Jade felt helpless–she couldn’t scold or punish the girl, but her heart ached for little Alessia, leaving her wide awake through the night.


    Parrish, knowing Jade’s temperament, didn’t try to dissuade her from getting involved. Instead, he gently squeezed her shoulder, offeringfort.


    “Hey, listen–Cole starts school with Lessie on Monday, right? They’ll be ssmates, just a year apart, practically the same age. They’ll hit it off fast. Let’s have Lessie join us for dinner whenever we can. Anything her parents neglect to teach, we’ll step in and show her how it’s done.”


    Jade’s eyes lit up instantly. She cupped Parrish’s face and nted a <i>noisy </i>kiss on his cheek.


    “You’re amazing, babe! You’re right–this is the age when her personality is really starting to form. If we just stand by and do nothing, it’ll only hurt her in the long run. She’s such a sweet kid. I can’t just watch her go down the wrong path.”


    From what had happened earlier today, it was obvious: Alessia was bright, butpletely clueless about how to interact with people. She was so young, and yet she couldn’t handle kindness; instead, she hid behind biting words to protect


    herself.


    If nobody steps in, how could her character not be twisted over time?


    “But…<i>” </i>Jade hesitated, frowning. “Will Lessie understand? What if she thinks we’re meddling in her life?”


    Parrish and Jade had always hoped for a daughter, but it wasn’t as if every little girl they met made them want <i>to </i>bring her home. Sometimes, you just click with someone–and from the moment they first saw Alessia, they’d been drawn to her. For such a young girl, she spoke with confidence, never flustered, always sure of herself and strong–willed. Who wouldn’t be taken with her–apart from those infuriating parents who favored boys over girls?


    “Don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of time. She’s not going anywhere, and neither are


    we.”


    Jade understood what Parrish meant, but she was still worried. How could a child that small, living alone in a noisy alleyway, not be afraid?


    The thought of little Alessia curled up under the covers, trembling and crying, nearly broke Jade’s heart. If Alessia were her own daughter, she’d never let her suffer like


    this.


    Jade pouted, on the verge of tears. Normally, she was easygoing and bold, but she couldn’t bear to see a child in pain–especially now that she was a mother herself. It was only natural for her heart to ache.


    Parrish saw the warning signs and quickly cupped Jade’s face, showering her with a flurry of quick kisses.


    “What are you doing? We’re not newlyweds anymore,” Jade said, her eyes still red, though there was a yful lilt in her voice.


    “It’s almost midnight. If you’re not tired yet, maybe we should find something else to


    do…”


    “Just keep it down…<i>” </i>Her words disappeared as he silenced her with another kiss.


    “Don’t worry–the walls are thick…”


    The next morning, young Cole stood neatly dressed in front of the Tates‘ house, with Parrish and Jade at his side.


    When Alessia and the housekeeper stepped out, they were greeted by the odd sight of all three waving enthusiastically at her.


    “Good morning, Lessie!”


    “Good morning, Uncle. Good morning, Auntie.” Alessia replied exactly as Parrish had taught her the day before.


    If it had been anyone else, Alessia might not have listened, but Parrish always spoke to her so gently that she simply couldn’t refuse.


    In a way, the Tates‘ pride ran in the family. The harder you pushed, the more stubborn they became. But show a little softness, offer a bit of warmth, and they’d respond–even if they tried to keep a straight face.


    She might not always say the nicest things, but inside, she was secretly happy–just like when Cole gave her that gift.


    <b>12.34 </b>


    <b>Chapter </b>231