Zain's POV
After I dropped Joanna off, I returned to my office to continue working.
I'd barely settled back into my tasks when the door squeaked open.
From the soft patter of footsteps, I recognized Carry immediately.
Setting aside my work, I swiveled around.
There stood Carry in her pajamas, clutching her favorite stuffed toy. She crept toward me and whispered, "Daddy, when will you come to bed?"
I reached down, scooping Carry onto my lap. Pressing my forehead to hers, I murmured, "Daddy has more work tonight. It'll take a while."
Carry's face crumpled in disappointment.
I tweaked her earlobe gently. "Why don't you sleep first, sweetheart?"
Carry clamped her mouth shut, saying nothing.
Noticing her sullen mood, I asked with patience, "What's bothering you?"
Carry couldn't quite name what felt wrong.
She simply longed for her mother—Blanche.
When Blanche was here, she never lost her temper. She always used gentle words and explained everything with endless patience.
