Chapter 137: The Hardship of Raising a Child

A lump formed in Nathaniel’s throat. What kind of agreement did they need? Fearful Cecilia wouldn't be willing to stay longer, he reluctantly said, "You can start drafting it first." If it wasn't well-written, he wouldn't agree to it.

After changing clothes, Nathaniel drove to Spring Forest Manor. He found Elliot lying on the bed, his face streaked with dried tears.

"Mister, you finally came! Did you tell my daddy you took me?"

As if Nathaniel would tell Calvin he'd kidnapped the child. Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "He probably found out long ago."

Elliot's nose was red, his dark eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Then why hasn't he come for me? I miss home, I miss my daddy…"

Nathaniel offered a tissue. "Forget it. He doesn't want you anymore."

Elliot was speechless. How could Mr. Reese not want him? To prove he was just a little boy, Elliot began to fuss. "That's nonsense! Daddy would never abandon me! He said he and Mommy would give me siblings!"

Nathaniel's face darkened. "Your daddy wants children with Cecilia?"

Elliot deliberately continued, "Yeah! He wants to give me lots of younger siblings!"

Nathaniel fell silent. As Elliot wept, he subtly observed Nathaniel's expression. I thought he dislikes Mommy? Why is he so upset? Are all men like this, unwilling to let others have what they don't want?

"Why did your mommy come back?" Nathaniel asked, unsure if Elliot understood the situation.

Elliot was surprised. "Maybe she returned with Daddy to have my little brother or sister." His large eyes blinked, his face serious.

Nathaniel felt increasingly upset. He'd recently instructed someone to watch Calvin, who seemed eager to leave Erihal. It seemed Calvin wanted to return home... to have a child? Cecilia's idea was astonishing.

"Stop crying," he said. "Obey, and I'll let you see Cecilia." He lacked the knack for coddling children. Believing this sufficient, he stood to leave.

Elliot latched onto his leg, smearing his pants with tears and snot. Sobbing, he cried, "I want my mommy! I want my daddy! You're a bad man!"

A few days ago, his fragile health prevented him from engaging with Nathaniel. Now, he was ready to make things difficult. Their mother had raised him and his brother; their father had abandoned them. Now Nathaniel would understand the hardship of raising a child!

"Stop crying and let go!" Nathaniel commanded, his brows furrowed.

Elliot refused, crying louder. "The bad man's going to hit me! It hurts!" he sobbed, wiping his nose on Nathaniel's leg.

Nathaniel, a clean freak, swiftly lifted Elliot. "Don't you dare cry!" The child, terrified, urinated.