The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 46: Chapter 46

Back at her desk, Serena immediately pulled out her phone and called Keith.
Although she didn't recognize the brand of the outfit, the envious tone in Erika's voice made it clear to her that it must be quite expensive.
The call connected, and Keith's deep voice came from the other end. "Serena? Is everything okay?"
"Mr. Brannon, this outfit you gave me today is far too expensive. Please give me the receipt so I can transfer the money to you," Serena said earnestly.
"Don't mention it. After all you've done for me. It's just a piece of clothing. Really, it's nothing," he said.
"But—" Serena hesitated, still wanting to insist. She wasn't the type to take advantage of others' kindness.
"How about it?" Keith said.
Seeing how insistent Serena was, he suddenly remembered how much Alyssa had grown attached to her. He thought, 'Maybe Alyssa really does need someone like Serena as a mother.'
He paused for a moment, then continued, "If you really feel uncomfortable about it, and if you have the time, why not spend more time with Alyssa? She's really grown fond of you. Think of that as your payment."
Recalling Alyssa's sweet and sensible nature and thinking of her unfortunate background, Serena felt a surge of tenderness. Spending time with Alyssa was no hardship, so she readily agreed.
The afternoon's work was surprisingly light, and Serena finished her tasks early. Remembering Alyssa buying a cake yesterday, she decided to get one herself and go visit her.
Holding a cake box, Serena arrived at the door of Keith's hotel suite. She gave the door three gentle knocks.
"Who is it?" came Fiona's voice from inside the room.
"Fiona, it's me, Serena," she said.
The door swung open, and as soon as Fiona saw Serena, her face lit up with a warm smile. "Ms. Gray, what brings you here?"
"I bought a cake for Alyssa," Serena said cheerfully, lifting the cake box with a smile.
"Alyssa, come see. Guess who's here," Fiona called into the room.
A little head peeked out from the room, curious to see who had arrived.
With a bright smile, Serena held up the cake box. "Alyssa, look what I've got for you."
Alyssa's eyes lit up at the sight of Serena. She dashed over and threw herself into Serena's arms.
Serena quickly set down the cake box and bent down to scoop Alyssa up in a warm embrace. "Alyssa, did you have fun with Fiona today?"
Alyssa nestled in Serena's arms, nodding eagerly with her head bobbing.
Serena beamed, "Great job. You're such a good girl, Alyssa."
Alyssa wriggled out of Serena's arms and stood up straight. She could hardly wait to open the cake box.
Seeing her excitement, Serena helped her unwrap it, revealing a beautifully decorated strawberry cake inside. "Wow, what a gorgeous cake. Would you like some, Alyssa?"
Alyssa nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Serena carefully cut a small piece of cake and gently fed it to Alyssa.
Alyssa opened her mouth wide in delight and took a big bite. She closed her eyes, savoring the sweetness, with a smudge of cream at the corner of her mouth.
Fiona stood nearby, her face lighting up with a gentle smile as she watched Alyssa eat with such delight.
Keith was always tied up with work and had no time to spend with his girl. As a result, Alyssa became withdrawn at such a young age. It was truly heartbreaking.
Seeing how much Alyssa relied on Serena, Fiona secretly hoped, 'Maybe Ms. Gray could become the mother Alyssa so desperately needed.'
"Is it yummy, Alyssa?" Serena murmured tenderly.
Alyssa nodded vigorously with her cheeks puffed out.
Serena gently wiped away the cream from Alyssa's mouth with a napkin, smiling. "If you like it, have some more, Alyssa. There's plenty left."
Fiona watched the warm interaction between Serena and Alyssa, then said with a gentle smile, "Ms. Gray, I need to go start dinner now. Could I trouble you to keep Alyssa company for a while?"
"Sure, Fiona. Go ahead and do your thing." Serena nodded.
Serena spent the afternoon building blocks and telling stories with Alyssa, their bond as close as any mother and daughter.
Though Alyssa couldn't speak, her eyes shone with pure trust and reliance whenever she looked at Serena.
As Keith pushed open the door, his eyes immediately fell on Serena playing with Alyssa, building blocks together.
The setting sun streamed through the window, bathing their figures in a golden halo. Serena's profile was tilted in concentration as she carefully stacked the blocks, a gentle smile playing at her lips.
Alyssa nestled close to her, her hands clumsily arranging the blocks, occasionally glancing up at Serena for reassurance.
The heartwarming scene took Keith by surprise. He stood quietly at the doorway, watching them, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
Serena seemed to sense something. She instinctively turned her head and met Keith's gaze. "Hi, you're back, Mr. Brannon."
"Yes." Keith nodded, walked over to Alyssa, and gently ruffled her hair. "Were you a good girl today, Alyssa?"
Beaming with pride, Alyssa handed the building block in her hand to Keith, eager to show off her little masterpiece.
Keith took the building block, praised her with a smile, then turned to Serena and asked, "How was work today? Did everything go well?"
"Everything went smoothly, so I finished up early and thought I'd come by to see Alyssa," Serena smiled.
Keith said, "Thank you."
Serena said, "No need to thank me. I really enjoy spending time with Alyssa."
Keith gently set down the building block and sat cross-legged beside Alyssa. Smiling, he asked, "Alyssa, can I join you two?"
Alyssa looked up, her eyes darting between Keith and Serena before she nodded shyly and handed him the block she'd been holding.
He played with Alyssa, helping her with building blocks and patiently teaching her to recognize colors. Meanwhile, Serena watched from the side, a soft smile lighting up her face.
Keith sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, a rainbow of building blocks laid out before him. Alyssa snuggled up beside him, holding a red block as she curiously eyed the blue one in his hand.
Keith gently pointed to the block and said, "Alyssa, this is blue—like the color of the sky. Isn't it pretty?" He patiently taught her the colors.
Alyssa nodded slightly, seeming to be digesting it, then handed him her red block with a trusting smile.
Serena sat quietly on a nearby sofa, her gaze soft as she watched the scene unfold. She held a storybook in her hands, absentmindedly flipping through the pages from time to time, yet her eyes never really left Keith and Alyssa.
Alyssa clearly loved being enveloped in their warm presence. A gentle smile played on her lips, revealing two adorable dimples.
After playing for a while, Alyssa grew tired, so Keith scooped her up and carried her to her room to rest.
Serena followed them into the room, helped Alyssa into her pajamas, and gently patted her back, lulling her to sleep. After gently tucking Alyssa in, she rose and tiptoed out of the room with Keith.
Serena walked into the living room and glanced out the window. The sky was already dark. "It's getting late. I should be heading back," she said.
Keith gazed at her, his eyes filled with anticipation. "How about staying for dinner? Fiona's already prepared everything," he suggested.
Serena was just about to decline when a sudden knock at the door interrupted her.
Keith frowned slightly, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes. 'Who could it be at this hour? Someone from the office?' he wondered.
He stood up and said to Serena, "I'll go check it out."