Chapter 183
Maisie and Zinnia found a small, quiet corner to sit in.
“Zinnia, Maisie,” a bright voice called from behind. The two looked back to see Ethan walking over, holding Soren in his arms.
Ethan looked funny in his suit, holding the baby wrapped in a blanket. Soren was his cousin. With so many people at the party, Wendell thought it was safer to keep the baby with family.
Maisie grinned and teased, “Wow, look who’s playing daddy now.”
Ethan said, “What can I do? My brother is being totally careless. I don’t even know where he took my sister–in–law, and he just left the baby with me. I’m so tired! Can you hold him for a bit?”
Ethan hurried over and quickly shoved the baby into Maisie’s arms before sitting down next to them, looking super tired. “This little guy’s been running me ragged all morning. I’m done for!”
“I don’t want to hold this squishy little thing,” Maisie yelled as Soren was put into her arms, her arms stiffening like a robot’s, not knowing how to handle a baby.
“Maisie, don’t drop him! Grandpa will be mad at me.” Ethan quickly caught the baby from her stiff arms.
“Take him back!” Maisie panicked, her arms like sticks. “I can’t feel my hands. He’s about to cry, and I don’t know how to calm him down.” Completely helpless with the tiny, squishy thing, she stiffly handed the baby back to Ethan.
She said, “Get him away from me now!”
“Here we go again. This little rascal’s about to cry,” Ethan muttered as he took the baby.
Zinnia looked at Soren curiously, her eyes shining with wonder. Soren was wrapped in the blanket–plump with bright eyes. Maybe from being passed around, he puckered his lips, seeming close to tears.
“Soren,” Zinnia called and looked at the chubby baby, her smile gentle and warm.
His teary pout suddenly froze as his bright eyes focused on her face. Slowly, his lips relaxed. A tiny smile appeared, showing his pink gums, a sight that made everyone’s heart melt.
Maisie couldn’t help but say, “Really? He’s already judging by looks at this age?” She and Ethan looked at each other surprised as they watched the baby’s big mood change.
“Can I touch his little cheek?” Zinnia asked softly, feeling enchanted by the adorable baby.
“Sure, go ahead! It’s lucky for this little troublemaker to have you want to touch him,” Ethan said with a grin.
cute
Once she got permission, Zinnia reached out and gently touched Soren’s soft cheek. Her eyes widened in amazement. ‘It’s so unbelievably soft. Softer than cotton candy!‘ she thought, marveling at how gentle it felt under her fingertips.
Zinnia didn’t want to let go. Playfully, she pinched the chubby cheek with her thumb and forefinger, leaving adorable little dimples each time.
Soren looked at Zinnia with bright, innocent eyes. As he felt her touch, he reached out and grabbed her finger with his tiny hand.
“Look, he’s holding my hand!” Zinnia said happily.
Soren’s tiny hand felt almost boneless. So soft and warm, it could barely wrap around her pinky finger. Zinnia had never held such a tiny baby before and thought, ‘He’s really adorable.‘
Soren cooed and babbled, staring at Zinnja. Curious, she asked, “What is he trying to say?”
08:17 Sat, 14 Jun A
Chapter 183
Ethan scratched his head, feeling helpless. “No clue. But one thing’s sure, he really likes you. He usually doesn’t let anyone else touch him
Ethan thought to himself, ‘This little rascal is usually so stubborn. He won’t let strangers hold him. The first time I held him, he peed all over met
“Does he like me?” Zinnia asked.
This was her first time holding such a tiny baby. His face was just the size of her palm, a small, soft bundle. His skin was so delicate she was afraid to touch him too much, worried she might hurt him.
It was hard to tell if he understood what they were talking about, but Soren squeezed her hand a little tighter.
“He definitely likes you,” Ethan said, thinking Soren’s gesture was a yes.
Ethan thought, ‘This little rascal is usually so sharp. If I said something wrong, he’d be crying already. Since he’s not, I guess he likes Zinnia.
“Soren, this is for you,” Zinnia said softly, her smile warm. She opened her bag and took out an onyx bracelet. Each bead was smooth, round, and shiny- very good quality. And it smelled faintly medicinal.
She gently put it into Soren’s hand.
“Zinnia, you really don’t need to give this little guy anything,” Ethan quickly said. He looked at the beads. They looked like rare treasures.
But as soon as she gave it to him, Soren held onto it tightly with his other hand, still clutching Zinnia’s fingers. He pressed her hand against his chubby cheek and looked up at her with big, shiny eyes.
Soren cooed and babbled, maybe trying to say thank you. Ethan looked helpless and said, “Hey, little rascal, give that back to Zinnia!”
He tried to take the onyx bracelet back to give to Zinnia, but Soren clung to it tight. When Ethan tried to take them, Soren’s lips trembled, almost crying. Seeing that, Ethan felt a headache coming. If Soren cried, everyone would hear.
Zinnia said, “Ethan, it’s not expensive. Honestly, I didn’t bring anything else, and this onyx bracelet is all I have to give.”
She gently stopped him and explained, “Wearing it is good for Soren’s health. These beads have been soaked in a hundred herbs. They help his body and can even warn him if he touches something poisonous, by changing color.”
The onyx bracelet was something Zinnia had found while tidying up last night. She had casually put it in her bag; it made a perfect little to,
Zinnia gently touched Soren’s cheek again, smiling softly. “I like him,” she said.
Ethan said, “Hey, little rascal! Say thank you to Zinnia quickly. Remember her kindness and pay her back when you grow up.”
With all this talk, turning it down would be pointless. Plus, these beads could be useful. Even Ethan wanted them.
Ethan watched Soren clutching the onyx bracelet, then couldn’t help but poke his chubby cheek.
He thought, ‘I was just taking this little guy out to get some fresh air. Who knew he’d end up with a gift?
‘These beads, infused with many herbs to help health, give off a soft, calming smell. What a lucky break for this little guy.
the baby.
‘This world is full of schemes and backstabbing. On the surface, we look rich, but underneath, we live on a battlefield of secrets. People will do anything for money and power.
‘It’s rare to see families like the Lynn, Jenkins, and Perkins family; their family members get along without fighting over power.
‘With such a magic talisman that fights toxins, it’s a priceless safeguard for Soren.‘
Even though Soren couldn’t speak, when he heard Zinnia say she liked him, he squeezed her hand tighter and gave a tiny playful shake, as if replying to
her.
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Chapter 183
“Grow up healthy, okay?” Zinnia softly said with a gentle smile, touching his cheek as she sent him her best wishes.
AD
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