371 For Her? (1/2)

Nora had fallen in love with this toddler of hers. Although Ava didn't talk coherently, her little babbles her soft giggles, and her effort of trying to walk steadily really amused Nora. It warmed her heart.

She had woken up a couple of hours ago but didn't leave the room because she wanted to spend some more time with her baby girl. And since the maids had already gotten Ava's breakfast in the room, she didn't have to leave the room. She knew once she left the room, she'll have to come back to reality. But that was inevitable and since it was inevitable, she decided to live in this moment for a bit longer.

As much as Nora knew Xiu, she wasn't surprised to not find Xiu with her when she opened her eyes. She, however, thought that Xiu must have left for home. And that's why she didn't think more about it.

After dressing Ava in new clothes, she picked her up and finally left the room. Oddly, she found no one outside. Not even a single maid was in sight. Pursing her lips, she thought about it a bit before she ended up right in front of the door that she was now familiar with.

She knocked on the door and heard the voice from inside before opening the door to step in. Ah-Si was standing before her with a towel on his head. He must have just taken a shower. Nora stayed silent but seeing how the little one was wiggling in her arms, she put Ava down who tried walking up to her father. At last step, she faltered a bit but before she could fall, Ah-Si bent down to hold her.

”My dear princess, don't you remember what dad said? No running around.” He picked that giggling baby up making her laugh louder. ”Don't give dad those beautiful giggles. How will I stay mad?”

Seeing him acting so naturally with Ava, Nora couldn't move her eyes away. She even forgot why she came as she stood at a side in complete silence.

She watched how Ava lifted her small hands to touch Ah-Si's face, right where it was purple now. Ah-Si slightly flinched at the touch but his smile didn't falter as he tapped Ava's small nose. ”No, it doesn't hurt. Stop pouting so adorably.” Indeed, the little girl was pouting as if she could feel her father's pain. She looked like she was gonna cry now. Ah-Si hugged her tighter as he kept murmuring, ”It really doesn't hurt. Don't be sad baby. Dad's okay.”

While he was rocking Ava around leisurely, his eyes finally fell on Nora's figure and he froze instantly. Right, he didn't even notice how his daughter got here in the first place. He just heard Ava's voice and only focused on her.

He cleared his throat as he began, ”Sorry, I didn't see you there.”

”It's okay,” she answered honestly. She was genuinely okay with watching this heartwarming scene between a father and daughter. She really didn't know he was so good with little kids.

”So you have something to say?” he finally decided to start the conversation himself.

”Umm... I just came to give Ava to you,” she replied.

”I thought you'd want to take her with you?”