I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 151

Xander's usually stoic face cracked slightly at Bonnie's question. He parted his lips, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately just pinched the bridge of his nose in resignation. "If you want to stay, then stay. Call me later, and I'll send someone to pick you up."

Bonnie looked as if she couldn't wait for him to leave. She hopped off the chair, pushing his legs toward the door with her small hands. "I know, Dad. You can go now."

And just like that, Xander was half-pushed, half-dragged out of the hospital room by his daughter.

Before the door clicked shut, he glanced back one last time. His eyes met Nora's amused gaze. He paused for a fraction of a second before turning away.

Nora couldn't help but laugh softly. "Are you really in such a rush to get rid of your dad, Bonnie?"

Bonnie stuck out her tongue, a mischievous look of triumph on her little face. "Dad being here would just get in the way of our girl talk."

Nora reached out and gently stroked her hair. "And what kind of girl talk do you want to have?"

Bonnie's expression suddenly turned serious. She lowered her eyes, her long lashes casting a small shadow on her cheeks. When she spoke again, her voice was so soft it was heartbreaking.

"Nora, out of all the women who have hovered around my dad, you're the only one who is nice to me just for being me. Not because I'm his daughter."

Hearing this, Nora felt a tight squeeze in her chest.

What kind of exploitation had this little girl endured to harbor such thoughts at her age?

The women she knew who approached Xander probably all used Bonnie as a stepping stone. They acted one way to his face and another behind his back. Children were incredibly perceptive; Bonnie had seen right through them all.

She had just called yesterday, and now she was calling again. This wasn't like her.

Nora pressed the answer button. "Cassie, what's wrong?"

On the other end, Cassie pouted, her tone awkward but laced with a bossy edge. "Mom, come pick me up today. Can you take me to Fred's place?"

Nora's heart sank. It was just because she was useful again. A self-deprecating smile touched her lips. For a split second there, she had actually thought the girl called out of genuine concern. She was thinking too much. What was she even hoping for?

She kept her voice flat. "Cassie, I'm busy and can't take you. Call Lewis and have him drop you off."

Hearing this, Cassie's tone immediately grew impatient, her volume rising half an octave. "What's wrong with you lately, Mom? Why are you always making excuses when it comes to my stuff? You never used to be like this!"