The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 836

"But it's such a waste."

"This is your first time baking a cake, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

"You're already doing great. Next time will be even better."

Kristin beamed at the praise, stirring the batter with renewed vigor.

"I want to make a huge cake for Mom's birthday! And save a massive slice for my dad."

"Thank you."

"I meant my actual dad, not you."

Natalie’s heart skipped a beat, bracing herself for Hamilton to lash out at the little girl.

But Hamilton didn't lose his temper. Instead, he looked at Kristin with serious curiosity. "Why do you like him so much?"

"Because he's good to me," she replied without missing a beat.

"I'm good to you too, but you don't like me."

"My dad is way better."

"So, if I treat you even better than he does, would you want me to be your dad?"

"No way."

"Why not?"

"I already have a dad. If I called anyone else that, it would break his heart."

Kristin’s refusal was absolute. No matter how Hamilton tried to corner her, she stood firmly by Marico's side.

Hamilton remained endlessly patient. Despite the repeated rejections, he didn't show a flicker of anger.

"It's time to whip the egg whites. Want to do it together?"

"Can I?"

"Of course."

He wrapped his arms gently around her, letting her little hands grip the handle of the mixer alongside his. As the fluffy white peaks began to form, her eyes lit up with wonder.

"I didn't know baking was this easy!"

"Is it today? Oh my goodness, I completely forgot!"

"Happy birthday, Mom!"

Kristin immediately launched into the birthday song. Hamilton stepped out from the shadows, standing right behind the little girl and joining in the melody. As the final notes faded, his gaze locked onto Natalie with overwhelming intensity. "Happy birthday, Natalie."

Her smile faltered slightly. Ignoring his intense gaze, she knelt beside Kristin to blow out the candles together.

The flames extinguished, and the overhead lights snapped back on.

Getting her first clear look at their culinary masterpiece, Natalie had to bite the inside of her cheek to stifle a laugh. The frosting was entirely caved in, and the bizarre lump on top was allegedly a flower, though at first glance, it looked like something the dog left on the lawn.

"I made this just for you, Mommy! Do you love it?" Kristin asked, tilting her head up with pure pride.

Natalie cleared her throat gently. "Of course I do. Thank you, sweetie."

"Hurry, cut the cake! But we have to save this part."

Seeing that Kristin was pointing squarely at the disastrous red lump, Natalie quickly sectioned it off.

"I'm saving this piece for Dad. I know he'll love it."