?<strong>Chapter 1047:</strong>


    “No. I just wonder why my daddy hasn’te to see me. Does he not like me? Does he not want to see me?”


    Kallie considered this carefully before responding.


    “Perhaps your daddy needs to rest. He has a busy day at the office tomorrow.”


    Elma murmured, “That’s not true. He just doesn’t want to see me.”


    As Elma’s words hung in the air, a shadow loomed suddenly over her.


    Jake nced at Elma, who sat pouting and grumbling, her arms crossed in defiance. He felt a mix of amusement and exasperation bubbling up inside him. For the past few days, he’d spent nearly every moment with her, giving her his full attention. He probably wouldn’t have left her side if it weren’t for hismitments.


    Jake wasn’t exactly known for his patience, but somehow, Elma had managed to bring it out of him. Yet now, with Kallie back in the picture, he suddenly found himself beingbeled as the neglectful father. The usation felt painfully unjust.


    “Elma, repeat that,” Jake said through gritted teeth, his tone carrying a faint edge of warning.


    Elma immediately darted into Kallie’s arms, burying her face against her chest with exaggerated drama.


    “Mom, did you see that? Dad’s so mean to me! He doesn’t even like me.”


    Kallie turned to re at Jake, but her stern expression faltered the moment their eyes met. The tension between them grew palpable, filling the room with an awkward silence.


    With a sigh, Kallie’s re softened, and her anger dissipated. She gently patted Elma’s head, speaking calmly.


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    “That’s not true, Elma. Don’t say things like that again, okay?”


    Elma nestled further into Kallie’s embrace, though she reached out toward Jake with a yful pout.


    “Daddy, I want a hug.”


    Jake hesitated, leaning slightly toward Elma. But with Elma sprawled across Kallie’s arms, there was no way to avoid brushing against Kallie.


    Kallie realized this as well and tried to shift Elma’s position.


    “Sit up first, sweetheart. It’ll be easier that way.”


    But Elma wasn’t having it. She shook her head vehemently, her curls bouncing.


    “No! I want to hug you two at the same time!”


    Feigning sternness, Kallie pinched Elma’s cheek lightly, though her eyes betrayed little anger.


    “Elma, behave. Otherwise, I’ll get upset.”


    Tears brimmed in Elma’s eyes.


    “Mom, I don’t feel good. My body aches, my head spins, and I have nightmares when I sleep. If you and daddy stay with me, I’ll feel better. Don’t you want me to feel better?”


    Kallie couldn’t bring herself to say no. However, she cast a nce at Jake, who sat rigidly across from them, his face unreadable, as though he were determined to maintain his emotional distance. Despite her own feelings toward Jake, Kallie was uncertain whether he would reciprocate them. Before understanding his feelings for her, she preferred not to put herself in an ufortable position.


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