Chapter 282

William watched Christina walk away, his heart aching, but he held back. He knew he had brought this upon himself and didn't blame her.

But he wasn't going to give up on her and their daughter.

Seven days later, it was Harper's birthday.

Christina got up early and dressed her daughter Harper beautifully, like a little princess.

Harper wore a pink dress and a small princess crown on her head. Christina had styled her hair herself, making Harper look adorable from head to toe.

"Our Harper looks so pretty today," Christina said, giving Harper a kiss. Harper snuggled into her mother's arms, her big eyes blinking.

"Mom, when is Dad Cavendish coming to my birthday party?" Harper asked.

Christina's smile faltered for a moment at Harper's question, but seeing the hopeful look on her daughter's face, she gently patted Harper's hair. "Dad Cavendish should be here soon. Do you want to see him?"

"Of course!" Harper nodded enthusiastically. "Dad Cavendish is so good to me. He'll definitely come to my birthday party!"

Christina couldn't help but laugh at Harper's grown-up demeanor. "Alright," she said, holding Harper's hand and gently tapping her nose. "Be a good girl, and Dad Cavendish will be here soon."

Harper cheered and hugged Christina, giving her several kisses. "Great! I can't wait to see Dad Cavendish!"

Harper's big, lively eyes sparkled with excitement, and it wasn't long before William arrived as expected.

"Dad Cavendish, you're here!" Harper ran to him, wrapping her small arms around his and swaying with joy.

"Harper is three years old today. What gift did you bring me, Dad Cavendish?" Harper asked, looking at William with eyes full of anticipation, glancing at the gift box in his hand.

"You!" William chuckled at Harper's cuteness and handed her the gift he had prepared. "Of course, Dad Cavendish brought a gift for such an important day. Open it and see if you like it."

Harper eagerly nodded, holding the gift box tightly, reluctant to open it. Curiosity eventually won, and when she saw the toys inside, she jumped with joy.

"Dad Cavendish, how did you know I love toys the most? And it's a whole set! This is my favorite!" Harper hugged one of the toys, unable to let go.

"Because Dad Cavendish has magic," William said with a smile, glancing at Christina. "Christina, I'd like to spend some time with Harper."

Christina gave him a brief look and, seeing Harper's happiness, reluctantly agreed. "Since Harper likes you, you can stay for a while."

William sighed in relief, though he still felt a bit down about Christina's cold attitude. But she had allowed him to stay, and he wasn't going to waste the opportunity. He sat on the floor with Harper, playing house with her.

Harper loved the gift, and William decided to spend more time with her. He believed that if Harper liked him, he could eventually win Christina's heart again.

"Dad Cavendish, can we play house where you're my dad?" Harper asked, glancing at Christina, who didn't object. Harper sighed in relief, thinking her mom might get mad. She knew William was her dad, but her mom didn't seem to accept him, so she pretended not to know. But her dad was so good to her.

If her parents could reconcile, that would be the best.

Harper's eyes sparkled with a new idea. "Okay, Dad Cavendish, let's play house. You be my dad first!"

Harper's innocent smile made her look like she didn't understand anything. Christina sighed. Harper was rarely this lively and liked William so much. They were father and daughter, after all, and blood ties couldn't be denied.

Christina accepted it, and William smiled. "Alright, I'll be Harper's dad first."

They played until Harper got tired. William noticed Christina sitting at the table, busy with her computer. He looked at Harper and tentatively suggested, "Harper, it's your birthday. How about Dad Cavendish takes you to see fireworks?"

Harper jumped with joy at the mention of fireworks. "Yes, yes! I love fireworks!"

Harper hugged William's arm, and William nervously looked at Christina, afraid she would refuse. "Christina, Harper wants to see fireworks. Can we..."

Before he could finish, Christina was about to refuse. But Harper, sensing her mom's thoughts, let go of William and pleaded with Christina, pouting. "Mom, it's my birthday. I really want to see fireworks. Please let Dad Cavendish take me, and you come too."

Christina couldn't refuse Harper's innocent, pleading eyes. They were father and daughter, and Harper longed for her dad's love. She shouldn't keep them apart.

Christina sighed and nodded. "It's your birthday, so I'll agree this time. But you must behave and not run off, okay?"

Harper nodded eagerly, almost jumping with joy. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be good!"

Harper's quick agreement made William sigh in relief. Without Harper, he wouldn't have been able to get Christina to go out.

Thinking about his plan, William felt nervous but kept a calm demeanor, smiling at Christina. "Since Harper wants to see fireworks, Christina, why don't you come too? It'll be a nice outing for Harper."

Christina didn't want to engage with William, but with Harper there, she reluctantly agreed. "Alright, let's go out for a bit."