Shrugging off the jacket, she ascended the stairs without saying a word to Dylan.

Disregarding the servant's gaze, Dylan followed Olivia upstairs.

Together, they ascended to the second floor. Olivia whispered, "Be sure not to disturb her."

With a meaningful glance, she conveyed her expectations to Dylan.

Dylan understood the implication. Failure to comply meant losing any chance of seeing the little girl again.

He nodded in agreement.

The nanny's quarters were adjacent to Leyla's. Startled by the noise, she hurried to check what was going on.

Acknowledging the nanny with a nod, Olivia led Dylan into the girl's room. Despite the nanny's surprise at Dylan's presence, she complied with Olivia's instructions.

Bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Leyla lay serenely on her pink princess bed.

Although Leyla was nearly two years old, she still had a habit of kicking off her blanket while sleeping.

Thankfully, the night air held no chill.

Leyla lay on the bed, clad in her cute little onesie.

Dylan gazed at her with tenderness and nostalgia, her innocence reminding him of the first time he met Olivia. Back then, Olivia exuded innocence akin to the baby girl, but now she bore a more refined, feminine aura, albeit with a slight weight loss.

Unable to resist, Dylan leaned down and kissed Leyla's tummy through the fabric, the faint scent of milk tugging at his heartstrings.

Unbeknownst to Dylan, his eyes reflected his innate gentleness at that moment. He regretted not spending more time with the little girl.

He marveled at how adorable she looked, especially at this tender age.

Normally a sound sleeper, Leyla seemed to sense something and abruptly woke up. She rolled over groggily and fixed her gaze on Dylan.

Confusion clouded the baby girl's expression.

Then, she extended her chubby hand to touch Dylan's face.

With a sense of wonder, she examined Dylan's features closely.

Because she was still in a daze, the little girl murmured, “Daddy.”

Instantly, tears welled up in Dylan's eyes, and he felt a lump form in his throat.

The baby girl's proximity caught him off guard as she reached out to touch his face. He couldn't believe he had once abandoned this child.

Half-kneeling on the floor, Dylan enveloped Leyla in a gentle embrace, overcome with emotion.