(Serena's POV).
"There's no reason."
Liar. Of course, he always had a reason for doing things, including one of chasing me again.
Even though I might know the reason, I'd love to hear him tell the truth.
Evan had always been so secretive, he was a man who didn't want to be seen how he felt.
"Isn't the most important thing that Gracie finally meets her father?" he asked.
I sighed and moistened my lips. "She's not a child who trusts strangers easily. I taught her to always be careful of anyone."
"Hmm, you're teaching her to be a proper future woman, Serena. Just like how you are, right?"
I didn't answer him and chose to remain silent throughout the journey to pick up Gracie.
It was strange that as time went by, without realizing it, I admitted that Gracie was his daughter. Even though I had insisted on not meeting Evan anywhere, but somehow fate said otherwise.
When I arrived in front of the daycare building, I prepared to get out of the car but Evan held my hand.
"I'll come with you."
"No, you can stay here," I said, refusing him.
"Why? I am her father and I can do what I want."
I growled in annoyance but then resigned myself and got out of the car with him walking toward Gracie who was waiting for me.
"Mommy!" she cried, stretching out her arms and hugging me who immediately fell to her knees.
There's nothing more beautiful than the cry of a child calling for her mother. My heart instantly calmed down at that moment.
"Hey, dear. How is everything?" I asked.
"All is good, Mommy! I drew something for you!"
She was enthusiastic and I was excited to hear her enthusiasm.
"Hi, there," Evan suddenly greeted and got down on one knee.
Gracie's brow furrowed as she hugged me around my neck. "Mommy, who is this Uncle?"
I gulped when she mentioned the word 'Uncle' in front of Evan. I was completely at a loss as to how I should explain it.
"I'm your—"
"He's Mommy's friend. But, special friend," I said then, blocking Evan who was about to go straight to Gracie.
"Is Uncle a good man?" Gracie asked Evan.
"Yes, I am. If you want to try, I will carry you," Evan replied.
Gracie always looked at me for an answer as to whether I would allow her or not, and since I couldn't possibly forbid it, I finally nodded.
She slowly approached Evan and was immediately in his arms until she was carried by him.
This scene really touched me and almost made me cry. Never in all these years had Gracie felt this, and now ... when I didn't think the moment was right, she felt this.
"Uncle, you have the same eyes as me! Mommy, can you see?!
My heart was pounding as Gracie easily saw the resemblance from her eyes.
"Ye—yes, dear," I replied nervously.
"Ah, why don't you call me Daddy then? Because we have the same eyes and color?"
Gracie's eyes widened in delight and then I realized that she seemed to be adaptable to Evan. I couldn't believe it would be this fast.
"Daddy? Uncle means Daddy like my friends call their Daddies?"
"Yes, sweetheart. Do we have a deal? I will buy you ice cream if you call me Daddy, or anything you want."
Then Gracie looked at me for approval. I nodded resignedly and sighed heavily.
"Alright, Daddy. Now you are my Daddy! Yay, I have Daddy!"
I felt on the verge of surrender when Evan did so many things to be recognized by his daughter. Moreover, there was no way I could forbid it even though I was still in pain. But, seeing Gracie feel that happy, I felt so happy as well.
Evan also walked first while carrying Gracie while I was behind observing. It was so peaceful to see father and daughter close and laughing with each other.
A long time ago, before we planned to divorce, I thought Evan would love me and we'd have children and form a happy little family. Unfortunately, reality wasn't as beautiful as I thought it would be.
"Mommy! Come in!" shouted Gracie, breaking my reverie.
I went inside and looked at Evan. He wasn't smiling at all but his gaze was intense on me.
"Your car is so fancy, Daddy!" complimented Gracie in the back seat.
"It's fancy because it's picking up Princess Gracie," Evan said.
"Daddy is great!"
I breathed in and out so many times that I felt reluctant to look straight ahead, so I just stared out the window.
"By the way, what does your mom like when she walks with you, sweetheart?" Evan asked her.
"Mommy loves coffee. She always brings a coffee cup everywhere even when I'm eating ice cream!"
"Is that true, Serena? How many times a day do you drink coffee? Because you had coffee earlier," he asked me.
"I—"
"Daddy! I can count how many times Mommy is drinking coffee in a day!"
"Hmm, how many?"
"5 times! But that's what I see, I don't know if Mommy drinks outside."
I was silent and it seemed as if they didn't like me drinking coffee, because I could feel the sharp gaze of my daughter and Evan.
I knew Gracie didn't like seeing me drink too much coffee. She's heard a lot from the teacher who looks after her that drinking too much coffee or anything with caffeine isn't good.
God ... I didn't even know that such a small child could understand such things.
Suddenly this situation looked so warm. Whether or not I liked his presence, I felt an overwhelming effect on me.
"Well, then your mom can't have coffee today, okay?" Evan even gave Gracie a high five and I just shook my head.
"Okay, Daddy!"
During the few minutes of driving, Gracie had fallen asleep and I was somewhat relieved that at least she wouldn't hear her father and I talking later.
"We'll drive around for a while so she can get some sleep," he said.
I didn't reply to him because I'd rather stay quiet than keep replying to his words that kept making me nervous.
"Anyway," he started talking again. "I want Gracie to stay at my place."
I immediately turned my head and said, "She wouldn't want to stay with someone she just met. Especially if I don't allow her, then she won't."
"Well, let's bet that she'll stay at my place no matter if her mom says no," he said, smiling wryly.