His One True Love

Chapter 9---Take Wendy Home

Wendy Moore sighed softly and sat beside Candy, glancing at her sideways. "You're Candy, right?"

The little girl furrowed her pale brows and glared. "Did the Director tell you that?"

"You're so adorable, and your name is so sweet—why did you fight with the other kids?"

Candy crossed her tiny arms. "Hmph! They all said I was lying! Candy *didn't* lie! They won't play with me, and I don't want to play with them anyway!"

She turned her plump, rosy face away, her proud little pout making Wendy chuckle. "I believe you didn't lie, but hitting others isn't right either."

Candy kept her lips puffed high, silent. Wendy gently added, "You can't beat so many kids all by yourself. Next time they call you a liar, come tell me. I'll explain for you. Okay?"

Candy slowly turned back, her large, dark, dewy eyes fixed on Wendy. "Who are you? Why would you help me?"

"I'm Wendy Moore. Hmm... You might start calling me Miss Moore soon. Can you tell me what the other kids said you lied about?"

At this, the little one let out a deep sigh, looking truly heartbroken. "Rose and the others said I don't have parents. But Candy *does* have parents—only they've never seen them!"

"Oh... I see. Then who usually picks you up?"

"My grandpa."

Wendy looked at the child and suddenly thought of the baby she'd carried as a surrogate three years ago. If that child were still healthy, he'd probably be about Candy's age.

"And where are your parents, Candy?"

"Daddy says he has to work to earn money, so he can take Candy to the zoo to see the big lions and tigers."

Ah, so Dad's just too busy.

Wendy couldn't help but ask, "And your mom?"

At the mention of Mom, the little girl's eyes instantly welled with tears, turning red. She puffed up her cheeks and said, "Daddy says Mommy is on Mars. Mars is too, too hot. Candy is too little, too little to go see her."

Wendy's brow furrowed. Could her parents have separated right after she was born?

So young without a mother, and a father too busy to be there—such a poor little thing.

She pulled a fruit candy from her bag and offered it. "When you miss Mommy, eat a piece of candy. Then you won't feel sad."

Candy eyed the candy, hesitant. "Daddy says I can't take food from strangers—especially not strange aunts!"

This kid—she's actually quite cautious!

Wendy took out another candy and popped it into her own mouth. "Let's eat together, okay?"

Candy licked her lips, staring longingly. Wendy smiled and peeled the wrapper, placing it gently into her mouth. "Here. No worries—it's clean."

The tangy sweetness made Candy's eyes crinkle with joy.

Wendy stroked her fluffy hair. "Good?"

"So good!" Candy finally grinned, tilting her cute face up. "Can I call you Mia from now on?"

"Of course. But you have to promise me—no more fighting with other kids, okay?"

The little one nodded solemnly. "Mm-hmm!"

The Director approached with a light smile. "Looks like Miss Moore has everything under control."

"Then, Director, did I pass the interview?"

"Of course. If you're free this afternoon, you can start teaching an art class."

...

Wendy got along well with the kids—probably because, having given birth to a child three years ago, she had an inexplicable patience and warmth for these little rascals.

By dismissal time, most children had left—except Candy, sitting alone with her pink Peppa Pig backpack, waiting.

"Candy, hasn't Grandpa come yet?"

She shook her head, eyes down. "Daddy promised he'd pick me up today!"

"Do you know Dad's number? Should I call him?"

Candy recited it fluently. Wendy was surprised—a three-year-old remembering a full number?

She dialed. It rang a long time before a deep male voice answered.

"Hello, is this Candy's dad?"

"This is."

That voice—so familiar? But she pushed the thought aside. "This is the kindergarten. Candy's waiting for you. When will you arrive?"

Candy shouted into the phone, "Daddy! Hurry! All the other kids are gone!"

Wendy smiled, stroking Candy's hair. "Sir, she's getting anxious. Please come soon."

"Alright. I'll be there."

...

Twenty minutes later, a black Maybach pulled up.

Wendy led Candy out. The moment she saw the car, Candy dropped her backpack and ran. "Daddy!"

The door of the sleek, limited-edition Maybach opened. Long legs stepped out—the man lifted Candy high into his arms.

Wendy looked up. It was Chase Fields—the man she'd met that morning!

Chase Fields had a daughter? Married? Never in the media.

As she froze, his cold, piercing gaze locked onto her.

"Miss Moore. You really do keep showing up wherever I am."

A hint of amusement, yet icy.

Candy clung to his neck, blinking. "Daddy, Mia was so, so nice! She gave me candy! I want to take Mia home for dinner!"

Chase didn't respond. "Candy, go into the car. Dad needs to talk to Miss Mia."

The little one nodded. "But Daddy, don't be mean to Mia, okay?"

Once she was inside, Chase shut the door, his dark eyes sharp on Wendy.

That clear, intense look made her uneasy.

"Getting close to me. Winning over my daughter. Miss Moore—your tactics are impressive."

She bit her lip. "Mr. Fields, believe me or not, I had no idea Candy was yours. I didn't even know you *had* a daughter—"

Before she could finish, he stepped forward, eyes narrowing dangerously. "You're not the first woman to try to reach me through Candy. But I'm warning you—don't get smart."