Chapter57

Vanessa

I know Dominic gave me aheadsup of what to expect at the orphanage, but it’s still overwhelming.

Even with that, it’s nothing I can’thandle. The children are all lovely and of course, the little onesarevery adorable, especially when they cling into me.

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far, I’vereada few books to them and they always seem to want more.

As for Carmella, I’ve barely seen her around and each time that have, she’s just standing at a distance, taking pictures. I really don’t know what she’s here for and I can’t believe she actually convinced Dominic that she wants to be here because ofthechildren. Is he really that blinded by her?

While I’m in the middle of reading another book to the children outside, IspotCarmella again, taking more pictures and changing the scenery. I shouldn’t even be pay attention to her. She’s none of my concern, so I look back at the book and finish reading.

Despite how long I’ve been doing this, I’m still so enthusiastic about it and at the end, I say, “And they lived happily ever aftert

Everyone gives a round of applause, except the little girl in my arms. I only started holding her not too long ago.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” I ask, my voice gentle.

“Is Mr Richards reallynotable to visit us today?” she asks, her voice and big eyes filled with longing.

“He really can’t make it today.” I smile.

I look around as I once again tell them he’ll be here another day, and they all have these gloomy faces.

I’ve noticed just how much all these children love Dominic. He’s done so much for them and he still is. He’s even paying their school billsandspends time with them whenever he can. The joy he brings to themisundeniable. I hate toadmitit but I’m even more certain of the fact that he’ll beagreat father.

After spending a few more minutes with them, I receive a call from my dad. I still excuse myself but it’snotso easy to stay away from everyone.

“Dad, I can’t talk for long because the children are already calling for me.”

“I can tell,” he says with some strain from the other end of the line. “I hear the children’s excitement in the background. I was just checking up on you.”

“Dad? Are you really alright? You’re coughing again.”

“Don’t mind me. Have fun with the children.”

As he ends the call, I look down at the screen withasigh. Had his cough really been something to worry about, he would’ve told me.

And withthat, I return to the children,joining a different group this time.

After I’m donespendingtime with them, I head over to the kitchen and join the chefs. I don’t mind cooking with them and there’s a lot on the menu to be prepared. I’m already so into it that I put on my apron.

“This menu has everythingandlooks so healthy,”Isay to the main chef, impressed.

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“It is, she replies. “Mr Richards always makes sure everyone here is well fed.”

It’s not just the chefs who speak so highly of Dominic,even the gardeners say the same thing about just how much he cares for the children and I believe them,becauseI’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Once it’s time to serve the food, the children begin to line up.

At the same time, Carmella struts in while striking a pose for her phone, her heels clicking loudly.

I look over at the other chefs and they try to mind their own business, because according to everyone here, she’s my friend. To be honest, I’m actually embarrassed that this is how she’s conducting herself.

I can’t even tell her to stop because she’stoofar away. Also, I know that even talking to her will be futile.

While the children are served their food by us, Carmella comes right to the front andstandsnext to me since I’m right at the end. She even takes pictures of what we’re serving.

“You better stop embarrassing yourself, I whisper to her with a fake smile.

“No,” she whispers, fake smiling backatme.

Just then, afittle boy named Billy, who’s not even lined up yet, smilesashe nudges her by pulling on her dress, and she instantly shoves him to the floor with no hesitation.

“Don’t touch me!” she says, twisting her face in disgust.

Timmediately abandon my post and rush to pick up Billy, who looksupat Carmella with fear.

“Hey, it’s alright,” I assure him, gently touchinghishair. “Are you hurt?”

He shakes his headashe wipes his tears while getting up

Fuming even more, I look over at her and she seems to have no regrets about what she just did, even when the others are looking at her in disbelief.

I quietlyspeakto him and it turns out he was just curious aboutseeing thepictures Carmellahasbeen taking since he rarely gets to see that.

After calming him down,Iapproach Carmella, who’s justshamelesslybeen standing in the same spot and shooting glares at everyone watching her.

As I hold onto her wrist and pull her along with me outside, she tries to resist, but I don’t let go until she followsme.

Once we’re outside and far from the building, I let her goandeven have the urge toshoveher to the ground, but I restrain myself and only speak instead.

“Why wouldyoudosucha horriblethingto an innocent child?”

“What didyouexpect?Thatlittle bastard touched mel”

“Hisname’sBilly.”

Like I care what his nameis.”

“I still can’t believe you hurt him like that. What areyoueven here for? At this point, you should get lost”

She sneers, “Andwho are you to decide? Besides, that’s what the bastard gets for putting his filthy hands on me and I’ll do itagainif…

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buddents, de somn and wily am a fe ue’s los te wij de blev heltind no sit and the dumbbes soling and telling