Chapter 325: Can He Be My Dad?

Before leaving, Cecilia gave Nathaniel a stern lecture. He allowed her to scold him without anger, his dark obsidian eyes fixed on her with an innocent gaze.

Even though she knew he couldn't see her, Cecilia felt a pang of anxiety.

At the hospital, Elliot learned from Jonathan that their father was home. A few days prior, he'd been in a car accident, had gone blind, and his identity had been stolen.

"He had it coming," Elliot declared, his voice filled with righteous indignation.

Jonathan agreed, "Yes, he deserves this."

"It's a pity we weren't the ones who got to him first," Elliot sighed. An idea struck him. "Jon, Mr. Reese and Mommy are visiting today. I want them together. What do you think?"

Both brothers knew Calvin's treatment of their mother, particularly while they were abroad, contrasted sharply with their father's behavior. Calvin, unlike their father, had no ex-girlfriends; he and their mother were childhood sweethearts. He seemed a perfect match. Elliot knew Martha also favored Calvin.

Jonathan hesitated. "Would Mommy agree?"

"Mommy likes Mr. Reese; she's just shy. Don't worry, I'll break the ice," Elliot said confidently.

"All right."

After hanging up, Elliot waited impatiently for Cecilia and Calvin's arrival.

Around noon, they arrived, and Elliot immediately began his charm offensive. "Mommy, why can't I stay with you? I'm lonely. I miss you, Jon, and Grandma Martha…"

Cecilia's heart melted at his teary eyes and overwhelming sense of pity. "I'm sorry, sweetie," she said regretfully. The doctor recommended keeping him in the hospital for constant observation and illness management until surgery.

Elliot reached out to embrace her. "Mommy, can you and Mr. Reese take me out?" he pleaded.

Cecilia couldn't refuse. She glanced at Calvin. "Calvin, are you busy this afternoon?"

"No. I can spend time with Eli," he replied readily.

"Thank you," Cecilia said, relieved.

After speaking with the nurse, Cecilia changed Elliot and took him by the hand. Leaving the hospital, Elliot stopped, gazing at a family—a father holding his daughter, his wife beside them.

"Mommy…"

"What's wrong?" Cecilia asked, crouching down.

"I want a dad too," he said softly, his voice filled with longing.

Cecilia felt a wave of helplessness. The children had rarely expressed this desire, and hearing it now ached unexpectedly.

Before she could respond, Elliot grabbed Calvin's hand. "Mommy, can Mr. Reese be my dad?"

Cecilia's heart raced, shifting from sorrow to embarrassment. "Eli, we can't…" she began, but Calvin scooped Elliot into his arms.

"Let's not upset him. It's rare we spend time together," Calvin said gently.

Elliot, noticing Calvin's understanding, cried, "Daddy, I miss you! I finally have a dad…"

"I'm sorry I was late," Calvin replied, smiling.

Cecilia felt a deep sorrow. She felt guilty for depriving her children of paternal love.

Holding Calvin, Elliot shouted, "Daddy! Hold Mommy's hand so we don't get lost!"

Calvin glanced at Cecilia, her face flushed, but seizing the opportunity, he took her hand.