Too Late, Mr. Cooper: Your Bride Ran with Your Baby novel Chapter 257

At eight in the evening, Mrs. Hart returned, her hands full of shopping bags, a cheerful smile on her face.

Online shopping was convenient these days, but the Hart family was more traditional. They felt that if you didn't go out and soak in the festive atmosphere while buying supplies, it just wasn't the same.

Mrs. Hart knew Liliana loved the hustle and bustle more than anyone. Leaving her at home by herself, the girl was probably feeling down.

Worried her daughter was lonely, she had come back early. The first thing she did upon entering was look for Liliana, a gift in her hand—a red and white hand-knitted scarf.

“Liliana...”

“Mom’s home, where are you?”

“Come on out, Mom brought you a gi—”

She didn't finish the last word. Mrs. Hart found Liliana’s bedroom and saw her on the balcony, sitting in a rocking chair and gazing out the window. The girl was perfectly quiet, her small, fair hand stroking her round belly as she hummed a familiar Crownport tune. It was hard to tell who she was trying to soothe.

Mrs. Hart stood frozen in the doorway. Seeing Liliana so uncharacteristically quiet, she clutched the scarf, a sudden ache in her heart. Her daughter had never been a quiet child. She was like a little devil queen, always causing a stir. And she loved to laugh. When she smiled, her eyes would curve into crescents like the moon in the sky, absolutely beautiful. The neighbors all used to praise her, saying she should smile more.

She also hated being lonely. You couldn't leave her by herself, or she would get upset and start a fuss. Mrs. Hart remembered how much of a handful Liliana used to be. The girl was as delicate as a flower, someone you'd fear dropping if you held her, or melting if you kept her in your mouth.

Later, as Linton grew up, he helped take care of her. But in the end... he hadn't taken good care of her after all.

Mrs. Hart’s eyes shimmered. She stood in the doorway holding the scarf, and after a moment’s thought, she decided not to disturb her. She turned and went back out.

Downstairs, she ran into Mr. Hart.

“Neither you nor Liliana have to lift a finger. Just tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll make it for you both.”

Mrs. Hart listed a few of Liliana’s favorite dishes, her face still etched with worry.

Mr. Hart led her downstairs. As they passed the living room, he saw Gabriel sitting on the sofa watching TV, looking completely idle. A spark of irritation flared in him.

He called out sharply, “Gabriel, what are you still sitting there for? Get in the kitchen and help me cook.”

“Your sister and your mother just got back. As their brother, can’t you think to make them a nice welcome-home meal?”

“You’re a grown man now. Can’t you be a little more considerate?”