Chapter 49

Leo, no longer a baby, felt a little embarrassed to be held in Lauren's arms. "I'll wash myself," he said.

Lauren, surprised but respectful, let him go.

The bathroom sink in Leo's room was a little high, so he stood on a small stool to wash his hands and face. He even knew how to use facial cleanser—a fragrance-free, additive-free children's formula chosen by Daphne.

After washing, Leo showed Lauren his clean face.

"You're so great!" Lauren kissed his cute face and carried him back to his bedroom.

His room hadn't changed much, except for a dog-shaped stuffed toy at the head of the bed—a gift from Lauren. Leo's room was meticulously clean; toys were neatly arranged in a cabinet, pencils and notebooks on his desk perfectly aligned, not a wrinkle on the sheet. The red dog toy stood out against this pristine backdrop.

Leo cherished the toy, dressing it in a small hat and tiny leather shoes. Seeing Lauren looking at it, he shyly lowered his eyes and blinked. He explained that he slept with it every night, and since Daphne had washed it and he thought it looked less cute, he'd dressed it up.

Lauren felt a warmth spread through her heart. The cherished gift brought her unexpected pleasure. This sweet, innocent boy evoked special feelings in her. The more time she spent with Leo, the more she loved him. She sometimes couldn't believe the sincere love he showed her. Squatting to meet his gaze, she said earnestly, "Don't worry. I'll give you many, many more gifts."

"Really?" Leo's eyes widened in surprise and expectation.

Lauren led Leo downstairs, showing him the two gifts she'd brought. He happily circled her, exclaiming, "I like them so much! I'm so happy! Happier than yesterday! I like you, Lauren!"

Lauren was charmed by his sweet words. At that moment, Charlie came downstairs and saw them. He envied his son's time with Lauren, thinking, "Why doesn't Lauren pay attention to me?"