risk of words against silence. Finally, the restraint gave way, his voice low, almost hesitant.
“Hazel…” he began, the weight in his chest spilling into his tone. “How is your mom?” he asked.