Tenderly running his fingers through her soft, curly brown hair and touching her gauze-covered leg, Waylen inquired in a hushed tone, "Does it still hurt?"

"It hurts," Alexis responded, snuggling against his neck with all her might, seeking comfort.

In his embrace, Waylen showered her with affectionate kisses, his heart burdened with aching guilt.

He never imagined that a love affair from his youth would inflict such harm upon Alexis.

If Rena had not been there for them, he shuddered to think of the consequences.

He felt he had failed to protect his daughter as he should have.

Sensing his emotions, Alexis leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.

She was so young and tender.

Waylen would trade everything to ensure her safety for the rest of her life. In a soft tone, he murmured, "The teacher will bring some of the kids from the kindergarten to see you tomorrow."

Embarrassment flickered across Alexis' face.

Waylen casually added, "I heard that Leone! will be there too.”

Her cheeks reddened slightly, annoyed at being seen through.

Snuggling deeper into the blanket, Alexis yawned, "Dad, | want to sleep.”

Playfully, Waylen pulled her curly hair through the blanket and began a story.

“Once upon a time, there was a prince named Leonel..."

Alexis was momentarily left speechless.

Embarrassed, she murmured, "Dad, I'm already asleep.”

Affectionately, Waylen acknowledged her request, gently patting her back, just as he had done on countless nights, lulling her into slumber.

To him, Alexis was not just a child.

She was... the embodiment of the love shared between him and Rena, a symbol of their hope and future.

Two sunsets later, Alexis’ entire class graced her with their presence.

Welcoming them with grace, Rena attended to her duties, while Waylen sat casually on the sofa, engrossed in handling documents.