Chapter 255

Before heading into school, the two kids turned back to wave at William.

Watching their energetic little figures, William felt that happiness couldn't get any better than this.

For the next few days, he made sure to drop off and pick up Harper every day, and in the evenings, he spent time playing with her.

"Dad, you spend all your time taking care of me. What about your work?" Harper asked curiously, sitting beside him after getting tired from playing.

William gently wiped the sweat from her forehead. "I finish my work during the day at the office, so in the evenings, I can just focus on playing with you."

Harper nodded in understanding.

What she didn't know was that every night after putting her to bed, William would go to his study to work.

He didn't mind at all.

Being able to spend every day with his daughter was a luxury, so staying up a bit later each night was a small price to pay.

Meanwhile, with Christina...

Considering Elisa's poor health, she decided to head south. After landing, they went straight to the hotel, planning to rest for a couple of days before exploring.

"Christina, those years you spent abroad alone, taking care of a child and worrying about finances, must have been exhausting," Elisa said during a casual chat.

As a woman who had also lived alone for a while, Elisa could empathize with the struggle.

Christina just smiled. "Those days are behind me now."

"Harper just started kindergarten. She still has elementary, middle, and college ahead. Your hard times are far from over," Elisa said, looking out the window. "If I were alive, I could help you. But once I'm gone, who will be there for you?"

Raymond treated Christina well, but the problem was that he had a son and a daughter from his previous marriage who didn't like Christina.

While Elisa was alive, they held back a bit. But once she was gone, they would likely rush back to claim the inheritance and push Christina away.

Thinking about this made Elisa anxious.

But there was nothing she could do. Reality didn't offer a magic cure, and she couldn't just get better overnight.

"Mom, I have a job now. I can support myself and Harper. You don't need to worry so much," Christina reassured her. "I've gotten used to being independent over the years. I never planned to rely on anyone."

Whether it was her parents or a man, she never considered depending on anyone but herself.

"You've always been stubborn. That's how you feel, but what about Harper? Kids from single-parent families have it tough. If William treated you poorly, I wouldn't push you. But he truly loves you; I can see that," Elisa said, speaking from experience.

William's actions and looks showed he wanted a family and would be a good husband and father.

So why did Christina keep refusing?

"Mom, I have my reasons. Let's go downstairs for dinner, and after that, we can explore the local market. How does that sound?" Christina hugged her arm. "We're here to relax, so let's enjoy ourselves."

Elisa knew this was a silent refusal.

Oh well, she still had a few days left. There was no rush; she could persuade her slowly.

She got up and went downstairs with Christina. Normally, someone in the late stages of cancer should watch their diet.

But since Christina knew Elisa had given up on chemotherapy, she thought, why restrict her diet? If she couldn't enjoy food, what was the point of living?

In her final days, Christina just wanted to minimize her mom's regrets.

"Mom, I remember you love crepes. Wait here while I get in line to buy some. I'll get a bit of everything you like," Christina said before heading across the street to the food stalls.

She bought everything Elisa liked.

Since Elisa had been hospitalized, she hadn't had any street food. She wanted to try everything, but after a few bites, she put down her fork. "Christina, you eat. I don't have an appetite."

Christina's eyes welled up.

She knew Elisa's body was very weak now, with failing organs and a poor digestive system, leading to a lack of appetite.

Soon, even going for a walk might be too difficult for her.

"Mom, I made a travel plan. Tomorrow, we'll watch the sunrise, visit the beach, and take a cable car ride. How does that sound?" Christina wanted to make the most of the time while her mom could still move around.

Elisa felt the same.

She didn't know how much longer she had-maybe a week, maybe two. She wanted to see as much as she could while she still could.

After exploring all the sights in that city, Christina took her to another city by plane.

Back with William...

One day, when picking up Harper, she told him, "Dad, the teacher said there's a parent-child sports day this weekend. Since Mommy isn't here, can you come with me?"

"If you're too busy, can you get me an excuse? I don't want to go alone."

William frowned. Didn't they just have one of these?

Harper thought he was going to say no and lowered her head in disappointment.

Other kids had their moms, dads, or both with them. If she went alone, she'd feel out of place.

"Harper," William said, handing her a doll from the back seat. "This is a gift for you. Of course, I'll go to the sports day with you."

He was Harper's biological father. How could he miss such an event?

Plus, he wanted to see what this preschool was up to with all these activities.

Whatever other kids had, his daughter would have too.

"Wow! Dad, you said yes!" Harper cheered. "The other kids will be so jealous. You're way cooler than their dads."

Kids these days were so mature. Even in preschool, they compared whose mom was prettier and whose dad was cooler.

William just smiled.

He made sure to finish his weekend work early and rescheduled his meetings, freeing up the whole day.

Early in the morning, he put on his sports gear and went to the school with Harper. The sports day was held on the playground, with each class standing together with their parents.

Seeing the principal's enthusiasm, William realized it was all about currying favor with the parents. This preschool wasn't the right place for Harper.

But that was a discussion for when Christina returned.

Harper held William's hand. "Dad, are you fast at running?"