“Well,” Fiona replied with a soft smile, “he’s still learning to swallow properly, so it’s important to monitor him closely. But soon, I plan to let him start holding the spoon himself and practicing eating. He’ll likely spill a lot and get distracted, turning it into playtime. Sometimes, he might even use his hands instead of the spoon.”
“You seem… happy about it,” Asher murmured, observing her with curiosity.
“Oh, I am! Watching Master Daniel grow and develop brings me so much joy. It makes me truly happy from the bottom of my heart,” Fiona said, her eyes sparkling.
“—I’ve been wondering for some time now,” Asher began hesitantly, “why are you so devoted to someone else’s child?”
“Why…” Fiona’s expression dimmed, and tears welled up in her eyes.
“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Asher said, flustered. “I just think… you’re amazing, that’s all.”
“No,” Fiona replied softly, shaking her head before looking up.
“Do I need a reason? Must there be a justification for caring about someone—loving someone?”
At first, she had thought of Daniel as a substitute for the child she had lost. There was no denying that his presence had helped fill the sadness, loneliness, and pain she carried.
But now, her feelings for Daniel had grown beyond that. It wasn’t about whether he was her child or someone else’s. He was simply precious, adorable, and deeply loved.
“You’re right,” Asher finally said, his voice trembling. His expression softened into a smile that looked on the verge of tears, and Fiona’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Thank you, Fiona. Because of you, I’ve finally made up my mind. From now on, I’ll face Daniel properly—as his father.”
Asher’s warm and gentle expression brought a radiant smile to Fiona’s face.
* * *
True to his word, Asher began dedicating more time to Daniel. Every morning, he visited Daniel’s room, holding him close before heading off to work. Whenever he had free moments, he would come to play with Daniel or help with his care.
(Master Daniel looks so happy.)
At first, Daniel had seemed uncertain whenever Asher touched him, but now, he greeted Asher’s visits with bright, joyful smiles. Seeing this made Asher smile too, and the sight filled Fiona’s heart with happiness.
“Is Daniel… asleep?”
One day, Asher arrived during Daniel’s nap. Moving quietly, he approached the crib and gazed at Daniel’s sleeping face, his expression softening.
“Isn’t he adorable?” Fiona whispered.
“…He is,” Asher replied, his smile full of warmth.
“What are you writing?” he asked, noticing the notebook in Fiona’s lap.
“This?” Fiona held it up. “Since coming here, I’ve been keeping a daily record of Master Daniel’s growth.”
“Daniel’s growth?”
Fiona handed him the leather-bound journal.
“Yes. I write about how he spends his days, his moods, and my observations. That way, if his mother ever returns, I can give it to her.”
“…I see,” Asher said quietly, flipping through the journal.
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