NovelEnglishChapter 449 Early morning sunlight streamed through the windows, bright and warm.
Claire stirred from sleep, slowly opening her eyes. The first thing she saw was Mrs. Tempest gazing at her with such fondness that it almost bectangible. That soft, motherly look-one filled with pure affection-was something Claire had never seen on Adah's face.
The moment Mrs. Tempest noticed Claire was awake, she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her daughter's rosy cheek and inhaling her sweet, milky scent.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Good morning, darling," she said softly.
Claire couldn't help feeling a bit amused by her mother's habit of sniffing her, but she still replied sweetly, "Good morning, Mom." Mrs. Tempest's heart melted at the sight of her daughter's sleepy, adorable face.
"My little angel, your birthday's tomorrow. Today, I'm taking you out to pick a few beautiful dresses. I want you to shine like a star, so when you walk into your birthday party, you'll be the prettiest little princess in Northcrest City." Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, and Claire could tell Mrs. Tempest could barely wait to dress her up herself.
"And tomorrow, your father and I will announce to all our guests that you're officially our daughter-Miss Tempest." Meeting her mother's earnest, expectant gaze, Claire felt a warmth bloom in her chest.
She'd nearly forgotten her own birthday.
In her previous life, she'd never truly had one. Before she was fifteen, she'd lived in an orphanage-no one there ever celebrated her birthday. And during her three years with the Linwood family, the only birthday anyone remembered was Vanessa's. Every year, the Linwoods would throw Vanessa a lavish party, inviting all the most important people in Cresthaven. But no one remembered that Claire was the sage, or that she might wish for a birthday too. Vanessa's hands would be full of gifts, while Claire was left in the corner, utterly forgotten. But this time, she finally had a birthday party of her own.
Claire's nose stung, tears threatening to fall. She quickly lowered her gaze, hiding her red-rimmed eyes. "Thank you, Mom," she whispered.
Mrs. Tempest stroked her hair gently. "You're my darling girl. There's no need for thanks. From now on, your father, brother, and will celebrate your birthday every year. Anything other children have, you'll have too." "Alright, now off you go and freshen up." Claire nodded and headed to the bathroom, where she found her toothbrush already prepared. She washed her face and brushed her teeth, then picked up a hairbrush, ready to do her own hair.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBut before she could start, Mrs. Tempest swooped in and took the brush from her.
"Chere, Claire. Let Mommy do your hair today." Claire's heart warmed at the gesture, but she shook her head. "Mom, I can do it myself. The headmistress at the orphanage always said I should learn to take care of my own things." A flicker of disappointment crossed Mrs. Tempest's face. She just
wanted to be close to her daughter tob to braid her hair and fuss over her. Was it so wrong to want that little wish fulfilled? She longed to dress Claire up like a porcelain doll and show her off to the world, letting everyone see her beautiful, cherished daughter. When Claire saw the look of gentle pleading, she couldn't help but sigh in her heart, both helpless and moved.
"Maybe you'd better do it, Mom. I could never braid my hair as prettily as you do."
In an instant, Mrs. Tempest's mood brightened. She eagerly set to work, weaving Claire's long hair with nimble fingers. Claire watched her mother's deft hands in the mirror, marveling at the
intricate braids she could never hope to replicate herself. Mrs Tempest didn't mind the effort, in fact, she seemed to enjoy every moment. When she was finished, she fastened a pink bow at the top of Claire's head.
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