Chapter 329 Severing All Ties If You Do Not Apologize
Federick, too, thought Levi was being foolish, but he concluded that Levi must really like Gizem to thwart her from becoming Desi’s stepmother.
Desi’s eyes rimmed with tears. “You are my mommy!”
Gizem stroked her head without saying anything, and Madeline nodded from where she stood as Federick narrowed his eyes.
“Levi, you had better apologize to her,” Gizem ordered.
“No.” He turned his head away in refusal.
“We’ll sever all ties if you don’t apologize to her.” She issued an ultimatum.
He whipped his head back and mumbled an apology, “I’m sorry, Ms. Macari.”
Desi grunted and held onto Gizem more tightly, burrowing her head deeper into Gizem’s embrace.
Jealousy consumed Levi as he looked at both of them.
Samuel strode into the room at that moment, not realizing that there was another person in the room, and Gizem could feel the beginnings of a headache.
Levi glanced at Samuel and smiled. “Mr. Macari, your daughter is pestering my girlfriend to be her stepmother.”
He was hinting at Samuel to do something about Desi’s behavior.
Federick snickered at Levi.
He’s a grown man, but he’s actually snitching on a kid.
Samuel walked over to Desi, who pouted piteously, “Daddy.”
He knew she wanted a mommy, but Gizem wasn’t her mommy.
“Come here, Desi.” Samuel lifted her in his arms and shot Levi a cold look. “I apologize for my daughter’s misbehavior. I’ll talk to her about it.”
Desi looped her arms around Samuel’s neck, buried her face in his neck, and sobbed quietly.
Levi sneered.
Gizem saw Desi crying and fastened a disapproving look on Levi. He gave her a sheepish smile upon noticing her vexation.
“Let’s go,” Federick suggested.
He took Madeline’s hand and smiled gently. ”Shall we let Ms. Zabinski rest and visit her tomorrow?”
“Sure.” Madeline nodded meekly and waved goodbye to Gizem.
“See you.” Gizem bade her goodbye.
“We should leave too,” Samuel said to Desi.
The little girl gave a sorrowful nod and glanced at Gizem. “I’ll come to see you again tomorrow, Ms. Zabinski.”
“Okay.” Gizem flashed her a smile.
Desi reached out to tug on Gizem’s oversized hospital gown. “Don’t forget that you’ll still be staying in our house after you’re discharged.”
Gizem hesitated, her eyes darting to Samuel, who looked as impassive as ever.
He wasn’t looking at her; instead, his attention was fully focused on Desi.
“We’ll see about that.” Gizem pursed her lips.
“You have to promise me, or I won’t leave.” Desi refused to budge as if she was afraid Gizem wouldn’t stay at her house anymore.
Embarrassment swamped Gizem. She wasn’t sure if Samuel would let her continue staying at Florinia Manor.
“Be good, Desi. Dr. Zabinski is your doctor. She wouldn’t go anywhere,” Samuel cajoled.
Desi was the most important person in his life. If she asked for a star in the sky, he would personally reach up and pluck one down for her.
“Did you hear what my daddy said, Ms. Zabinski?” Her mood improved immediately.
“Yeah,” Gizem acknowledged.
Desi shot a smug look at Levi and huffed, leaving him speechless.
Samuel carried Desi and left the room.
Gizem slanted a look at Levi. “Why would you pick a fight with a little girl?”
“I don’t like it when she hounds you.” He took a seat on the bed. “It’s inconvenient for you to stay at the Macari residence. Why don’t you come and live with me?”
“We don’t have that kind of relationship, Levi. I’m not going to bother you. I know you like me, but until I regain my memories and identity, I won’t like anyone else,” she explained.
He said sadly, “But will you consider being with me after you’ve recovered your memories?”
Gizem chose not to answer his question.
“You won’t because you’re in love with another man. Even your master warned me to be mentally prepared if I want to pursue you.” His voice was hoarse with emotions.
“You talked to Master about this?” She was bewildered.
He stated solemnly, “Of course. He’s the closest to you. Who else would I talk to about this if not him?”
Gizem heaved a sigh.
“Gizem, you…” Levi hesitated.
“Levi, do you know that Gizem isn’t my real name? It’s just a code name.”
He nodded. “That doesn’t bother me. Gizem, I still like you, no matter what your name is.”
She pressed on. “You don’t even care about the person I used to be?”
“Does that matter? I like you regardless of who you are,” he said meaningfully.
“Thank you, Levi.” She flashed a rueful smile.
“I don’t want you to thank me,” he said somewhat agitatedly, instantly realizing he shouldn’t be talking to her in this manner and regretting his attitude.
“Think about what I said, Gizem, okay? Don’t reject me so quickly,” he pleaded.
“All right,” she agreed wryly.
Levi beamed. “I’ll stay here tonight to look after you.”
“No need. That’s inappropriate,” Gizem promptly dismissed his suggestion.
“What do you mean?” He feigned innocence.
Gizem was utterly at a loss for words.
Samuel and Federick were getting ready to take the children back home. Samuel got into the driver’s seat, while Federick secured Madeline in the backseat before turning to Samuel, “I have something to say to you.”
“Say it,” Samuel said brusquely.
“Are you sure Kate is still alive?” he asked.
Samuel’s expression was blank. “I… I’m not sure.”
“It’s obvious Desi wants a mother,” Federick continued in a low voice. “Did you—”
“I’ll never remarry.” Samuel cut him off.
Federick chuckled. “That’s not what I wanted to say. I was just wondering if you had noticed how Madeline and Desi reacted similarly.”
A frown creased Samuel’s forehead.
“Do you think Gizem’s eyes look similar to Kathleen’s?” Federick’s eyes glinted. “I’m not saying she is Kathleen, but I think you should look into it. I doubt there’s another person in this world with whom Madeline would voluntarily have a conversation.”
“I’ll look into her background,” Samuel replied expressionlessly.
Anything for Desi’s safety. He would never let anyone shady be around his daughter.
Federick cracked a half-smile. “Fine.”
Then, he slid into the car.
Wordlessly, Samuel got into the car as well.
When Samuel returned home, he left Desi with Wynnie, who inquired, “How is Dr. Zabinski?”
“She needs to stay in the hospital for further observation. Mom, I’m leaving Eil and Desi with you for a few days,” he uttered.
She nodded. “Okay. Would someone be preparing meals for her?”
“I’ve ordered a hotel restaurant to send meals to her daily,” he answered.
“She saved Desi, and meals from a hotel restaurant are perfunctory, to say the least, and frankly, appalling. Send this to her.” Wynnie held up a thermal lunchbox.
