Chapter 150: Attachment

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Once Mike felt Gwen loosen her grip, he gently placed her on the couch and said, "I'll go make you something to eat."

As he stood up, he felt a slight tug on his shirt—Gwen was holding onto it.

"Don't worry, I'm right here. I won't leave," Mike reassured her, patting her head. Only after hearing his words did she finally let go, allowing him to head into the kitchen.

Gwen sat motionless on the couch, her eyes locked onto Mike's figure as he busied himself in the kitchen.

Whenever she lost sight of him, unease and fear crept in, but the moment he reappeared, she quickly calmed down.

Before long, Mike emerged with a bowl of noodles.

Finely chopped green onions were sprinkled over the steaming broth, with a perfectly fried egg resting on top—it looked incredibly appetizing.

"Try it," Mike said, handing her a fork, anticipating she might not know how to use chopsticks.

Gwen accepted the fork and stared at the bowl before her. Suddenly, tears welled up in her eyes. She looked up at Mike and, for the first time since meeting him, spoke.

"I don't have a dad anymore… I don't have a dad anymore."

Mike's chest tightened with sorrow. Kneeling down, he gently embraced Gwen, feeling the weight of her grief. Stroking her soft hair, he murmured, "Don't cry. If your dad saw you like this, he'd feel heartbroken."

"Mmnh…!"

Gwen pressed her lips together, trying her hardest to hold back her sobs, but no matter how much she fought it, she still whimpered softly.

Mike let go of her and wiped her tear-streaked face, taking in her swollen, red eyes. "Gwen, you have to be strong. Your dad is watching over you from heaven. And I'm sure… he loves your smile, right?"

Sniffling, Gwen nodded, doing her best to force a small smile.

That forced bravery…

Mike's heart ached even more at the sight.

Still, he returned her effort with an encouraging smile. "Come on, try it. It's really good."

Gwen nodded again. While wiping away her lingering tears, she picked up some noodles with her fork and took a small bite.

It was delicious. But after only a few mouthfuls, she put the fork down.

Noticing this, Mike gently patted her head. Seeing her nervous expression, he pushed the bowl aside and said, "Alright, let's go wash your face."

While she had been eating, Mike had already prepared a set of toiletries for her. In fact, during a quick moment in the bathroom earlier, he had even teleported out to buy her two sets of pajamas.

Gwen slid off the couch and whispered, "I can do it myself."

Mike paused for a moment before smiling. "That's amazing!"

Gwen walked into the bathroom but left the door open. Every now and then, she would glance back at Mike.

Realizing this, Mike simply stood at the doorway.

Seeing him there, Gwen finally felt at ease.

She was so scared—truly terrified.

Her world had been swallowed by the sight of blood and the cruel sneer of the criminal. But then, Mike had appeared, pulling that horrifying face out of her world and replacing it with warmth.

It felt like she had been drowning in an abyss, and suddenly, a beam of sunlight had pierced through, falling upon her just before she was completely consumed.

Warm. Safe. Reliable.

That was what Mike meant to her now.

Soon, Gwen finished washing up and stepped out of the bathroom.

Mike reached for her cold little hand, leading her into a bedroom. Handing her the pajamas, he asked, "You can sleep here. Is that okay?"

Gwen nodded, obediently taking the pajamas and climbing onto the bed.

Mike left a small nightlight on for her, then quietly shut the door and went to freshen up himself.

She really was a child who tugged at the heartstrings.

Back in his own room, Mike turned off the light and lay down. But just as he was about to close his eyes, he heard a soft knock at the door.

Then came a timid voice.

"Uncle… can I sleep with you? I… I'm scared."

Mike sat up, turned on the light, and opened the door.

Gwen stood in the doorway, hugging her pillow. Her pajamas, adorned with little bear prints, made her look even smaller and more fragile. She gazed up at him nervously, her fingers fidgeting as she anxiously twisted them together.

When Mike didn't respond right away, Gwen lowered her head and murmured, "I won't bother you while you sleep. I won't kick the blankets, either…"

"…Alright."

Mike responded with a simple, "Alright."

Gwen's eyes lit up with surprise. She looked up and was met with a pair of warm, gentle eyes.

Stepping into the room, she obediently climbed onto the bed, carefully placing her pillow before pulling the blanket over herself. Then, as if afraid Mike might change his mind, she quickly shut her eyes.

Mike chuckled, shaking his head before lying down as well.

It seemed she truly felt safe. Within moments, Gwen had fallen asleep.

Watching her peaceful slumber, Mike soon drifted off himself.

 *The Next Morning*

A knock on the door woke Mike. It was Oliver, standing outside to take Gwen to the police station.

Initially, he had only come for Gwen, but no matter what, she refused to let go of Mike. In the end, he had no choice but to bring Mike along too.

I've been to the station way too many times in just two days… Mike thought to himself with an amused smirk.

At the precinct, the officers had to settle matters regarding George Stacy's estate. He had no other family—his only daughter, Gwen, was the sole inheritor of his belongings. However, she was still too young to handle it, and the mere sight of the police station already had her eyes brimming with tears.

But when Oliver brought out her father's belongings, she swallowed her pain, holding back her tears as she thanked him.

Seeing this, the officers couldn't help but feel a deep sorrow.

The precinct was handling George Stacy's funeral arrangements, and all of his assets would, without question, go to Gwen.

The real issue now was where Gwen would go from here.

She had two choices:

1. She could be placed in an orphanage.

2. Someone could adopt her.

Several officers, including Oliver, expressed their willingness to adopt Gwen. However, when they asked her opinion, she simply lowered her head, silent and unwilling to answer.

It was cruel to ask a child who had just lost her father to make such a difficult decision.

The officers sighed, feeling helpless.

Just then, Mike stood up.

Gwen, sensing his movement, panicked and clung to his arm. "Don't go!"

The room fell into stunned silence.

The depth of her attachment to Mike was far beyond what they had expected. Had these two really only known each other for just one day?

Then again, remembering what had happened yesterday—the horror she had experienced and the way Mike had saved her—it wasn't hard to understand why she felt this way.

An idea suddenly flashed in Oliver's mind. Looking at Mike, he asked, "Mike, would you consider adopting Gwen?"

"Me?" Mike was caught off guard. He looked down at Gwen's small face, and in that moment, his heart softened.

A daughter, huh? 

Not a bad idea. 

Kneeling in front of Gwen, he asked, "Gwen, do you want to come with me?"

Gwen hesitated for a brief moment before nodding.

Seeing this, Oliver worried that she might not fully understand what she was agreeing to. He gently explained, "Gwen, going with Mike means you'll live with him from now on. He will become your adoptive father—your new dad. Do you understand?"

Gwen looked at Mike. After a brief pause, she nodded again, this time more firmly.

A warm smile spread across Mike's face. He pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly.

The officers, watching the scene, couldn't help but smile as well.

Oliver, however, let out an exaggerated sigh and shot Mike a mock-serious glare. "You better treat Gwen well! And don't you dare get any funny ideas!"

Funny ideas? 

Oh… He means her inheritance? 

Mike smirked, completely unbothered. "That little sum? I couldn't care less."

(End of Chapter)