Chapter 449
Gilbert was cruising the neighborhood, his car moving at a leisurely pace, especially as he neared the local park.
He deliberately pulled over and stopped the car.
Rolling down the window, he peered outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jenna.
Considering Jenna was in the hospital just yesterday, the chances seemed slim.
Yet, his gaze suddenly froze – there she was, Jenna!
She looked cozy in her puffy jacket, swinging on a playground swing, with a slightly older boy giving her a push.
Gilbert opened the car door and stepped out.
“Having fun?” he called out.
“Yeah!” came the cheerful reply.
Want to go higher?”
“Yes, please. Ha–ha…”
“Jenna,” Gilbert approached, his long strides taking him directly to her, where he steadied the swing.
Jenna, with her hat and mask revealing only her grape–like big eyes, beamed a crescent smile at him.
“Sir, it’s you!”
She jumped down from the swing, and with a quick move, Gilbert scooped her up into his
arms.
“Sir,” Jenna nestled into his shoulder, quite content. “Did you come looking for me?”
“Yeah, I did,” Gilbert raised an eyebrow, a chuckle escaping him. “Of course.”
“Did you need something from me?”
“Indeed, I did.” Gilbert smiled warmly, pulling out a small jewelry box from his pocket, flipping it open with one hand to show her.
“I’ve got something for you. Do you like it?”
Jenna’s eyes widened in joy at the sight. “Wow! It’s Minnie! So pretty!”
She reached out tentatively, then hesitated and withdrew her hand.
“What’s wrong?” Gilbert arched an eyebrow. “Don’t you like it?”
Chapter
“I do,” Jenna nodded, her hesitation clear. “But my mom taught me not to take things from strangers.”
Gilbert thought to himself how well–mannered she was for such a young child, a credit to her mother’s upbringing.
“It’s okay.”
He gently ruffled Jenna’s hair. “We are friends, and your Minnie wandered off. I caught a couple more to keep you company.“–
“Sir…”
Jenna’s eyes sparkled, veiled with a layer of mist.
She hadn’t expected him to remember her lost Minnie.
Stretching out her arms, she hugged Gilbert tightly. “Thank you, sir! I love it!”
His heart warmed at her words.
“I love you too.”
He took out a hair clip from the box. “Let me put this on for you, okay?”
“Yes, please!”
With a Minnie on each side.
“Is it on?” Jenna, unable to see, carefully felt for the clips. “Sir, do I look pretty?”
“Beautiful.”
Gilbert nodded emphatically. “You’re the most beautiful princess in the world!”
“Giggle…” Jenna laughed joyfully. “Thank you, sir!”
“No need to thank me.”
Watching Jenna’s delightful expression, Gilbert was curious about her health.
Since their first encounter in Crestwood, he knew she was unwell but remained unaware of her specific condition.
Their bond had grown strong; perhaps, he could offer help.
“Jenna…”
“Jenna!”
Suddenly, her ‘guardian‘ Sophia appeared once more!
“Jenna, honey!”
Sophia whisked Jenna from Gilbert’s arms, offering him a stiff smile. “Hello.”
*44ello.
“Sophia,” she pointed at the hair clips on Jenna’s head. Maybe we should give these back to the gentleman, okay?
She had observed the exchange from a distances, expecting a brief interaction, not anticipating Jenna would accept a gift.