Chapter 79

When the word "Mom" slipped from his lips, Adam felt a surge of relief that no one else had witnessed the moment. He had a reputation to maintain, after all. He'd never done anything so absurd in his life! Thankfully, his soothing words seemed to calm Celine. She nestled into his embrace. She clutched tightly around his waist and drifted back to sleep. Adam couldn't help but feel she was truly clingy. Lowering his gaze, he noticed she wasn't crying anymore. But her long lashes still glistened with moisture, which was truly endearing. He chuckled softly. "I'm not your mom—I'm your dad. Come on, Celine, call me Dad." But Celine was sleeping soundly and offered no response. Adam wrapped his arm around her shoulder and fell asleep. … The next day, Celine opened her eyes. Outside, the morning light was brilliant, and the warm sunlight had already filled the room. It was the early morning of the second day. Celine wanted to get up. But upon moving, she sensed something was amiss. A s