Chapter 23
Ethan stood at a distance, quietly observing the little boy join the other kids with a gentle smile. It was a
rare moment of warmth and innocence that he cherished. Seeing Liam take a liking to him felt like a
small
victory.
The connection he was forming with this little boy was something he hadn’t experienced before, and it
made him feel better, lighter, and oddly hopeful.
“Maybe I’m notpletely lost,” Ethan mused to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. For a man
who had spent most of his life in boardrooms and cold, unemotional office spaces, this newfound
connection with a child was both surprising and heartening. To have a child genuinely like him was a
heartwarming, something he rarely. encountered in his high-stakes life.
Ethan found himself appreciating the change of scenery, having momentarily escaped from his
imposing and unfeeling office. It was worth it. Here, amidst theughter and innocence of children, he
found a sense of peace he seldom encountered.
His hand sl*pped his hand into his jeans pocket, the sensation unfamiliar. He rarely wore anything other
than suits, and the casual attire he had chosen for this asion reminded him of the life he had left
behind, even if just temporarily. Retrieving Liam’s drawing, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the
endearing, albeit unrecognizable, depiction of himself.
He examined the childish doodle, admittedly, Liam showed remarkable artistic talent, even surpassing
the abilities of most children his age. Ethan’s smile widened as he marveled at the child’s creativity.
It was an unexpected and delightful discovery
“You’re so lucky, Hazel,” he thought wistfully. In that moment, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy
for the life she had with her children a life filled with innocence,ughter, and moments like these. His
heart heavy with longing for the simple joys that seemed elusive in his life.
Ethan made a menta l note to create more opportunities for outings and field trips for the children. He
envisioned a special corner where Liam could find peace and quiet whenever he needed it, a serene
spot away from the noisy bustle of the other kids.
Axel couldn’t help but observe Ethan closely as his boss sat in his office. There was something
extraordinary about the smile that graced Ethan’s face. It was a rare sight to see Ethan in such high
spirits. He had returned. to the office after making strange demands and changing into casual clothing.
It was evident that something had happened to put his boss in an unusually contented mood and happy
mood.
Ethan settled back into his chair, a small but genuine smile still ying on his l*ps as he held a piece of
paper in his hands. The paper revealed a child’s doodling, and Axel couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow,
his curiosity piqued.
“It’s a drawing of me. Liam made it,” Ethan answered Axel’s questioning. gaze with a soft chuckle. The
fact that Liam had made a drawing of his boss was
intriguing, and it seemed to have brought unexpected joy to Ethan’s day.
Ethan’s mood shifted suddenly as he refocused on business matters. “When is the J.T mall inspection
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date?” he inquired after summoning Axel back to his office.
“It’s next week,” Axel replied.
“Tell them not to bother. I’ll do it myself,” Ethan dered, his decision made in that moment. He stood
up and began to put on his suit, a clear indication that he intended to handle the mall inspection
immediately.
“Right now?” Axel queried, his brows furrowed in mild astonishment at the abrupt alteration of their
schedule.
“Right now,” Ethan affirmed firmly, the tone of his voice leaving no room for further discussion. It was
evident that he was determined to proceed. without dy.
Axel acknowledged Ethan’s decision with a slow nod, though he couldn’t help but find it somewhat
unusual. Over the past four years, Ethan had been known for his meticulous nning and adherence
to schedules, not one to deviate from the routines he set for himself and others. Yet, here. he was,
making sudden changes to their ns, disrupting importantmitments along the way.
Following this unexpected shift, they embarked on a whirlwind tour of thepany’s shopping malls,
with Axel closely trailing behind Ethan, apanied by managers and other staff members. Tension
hung in the air as they watched their boss. It was an unusual sight because typically, such inspections
were conducted by a dedicated team under Ethan’s
supervision.
What added to the confusion was Ethan’s particr focus on the children’s store within the mall. This
deviation from his usual routine left everyone intrigued, wondering about the reason behind this change
in their CEO’s behavior.
“I’ll just take a look. Get back to work,” Ethan ordered, waving away the many workers who had been
following him closely. As he turned, he nearly bumped into the store manager, who had been standing
nearby. With a slight bow, the workers retreated, leaving Ethan and Axel alone at that end of the store.
Ethan paused when he spotted a kids’ painting set that appeared beautiful and unique. He approached
it, picking it up immediately. An idea formed in his mind this would make a wonderful gift for Liam.
“Boss,” Axel cautioned, almost as if he could read Ethan’s thoughts..
Ethan sighed, his expression softening. “I know. I can’t buy them toys or anything like a father would
because, to them, I’m nob*dy,” he said, his voice carrying a tinge of sadness.
“Here’s a n,” Ethan continued, his tone growing decisive as he walked. away, still holding the paint
set. “Let’s find out what all the kids in the kindergarten love to do, then we’ll arrange gifts that align with
their hobbies for each of them.”
