Chapter 12

Facing the crowd, the little boy showed no fear; instead, he confidently took a few steps forward. His face flushed when he saw Lauren.

Leo silently cheered himself on, reminding himself to be brave because he liked Lauren very much. He walked toward her with small steps, raised his head, and said in a serious tone, "Can I ask you to dance with me?"

The room fell silent. Everyone stared intently at the pair. The scene was captivating.

It was difficult for Lauren to squat, so she bent slightly and asked, "What's your name?"

Leo introduced himself formally: "My name is Leo. I am four and a half years old. And my father is Charlie Frank." He bit his lip, his expression a mixture of expectation, shyness, and happiness.

Lauren's heart softened. She extended her hand, saying, "I'd love to."

The music began, and Lauren slowly danced with Leo, holding his soft hand. Touched by the heartwarming scene, others joined them on the dance floor.

Afterward, Lauren and Leo found a seat. Leo, curious about Lauren, peppered her with questions: "You said your name is Lauren." "Yes," Lauren nodded.

"Are you married?" Leo asked nervously.

Amusingly, Lauren teased him, "Take a guess."

Leo shook his head. "I don't think you are."

"How do you know?" Lauren asked.

"If you were married," Leo explained, "someone would be dancing with you tonight."

"Wow, you're clever!" Lauren chuckled, rubbing his head.

Leo cherished his hair, forbidding even his father and grandmother from touching it. But he allowed Lauren to.

"Lauren," he said, "Are we friends now? You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met. You can call me Leo, and I really want to be your friend. If I miss you, will you come see me?"

After spending a long time together, the Frank family's driver approached Lauren. "I'm sorry, Miss Bennett," he said. "Did Leo bother you?"

Leo, initially smiling, grew nervous at the suggestion he had been bothersome. Will Lauren still like me? he wondered, his eyes filled with worry.

Lauren touched his soft face. "No! I like him!"

Overjoyed, Leo jumped. "I like you too, Lauren!"

That night, Charlie, who had been searching for the woman on the subway, returned home empty-handed. The driver informed him that Leo liked Lauren Bennett and hoped she would be his mother.

Charlie…