Chapter 167:

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Kelly’s POV

I held my breath as I entered Anderson’s mansion. Snow immediately greeted me with a kiss and a hug, and I did the same. She was going home with me tonight because, just yesterday, she called me using her father’s phone and told me she missed me. I still can’t forget how shocked I was when I received a text message from Pierce yesterday.

“Let his ass go crazy looking for me,” Emily said, lying on the long couch and eating an apple.

I was cooking our dinner when she came home looking so happy and satisfied. I don’t know exactly what happened, but it was clear it had something to do with Klay.

News about Klay’s syndicate organization had been exposed to the authorities, and several members had already been arrested. Emily was obviously involved, but I didn’t think it was all because of her.

I remembered what Klay had told me in the fast food restaurant—he said he needed to do something before surrendering to the police. I think he’s trying to take down his own organization, and I know it involves a lot of powerful people.

I turned off the stove and sat on the single couch beside the long couch. My phone buzzed with an unread message, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Pierce’s name on the screen. Distracted, I glanced at Emily before opening the message. I almost choked on my saliva when I read it.

‘I miss you…’

My heart began hammering inside my chest, and I became even more distracted. Emily noticed and, worried, grabbed my phone from my hands. But when she read the message, she raised an eyebrow and smirked.

“What’s this behavior?”

My cheeks flushed, and I didn’t know how to respond. Pierce and I weren’t on good terms, so I had no idea why he would send me a message like that. Was he drunk?

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Emily scoffed, shaking her head, as she handed my phone back to me. “Stop daydreaming, Kelly. It’s not from your loverboy.”

“Huh?” I accepted the phone and saw a new message.

My lips parted in surprise, and I blinked multiple times, trying to regain my composure. Emily was right. The message wasn’t from Pierce at all.

‘I miss you, mommy.’

Embarrassment washed over me as I looked up and saw Pierce walking down the stairs, carrying Snow’s small bag. The pink, Barbie-printed bag didn’t quite suit his strong, dark aura. His slightly wet hair only made him look even more attractive.

“Mommy, why didn’t you reply to me?”

I bit my bottom lip and glanced at Snow before returning my gaze to Pierce. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to stare at his face.

“Mommy, don’t stare at daddy. Talk to me.”

Snow’s higher-pitched voice, along with her palms on my cheek, snapped me out of my thoughts.

I turned to look at her, smiling nervously. My heart skipped a beat when Pierce’s gaze landed on me.

“Let’s go, pumpkin. Do you want to go to the park first?”

Snow’s eyes twinkled. “Yes! Daddy, we’re going to the park. Come with us!”

I looked at Pierce as he started walking toward us. I was sure he’d decline, given how angry he’d been with me, but I was shocked when he picked up Snow and smiled at her as he said, “Of course, princess.

Daddy would love to go to the park with you.”

Snow clapped her hands, looking at me. “Mommy?”

Their gazes were on me, and I felt pressured to nod, even though I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to join us. I wouldn’t be able to act freely, constantly thinking about him, and that would be so awkward.

I flinched when Pierce’s eyes dropped to me.

“I’ll drive you home.”

I tilted my head, hesitant. “I brought my car.”

He nodded. “Give me the key. I’ll drive it.”

I stared at him. “What about later? When you’re going home?”

“Why don’t you sleep with us, daddy?”

We both turned to Snow. I could feel it—she was still trying to pair me with her daddy.

“Daddy can’t stay with you tonight, princess. But soon, we’ll all live in the same house.”

Snow gasped excitedly. “Really? With mommy?”

Pierce smiled and kissed her cheek. I bit my bottom lip while watching them. It didn’t take long before we decided to leave.

But before that, I went to greet Mrs. Anderson, who had been watching us with softness in her eyes. I had been so absorbed in my daughter and her father that I’d forgotten to greet her.

“Take care, Kelly. I hope you can spend more time with us soon.”

I smiled at her and nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She nodded and kissed my cheek before I followed Pierce and Snow to the garage. Mrs. Anderson stood by the door, watching us as Pierce opened the passenger door for me.

But it’s safer for her that way, so I think that’s the reason.

“What park?”

I looked at him as I buckled my seat belt. “Uh… The Greens.”

He nodded and started the engine. Snow started singing in the back and I couldn’t help but join in. She enjoyed it and so did I. We reached the park and stayed there for almost two hours when it suddenly started to rain. Emily’s apartment, where I live, is closer, so we went there. It’s still awkward, but I invited Pierce in.

“Rain, rain, go away…” Snow sang sleepily until she fell asleep completely. Pierce carried her to the bedroom and went back to the living room where I was waiting.

The rain hasn’t stopped and I don’t think it’s going to stop tonight, I didn’t check the weather but there was a warning of sudden heavy rain tonight.

I’ll go.”

I pulled myself up immediately. “Stay for tonight.”

I saw him stiffen as I stared at his back. I pressed my lips together and cleared my throat. “Emily’s not going home tonight. You can sleep with Snow and I’ll sleep in Emily’s room.”

I expected him to refuse, but when he slowly turned to face me, I felt my breath catch.

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