Chapter 11

Seth's deep gaze was fixed intently on Layla, as though he could see straight through her thoughts. Layla tightened her grip around Daisy. She wasn't afraid that her old feelings for Seth might resurface. Instead, her fear stemmed from what would happen if Seth discovered the truth about Daisy. If he learned she was his daughter, he would likely take Daisy away from her, just like what had happened four years ago. Layla had spent four years trying to recover from the pain of losing Benjamin. Losing Daisy now would feel like the end of her world, and it would take much more than four years to recover, if she could at all. Avoiding Seth's gaze, Layla replied calmly, "I'm afraid you'll disrupt my life. Ever since you and your son decided four years ago that you didn't want me, we've had nothing to do with each other." She referred to Benjamin as "your son" and spoke of their abandonment without any trace of emotion. She spoke so calmly, as if the heartbroken person who left the Parker residence four years ago wasn't her at all. Seth couldn't accept that. How could someone who had loved them so much turn so cold over four years? Was it really possible for time to erase everything? But why couldn't he forget the days they had shared together? His dark eyes hardened as he said, "You fought so hard to bring Benjamin into this world. I'll make sure he's raised well and doesn't turn arrogant or unruly. But I do need your help. "If you don't want to be involved as his mother, then at least help as his teacher. This is just a simple request from a parent to a teacher. Can you do that?" His tone was low, tinged with an unusual humility, and there was a hint of red in his eyes. Layla couldn't read Seth. She didn't know if he was doing this for Benjamin or if there was another reason behind it. But no matter the reason, it had nothing to do with her. Her expression remained composed as she replied, "Benjamin can be a bit unruly, but he's not beyond saving. He has a genuine interest in Math Olympiad, and his problem-solving skills are quite unique. I'll focus on that and try to guide him. But I'll need cooperation from you." Upon hearing her agreement, Seth relaxed slightly. The tension in his brows lifted as well. "Don't worry. I'll cooperate fully." "Well then, Mr. Parker, you may leave now." Layla dismissed him once more. It would be weird if Seth continued lingering around. He stood up and gave Daisy's cheek a gentle pinch before saying, "I know you came to Kingsville to see Dr. Paul, but he's hard to book. I have some connections with him and can help you get an appointment. "Don't overthink this. Daisy is Ben's sister, after all. I just want him to have a relative who shares his bloodline." Layla wanted to refuse, but before she could speak, Mark stopped her. He gave her a subtle shake of his head before addressing Seth with a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Parker. Laylabug and I really appreciate your help." The use of the nickname "Laylabug" struck Seth like a sharp needle in his chest. He remembered how he used to call her that, how he would whisper it affectionately when they were being intimate. She would always respond with a soft "honey" in return. The memories hit him hard, and his chest ached. He turned and left the room. Seeing that he was about to leave, Daisy broke free from Layla's arms and ran after him with two cookies in her hands. As soon as Seth opened the door, he saw a chubby little hand reaching out to him, which was holding two bear-shaped cookies. Daisy blinked at him and made a gesture as though asking him to eat them. A warm sensation spread through Seth's heart. He hadn't expected anyone to care for him in his moment of melancholy. Bending down, he took the cookies from Daisy and gently ruffled her hair. "Thank you. You're much more considerate than your mom." He smiled at Daisy and said, "Go eat your food now. I'll be leaving. Benji is still at home writing his apology letter. I need to check on him." Reluctantly, Daisy waved goodbye and even blew him a kiss. Seth felt an unexpected surge of energy. He looked at Layla and remarked, "Such a sweet little girl. It's a pity she can't speak. I hope you won't reject my help." With that, he pinched Daisy's cheek again and exited the room. The moment the door clicked shut, Daisy's tears, which she had been holding back, began to fall. She pouted and looked up at Layla, as if asking why she had sent Seth away. Layla walked over and picked her up. Wiping her tears, she soothed her gently. "Sweetheart, Mr. Parker needs to take care of Benji. You don't want him to be alone, do you?" Upon hearing that, Daisy wiped her eyes and nodded. Though Benjamin didn't like her, she didn't want him to feel lonely. She climbed up onto a chair, grabbed her spoon, and began eating her meal. Watching Daisy's attachment to Seth, Layla felt uneasy. They had only met twice, yet Daisy already seemed so dependent on him. If they spent more time together, who knew what could happen? If Seth was as smart as she thought, he'd eventually discover Daisy's true identity. Noticing her worry, Mark smiled and gently tapped her on the head. "Don't overthink things. Right now, our priority is to help Daisy recover. If Seth can get us an appointment with Dr. Paul, we should give it a try." "But I'm worried—" "I know what you're worried about," Mark said, cutting her off. "Since Seth has misunderstood our relationship, let him continue to believe whatever he wants. "Daisy needs a good family environment to heal anyway. I'll play the role of a father in this family. I'm Daisy's uncle, after all. I think it's a good idea." Layla hesitated. "But I'm worried this might affect your chance to get married. You're not young anymore." Mark shot her a sideways glance. "Who are you calling old? I'm only a year older than you. I protected you when we were kids. Now that we're grown, I'll still look after you. You'll always be my little sister." Layla remembered the times when she used to chase after Mark, treating him like her big brother. With her parents busy at work and no time to look after her, she was sent to her grandmother's house in the countryside. That was where she met Mark. Whenever she was bullied, Mark always stood up for her. After Layla's parents died in a car accident, her grandmother passed away from grief. Left completely orphaned, she was sent to an orphanage. Since then, she had lost contact with Mark. Their reunion had happened when Layla left the Parker residence, heartbroken. It was Mark who had shown her that there was still someone she could trust in this world. As Layla and Mark were talking, Daisy turned on the TV, where a financial news segment was being broadcast. Seth, as the nation's wealthiest man, appeared on the screen. Layla started to get up to change the channel, but Daisy ran barefoot to the TV and kissed Seth on the screen. In a raspy voice, she said, "Daddy."