Finally, these two were together.

Lilah and Miranda now had both parents.

"Miranda, can you call me Dad now?" Absolon asked softly, away from the crowd.

Miranda paused, turning to look at Absolon.

His temples had begun to show traces of gray, adding a touch of age to his appearance, but his voice remained cautiously considerate, not wanting to embarrass her by being overheard.

Miranda felt a warmth spread through her heart.

She had never experienced a father's love, but in that moment, she saw the most precious and cautious affection from a father to his daughter in Absolon's hesitant gaze.

Unexpectedly, her eyes brimmed with tears, and she felt a mix of tenderness and fullness in her heart.

"It's okay. If you still can't get past it, that's fine, we can always...

"Dad, " Miranda softly called out. Absolon froze instantly.

He stared intently at the gentle and beautiful girl in front of him, feeling like he was in a dream.

Had he just heard wrong?

"Miranda, what did you just say?" Absolon looked at Miranda, not wanting to miss any change in her expression.

Miranda pressed her lips together and smiled, "Dad, you heard right."

Absolon's eyes reddened immediately. He nodded but found himself at a loss for words.

The next morning at the breakfast table, the atmosphere was a bit peculiar.

Joselyn sat there with her head down, as if recalling everything from last night.

How awkward.

She wished she could disappear.

"Mom, what's wrong? Isn't the breakfast to your taste?" Lillie asked, puzzled, as she handed Joselyn a glass of milk.

Joselyn lowered her head even further, “It's nothing, nothing."

At that moment, Absolon came downstairs. He had drunk quite a bit last night and was now suffering from a throbbing headache.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Absolon asked, a bit bewildered.

Lilah quickly gave him a look, urging him to talk to Joselyn.