Chapter 39

He didn't answer Leo's question, but asked, "Don't you like Lauren? Why haven't you called her lately?"

Leo stared at his father, but at this question, he suddenly looked sad, as if remembering something unpleasant. Charlie was surprised. "Why is Leo sad?" he wondered.

Leo thought for a moment, then said to Charlie, "I miss Lauren very much, but" He lowered his head, hesitant.

"But what?" Charlie scooped Leo into his arms.

"But Lauren doesn't like you," Leo said sadly. "If she could be my mom, I'd be very happy. But she doesn't like you." Charlie was embarrassed and gritted his teeth. "How do you know she doesn't like me?"

"I just know!" Leo crossed his arms, his excitement growing. "She wasn't happy with you that day."

Although Leo was only four years old and didn't understand adult dynamics, he'd sensed Lauren's displeasure. Charlie was silent for a long time, seemingly disbelieving Leo. He studied Leo for a while. Only when Leo stood up did Charlie regain his composure. He lifted his son and settled him on the sofa, sitting beside him.

Charlie tilted his head, thinking. He explained, "I didn't make Lauren angry."

Leo tilted his little head, unconvinced.

Charlie continued, "I'd only just met Lauren; we weren't close yet. She just didn't know what to talk about with me. That didn't mean she didn't like me."

"Really?" Leo seemed ready to believe his father.

"Yes," Charlie said. Leo's expression was serious. "If you don't believe it, you can call her and ask if she likes me."

Leo lowered his head, hesitant.

Seeing this, Charlie said, "Are you worried Lauren will be unhappy seeing me? If so, you should ask her if she likes me. If she says she doesn't, we'll never bother her again."

Leo touched his feet, frowning thoughtfully.

"Call her now," Charlie urged. "If you don't call her now, she'll be busy later." Hearing this, Leo immediately called Lauren.

Lauren was surprised to receive another call from Leo.

Leo was silent for a long time, then carefully asked, "Lauren, is it true you don't like my dad?"

"Why did Leo ask that?" Lauren was confused. She hadn't expected the four-year-old to be so sensitive, able to detect her emotions. Lauren always softened around Leo; she didn't know why. Remembering Leo had no mother, she felt sad for him. She quickly replied, "That's not true! I like your father very much." She simply wanted to comfort Leo. But Charlie, overhearing the call, felt an overwhelming surge of happiness.

Relieved, Leo said goodbye and hung up.

"See? Lauren doesn't hate me. She likes me," Charlie beamed, his face alight with joy.