89
“I can smell why you’re so adorable. It’s all in those good genes!” Thalia growled.
In the land of the moonlit forest, where shadows danced under a veil of darkness, Thalia’s gaze was fixated not on a handsome boy, but on a stunning girl. Tony, a troubled soul himself, found her fascination with Nelly rather peculiar.
“Now that I’ve brought you safely to this mystical place they call a hospital, there’s no need for you to concern yourself with me any longer. I appreciate your help, miss. You ought to continue on your way,” Tony said, his voice laced with an edge.
But Thalia paid him no mind. She disregarded Tony’s plea, ignoring his presence as she made her way towards Nelly. “Tell me, oh Goddess, what do you labor at in this realm?”
With a raised eyebrow, Nelly uttered a laconic response. “I am but a programmer.”
“A programmer?” Thalia’s voice dripped with envy as her scrutinizing gaze roamed over Nelly. “How is it that your skin remains immaculate while you toil away in front of a cold, soulless machine day after day?”
With a mischievous smile, Nelly replied, “Ah, it is my mother’s gift, bestowed upon me from birth.”
But Thalia seemed uninterested in Tony’s protests. Instead, her attention was fully on Nelly. “May I add you on WhatsApp, oh Goddess?”
Nelly glanced at Thalia’s phone, a flicker of contemplation crossing her eyes. After a moment, she spoke. “Sadly, I cannot grant your request. My phone was lost in the turmoil of last night’s accident, and I have yet to acquire a replacement.”
Undeterred, Thalia suggested, “No worries. Simply give me your number, and I shall add you to my contacts.”
“Thalia!” Tony couldn’t suppress his exasperation, his frustration mounting with every passing moment.
But Nelly simply chuckled at the scene. “It’s alright.” And so, she revealed her phone number to Thalia.
In no time at all, Thalia added the contact to her phone. “There, it is done. Save mine whenever you find the opportunity.”
Nelly nodded in agreement. “Very well.”
“Unless there is further business to tend to, I shall bid you farewell.” Thalia flashed a sweet smile at Tony. “Would you mind escorting this kindhearted lady?”
Tony glanced at Nelly, silently seeking her approval. Receiving a nod in response, he proceeded to walk Thalia away.
Once they were out of the ward, Thalia inquired, “You call me kindhearted, but I am a lady of beauty. Why the distinction, I wonder?”
Tony couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “And why did you ask for my mother’s contact information?”
“I simply wish to be her friend,” Thalia replied with unwavering straightforwardness. “Since I have chosen to stay by your side, forging a strong bond with your dearest mother seems wise.”
“To stay by my side? What do you mean?” Tony’s incredulity was palpable.
“I have decided to remain here, to revel and frolic in this enchanted place for a while,” Thalia declared with a sly smirk.
Tony was at a loss for words. What on earth was happening?
“Where do you reside?” Thalia inquired, her eyes narrowing.
“Why do you need to know?” Tony warily asked.
“I plan to find a dwelling nearby so that I may easily visit you daily.”
Tony vehemently rejected the idea and turned to leave. But Thalia’s threats stopped him in his tracks. “Alright then, I shall return and divulge everything to your precious mother.”
“Thalia!” Tony couldn’t help but call out to her.
“Fret not. I shall paint our encounter as something marvelous,” she said with a coy smile.
Tony knew that silence would only bring about more trouble. Reluctantly, he caved. “I’ll send you the address.”
Smug satisfaction spread across Thalia’s face. She had no doubt in her mind that Tony would keep his word. She approached him and cheekily pinched his rosy cheeks. “That’s a good boy! Very well, I shall return to pack my belongings and prepare to make this place my new abode.”
“Don’t touch my face!” Tony rubbed the spots she had pinched, displeasure evident on his face.
Am I still a child? It vexes me that someone would dare pinch my cheeks and call me cute!
Thalia paid his irritability no mind. “Had I not discovered your true identity, you would have already tasted my lips.”
“How dare you!”
“Try me!”
Tony instinctively covered his face, eyeing her warily.
So tough and cold on the outside, but deep down, he’s just a young boy. Oh, how adorable he truly is!
“You truly are a darling!” Thalia ruffled his hair, her voice filled with amusement.
Tony seethed silently, his anger simmering from her juvenile treatment of him.
“Alright, until we meet again.” Sensing the brewing frustration, Thalia ceased her teasing and swiftly departed.
Tony massaged his face, watching her disappear into the distance. With a heavy sigh, he returned to the ward.
Preparing himself for the forthcoming interrogation, Tony was surprised to find that Alpha Wade and Nelly continued their casual conversation. Neither of them asked about Thalia.
Approaching them, Tony inquired, “Gramps, Nelly, where is Donna and Ben?”
“They have departed for school,” Alpha Wade replied. Suddenly, a realization struck him, and he studied Tony intently. “Tony, you should never act without the guidance of others. What would become of us if you were to be lost?”
Tony stole a glance at Nelly, finding her expression indifferent. He nodded in agreement. “Understood.”
“Grandpa, you should also rest after staying awake the entire night. Look at the dark circles under your eyes now,” Nelly urged.
“Yes, I plan to return home and make you some soup.” Alpha Wade turned to Tony and instructed, “Stay here and care for your mother. I’ll be back soon with a warm meal. Do not wander. Is that clear?Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.
“Yes, Gramps!” Tony obediently nodded.
Of the three children, Tony was deemed the most reliable and considerate. Alpha Wade had great faith in him and offered minimal guidance. “Nelly, rest well. I’ll return shortly.” His worry seemed focused on Nelly.
“Grandpa-”
“I understand what you wish to say. Rest assured, I am aware of my own condition, and my body’s limits,” Alpha Wade interrupted her. With his words spoken, he hastily left the ward.
Nelly knew there was no convincing Alpha Wade to take it easy. Yet, being cared for warmed her heart. She believed herself to be living a life blessed with joy and fortune.
The ward now only housed Tony and Nelly.
“Would you care for some water, Mommy?” Tony asked.
Regarding him with a piercing gaze, Nelly wasted no time. “Tell me, what of Alpha Kilian? What is going on?”
“Huh?” Tony was taken aback.
He never anticipated his mother questioning him about that.
After brief contemplation, Tony decided to confess. “Donna has his WhatsApp number, and I once encountered him nearby. From your conversations with Gramps, it became clear that you two have a connection. And most importantly, the man and I bear an uncanny resemblance.”
The final sentence confirmed Nelly’s suspicions.
“And?” she prodded.
“He’s my father, isn’t he?” Tony raised his head, firmly voicing the million-dollar question.