Chapter 38

"The clothes here are expensive. Let's go somewhere else!" Diane urged immediately, upon seeing Severin approach the mall entrance.

Severin patted the bag he carried. "This bag's full of dough! What's to worry about with $190,000 right here?"

Diane glared at him, rolling her eyes. "Even with all that money, it's important to be sensible. Why act like you just got rich?" Severin smiled. "Honestly, I don't care much about clothes, but things have changed. I have a wife and daughter who mustn't suffer. I've never bought you two anything, so I'll spoil you both rotten—just this once!"

"Pfft!" His words amused her, warming her heart slightly.

Life had been undeniably difficult over the past five years. She'd faced everyone's disdain. For the first two or three years, she'd taken Selene to work with her as a food delivery person. Since Selene had grown older and more obedient, she could stay home and watch television while Diane worked. Still, Diane was reluctant to leave her young daughter alone.

Even so, life was overwhelmingly stressful. Selene was nearing kindergarten age and watched other children attend with envy.

Severin had ten years left on his prison sentence. Considering his release was still five years away, Diane often wondered if she should give up waiting for him and settle for a wealthy young man—several had shown interest over the years.

She didn't mind hardship, but Selene's suffering broke her heart. Waiting for Severin's release and for him to earn enough for kindergarten was ridiculous; Selene would be nine by then.

Unexpectedly, Severin was released after five years, much to Diane's relief. She hoped he would turn over a new leaf and become a good father to Selene.

She considered his words, then replied, "You're right. You should spoil us. Hmph, I'm not holding back today. You're going to spend a fortune! I haven't bought new clothes in five years! I'm wearing hand-me-downs, but at least I used to have plenty of clothes!"

Severin lovingly caressed her head. "Don't worry, honey, I'll pamper you from now on!"

His handsome smile dazed Diane. She felt a surge of security.

"Who said I wanted pampering?" Diane blushed, then pouted. "Plenty of rich young men pursued me. I may be a mother, but I'm still attractive. Do you think I'm doing this because I like you? I don't! It's for Selene's sake!"

Severin was taken aback by her blushing beauty. He stood rooted to the spot, awestruck, then chased after her. "Rich young men? Hehe, none are as rich as me. And if you liked them, you'd have married one long ago, right? It shows you're still hoping for Selene's reunion with her father."

He paused, then added, "Don't worry, Diane. I won't blame you if you don't like me, or even hate me. Feelings can grow, and I'm grateful for this chance. I promise to make it up to you and be a good father and husband!"

Severin's sincerity deeply touched Diane; he was both handsome and genuine.

Her eyes flickered. "Don't think sweet talk will soften me. Like I said, you're spending a fortune. Then you won't even feel bad about it. The clothes here are incredibly expensive!"

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