Axel sighed. Lately, his boss had been giving him unusual tasks, all because of those adorable little
munchkins who had managed to crac k through Ethan’s seemingly imprable exterior.
“If they were your kids, life would be so much easier,” Axel mused to himself as he watched Ethan
admire the paint set and select a matching drawing set. It was hard to ignore the striking resemnce
between. Ethan and Liam, not just in looks but in temperament as well. Moreover, the deep connection
Ethan had formed with the kids was undeniable. These days, their boss seemed more human, less
snappy and brooding than before. Axel felt a newfound ease in their working rtionship after over four
years of working together.
Ethan, holding the paint set in one hand and another exquisite toy that left Axel baffled, exited the store
with an evident sense of satisfaction. Axel couldn’t help but mutter to himself, “Great, more extra work.”
As they left, the manager of the mall approached Axel, his nervousness
palpable. This was the first time the big boss himself had conducted an inspection. “Is the inspection
over?” he asked anxiously.
“Apparently,” Axel replied, his gaze fixed on his boss’s retreating figure. It was clear that Ethan had
“I need a set of toys suitable for kids aged four to seven,” Axel ryed Ethan’s request to the mall
manager.
The man immediately sprang into action, grateful and relieved, albeit puzzled by the CEO’s unexpected
choices. After all, Ethan had only entered one store, the toy store.
“Please deliver them to this address,” Axel instructed as he scribbled the details on a piece of paper
and handed it to the manager.
As Hazel walked into the kindergarten,to pick her kids up, her eyes widened in astonishment. The
normally well-organized y area was now transformed into a colorful sea of new toys. Liam was
clutching an exquisite paint and drawing set, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Meanwhile, Daisy held
onto a colossal dollhouse that was nearly as tall as she was.
Devin, noticing Hazel’s surprise smiled warmly. He approached her, eager to exin the unexpected
gift bonanza. “Hazel,” he began, “the school ismitted to nurturing the creative passions of its young
students. Today, we decided to surprise the children with these wonderful gifts to encourage their
artistic and imaginative sides.” He receited the words Axel had told him in order not to rouse suspicion.
Hazel was momentarily taken aback by the generosity and
thoughtfulness of the kindergarten management. “Wow,” she managed to utter, her appreciation
mirrored in her wide-eyed gaze. The toys were clearly not just your average ythings; they were high-
quality, educational, and undoubtedly expensive.
However, Liam, always the inquisitive one, sensed the perfect opportunity to divert his mother’s
attention. With a sad pout, he presented his wounded leg as if on cue. “Mommy, I hurt my leg,” he
announced, looking up at her with a touch In hope of aforting embrace.
Hazel, juggling her emotions between surprise and concern, quickly shifted her focus to Liam. “Oh, my
sweet boy,” she cooed.
Bending down, she carefully inspected his leg.
Liam beamed as he proudly showcased his leg, now fully healed. “It’s okay now, Mommy. Mr. Wood
cleaned it all up for me,” he announced. with an infectious smile that could melt anyone’s heart.
Hazel couldn’t help but raise an intrigued eyebrow at the mention of “Mr. Wood.” Her gaze shifted to
Devin, the kindergarten manager who still lingered nearby, seemingly overseeing the departing
children. “Mr. Woods?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Devin cleared his throat, offering a concise exnation. “He’s one of our workers here at the
kindergarten,” he lied smoothly.
“That’s nice,” Hazel responded, her eyes softening as she looked down at her son. “Liam’s usually
quite fussy about letting anyone touch him. He must have really made an impression on him.”
Liam nodded vigorously, his face lit up with affection for Mr. Woods. “Yes, Mommy. I drew him a portrait
as a thank you,” he revealed, his voice brimming with pride at his artistic gesture.
As they prepared to leave the kindergarten, Hazel was confronted with at logistical challenge-these
new toys were ratherrge, and managing them was turning out to be more of an ordeal than she had
anticipated. She had Daisy on one side, eager to get home and explore her dollhouse, and Liam on the
other, babbling enthusiastically about his day with Mr. Woods.
Just as she began to contemte how to transport the newfound
treasures, a car pulled up right in front of them. Devin stepped in with a helpful suggestion, his concern
for the children evident. “You should get- in,” he rmended, sensing Hazel’s dilemma.
Hazel, initially hesitant, found herself swayed by Devin’s assurance. “It’s okay,” he reassured her. “He’s
my personal driver. He’ll give you all a ride home.” Grateful for the assistance, Hazel offered her
thanks, and with a collective shrug, they all climbed into thefortable vehicle.
Throughout the ride home, Liam chatted animatedly about his day at kindergarten, regaling his mother
with tales of his adventures with Mr. Woods. In contrast, Daisy remained quiet and focused, her little
mind. undoubtedly consumed with thoughts of the new dollhouse waiting for her at home.