Chapter 293

Howard held his cane, speechless for a long time. "Why are you silent?" Yvette asked, her expression darkening. "You don't want me! You have a child with another woman! And I am your fiancée!"

Pulling away, she started to leave, but Howard quickly grabbed her. "Let me go!"

"I promise you," Howard exclaimed, "I will—"

Yvette turned back, her face radiant with joy. "Really? You're not lying?"

"Yes…" Howard said hesitantly. "But our wedding plans are already in motion. I want to wait until we are officially married. It's out of respect for you."

"It doesn't matter!" Yvette rose on her toes, joyfully jumping into his arms and wrapping her arms around his neck. "Howard, I don't care! All I need to know is that you love me!"

She looked into his eyes and smiled. "Shall we go to my place tonight?"

Howard opened his mouth to say yes, but his phone rang. It was Miranda. Reluctantly, Yvette released him. "You should answer Grandma's call." "Okay," Howard said, answering the call. "Hello, Grandma…"

"Howard," Miranda's voice was urgent. "Where are you? Come back! Bobby has a fever! He refuses to take his medicine and keeps crying for his daddy."

Howard immediately replied, "Alright, I'll be back right away."

After hanging up, Yvette seized his arm. "Don't go! Howard, I won't allow it!"

Howard frowned deeply. "Bobby is burning up and asking for me."

Tears filled Yvette's eyes as she clutched his arm tightly. "You promised me you would stay with me tonight! He's just sick; every child gets sick! Why do you need to go? You're not a doctor; I won't let you…"

"Yvette!" Howard snapped, shocked and disappointed. "Do you understand what you are saying?"

Yvette froze, realizing her mistake. "Howard, I…"

Howard brushed her hand away. "Bobby's existence is real, and I know I have disappointed you. If you cannot accept him, I will not force you." He turned away and got into the car without looking back.

"Howard," Yvette whispered, stunned, suddenly understanding the weight of his words. Is he breaking up with me?

As Howard stepped inside, he was immediately met with Bobby's cries, causing him to hurry. "Grandma, Bobby!"

"Oh dear!" Miranda exclaimed, quickly gathering Bobby into her arms. "Look, sweetheart, Daddy is back!" She handed Bobby to Howard. Bobby squirmed, snuggling into Howard's embrace. Howard's heart ached as he held him. "I'm sorry, Bobby. Daddy is late."

"Daddy," Bobby sniffled. "I have a fever, I feel sick."

"I know," Howard replied, gently placing him on the bed. "Once you take the medicine, your fever will go down, and you will feel better, okay!" "Daddy, will you feed me!"

Bobby sniffed. "Then I'll take the medicine."

"Good boy."

Miranda instructed the home helper to bring the medicine and handed it to Howard. Howard comforted Bobby, managing to get him to take the medicine without fuss.

Miranda observed, a hint of envy in her tone as she smiled. "You prefer Daddy, huh! No matter how much I tried to comfort you, it didn't work."

Bobby's cheeks flushed as he held tightly to Howard's hand. Miranda said, "Daddy has returned; Bobby, you should enjoy your moments with your dad. I won't intrude any longer."

She left with the maid. At the bedside, Howard stayed close to Bobby, applying a fever patch.

"Daddy," Bobby's voice was hoarse. "Are you my real dad?"

Howard nodded. "Yes, of course."

Hearing this, Bobby's lips quivered, and tears fell. He sniffled and asked, "Daddy, where is Mommy, the one who gave birth to me?"

Howard didn't know how to respond. He knew where Rosie was, but their relationship was complicated. When Howard didn't answer, Bobby's imagination ran wild. "Did she die? Is she not in this world anymore?"

"No, no," Howard quickly denied.

Bobby pouted. "Does she hate me?"

Howard struggled to understand his son's thoughts. "Why would you think—"

"She must hate me," Bobby cried, feeling hurt. "She has never come to see me." He turned away, sulking. Howard wanted to speak but hesitated. He truly didn't know whether Rosie loved or hated Bobby. They say every mother loves her child, but Rosie and Bobby were caught in a unique situation.

Rosie hadn't chosen to have Bobby, and after he was born, she left him. Maybe she didn't love Bobby – and that was his fault. He, as Bobby's dad, was likely seen by Rosie as a reminder of the past she wanted to escape.

On the bed, Bobby seethed in anger until he finally drifted off to sleep. Howard rubbed his temples and tucked him in. Bobby mumbled in his sleep, "Mommy…" Howard paused; it was painfully clear that Bobby longed for his mother.

After learning that Rosie had moved to a nursing home, Sienna went to visit her. After looking around, she nodded in approval. "This place is really nice, convenient, and it keeps you away from Daniel."

"Yes, it's all thanks to Howard!"

Sienna peeled an orange, filling the air with a fresh citrus scent.

"Sienna, has Mr. Flynn been in touch with you?" Rosie asked.

Sienna offered half of the orange. "No."

Rosie took the orange, wondering if this was good or bad for Sienna. "He should be back by now, right?"