?Chapter 1292:


    Jerome’s gaze lingered on her hand, still clutching Jasper’s. His delicate brows drew together ever so slightly, a silent protest written on his face.


    Nina, however, remained oblivious. In her eyes, Jerome was already her best friend. Jasper, on the other hand, was still a new friend finding his ce in the room. To her, hospitality came first—and Jasper looked like he needed a little more warmth.


    “Here are your party hats,” Nina announced, cing one on Jasper’s head and the other on Jerome’s. Her smile could have lit up the whole room.


    What followed was the ssic birthday ritual: candles flickering, a song full of off-key sweetness, and wishes whispered into the mes.


    Nina was in her element, her joy spilling over like sunlight through open windows.


    Later on, she wouldn’t stop pestering Freya and Ellis to take photos.


    Noticing Jasper still seemed a bit distant, she pulled him into the frame with determined cheer, even pulling funny faces to break the ice.


    Jasper had never met a little girl quite like Nina—so warm, so unafraid. Eventually, her joy melted his icy reserve. The children were soonughing together, tangled in y.


    Well, almost all of them.


    Jesse remained the exception. Calm,posed, and detached—as though he carried the soul of someone far older than four.


    Watching the kids dart around, Freya approached him. “Why don’t you go y with them?” she asked.


    Jesse replied without a hint of hesitation, “Nina alone can keep thempany.” It wasn’t just two kids. Even with a whole troop of quiet children, Nina had a way of setting the room aglow.


    “I’m heading upstairs to read,” Jesse added. “Let me know if you need me.”


    Freya stretched out her arms. “At least give me a hug before you go.”


    At that, Jesse’s eyes sparkled, and he wrapped his arms around her without hesitation.


    Lаτ??τ ch?ρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?ls.??????


    Only in Freya’s embrace did he look like a child his age.


    After the hug, he turned and made his way upstairs.


    Ellis came over, and Freya sighed softly. “Sometimes I worry Jesse’s growing up too fast. Do you think he’ll regret missing out on a carefree childhood?”


    After all, childhood should be the most worry-free chapter of life: a patchwork ofughter, scraped knees, and wild imagination. But Jesse…


    “He won’t,” Ellis said with certainty, a father’s quiet faith in his son. “His maturity isn’t something forced—it’s just who he is. There’s nothing wrong with that.”


    “Really?” Freya asked, unsure. After all, her experience with children was limited. When she’d watched Ethel grow up, the girl had been all giggles and games, like most children.


    “Have I ever lied to you?” Ellis asked with a small smile as he eased down beside her and pulled her into his arms.


    Freya paused, thinking. It seemed… no, he never had.


    While they sat wrapped in quiet conversation, Nina was outside with the two boys, still full of energy. Donna stood nearby, engaged in a phone call.


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