Elliot felt a pang in his heart as he listened.
It hurt…
He approached Asher's bedside and sat down, smiling as he asked gently, "Are you worried that it might trouble me, Asher?"
Asher lowered his gaze, his eyes tinged with disappointment.
"I was born sick. I'm not a normal kid…"
Elliot took a deep breath, pushing aside the weight in his chest as he spoke earnestly, "Everyone gets sick, Asher. That doesn't mean you're not normal, and I'll never get tired of you. I'll always be by your side."
He pulled Asher into a warm hug, offering him the security of a father's comforting embrace.
"In front of Mommy and I, you can show your emotions freely. Laugh out loud when you're happy, and if you're sad, you can cry, make a fuss, or even throw tantrums. There's no need to act mature like a little adult because we'll never abandon you. Even if your illness can't be cured, with our family's resources, we'll make sure you have a happy and carefree life."
Feeling the warmth of his father's embrace, Asher nuzzled his head against Elliot's chest.
"Daddy, crying and throwing tantrums are Adora's thing. I'm a big boy. I won't cry."
Elliot chuckled softly and responded, "Even big boys have the right to express their emotions. Besides, I'm your dad. You can cry if you need to. I won't make fun of you."
Asher looked up at him with his clever, albeit weak, gaze, revealing a hint of mischief.
"Daddy, why do you want me to cry so much? Do you cry and act pitiful in front of Mommy too?"
Elliot's lips twitched.
All the guilt and sadness he had just felt vanished instantly because of that one sentence.
After a moment of contemplation, he corrected Asher firmly, "Who said that? I never cried or played the sympathy card. That's your mommy's specialty. She often uses that tactic to coax me when she's wrong. Adora likes to play the victim too, learning it all from her."
Asher's innocent face beamed with joy as he asked, "Really?"
"Of course, it's true. In this household, I hold the absolute power. Your mommy usually…"
"Daddy," Asher interrupted Elliot, pursing his lips.
Asher pulled out his kid-friendly smartphone from his pocket, showing an ongoing call with the contact labeled [Mommy Dearest].
The call had been going on for over ten minutes.
Elliot gulped anxiously, his spine stiffening as he stared at the screen.
Asher grinned mischievously and continued in his childlike voice, "Actually, before you came in, Mommy was worried about me being bored during my treatment, so she called to keep me company. I forgot to tell you."
Elliot was at a loss for words.
In other words, Asher was claiming Sheena had heard his bold claims loud and clear.
Glancing down at his scheming little son, Elliot flashed a wry smile.
It seemed Adora was not the only traitor in their little family…
He could not trust any of his children!
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