In front of her was a small, exquisite cake on a table. Adele didn't eat the cake, but she was gazing at it.

Ariana went over to Adele, but before she could even call her, a cake store employee stopped her, crossing her arms and giving Ariana a wary look. “Who are you?" she questioned.

Adele looked over before Ariana could explain herself and called out, "Aria!"

Then, she sprung off the chair and began to wrap her arms around Ariana's waist.

The employee relaxed and smiled at Ariana upon seeing that. "Oh, so you're the child's mother," she said.

"I..." Ariana wanted to explain to the employee in the cake shop that she had misunderstood her. But before she could say anything, the employee interrupted her.

"I saw the little girl standing in front of the store all day. She was just looking at the cakes in the window. After a while, I went out to ask her where she lived, but she didn't answer. I couldn't bring myself to leave such a young child outside alone, so I took her in first," the employee explained.

Ariana nodded her head in thanks and didn't give any further explanations.

Seeing how comfortable and familiar Adele seemed with her, she believed that trying to clarify the misunderstanding would probably only create more confusion.

With a warm smile on her face, the employee waved her hand dismissively. "This little girl is very sweet, just not very talkative. I asked her several questions, which she did not answer.

It was after much effort that she finally told me that today was her birthday. So I gave her a little cake to celebrate her birthday. I just can't understand why she didn't touch it at all. She just held that cake the whole time, staring at it without saying a word."

"I could see in her eyes that she wanted to eat this cake, yet she didn't take a single bite. When I asked her, she kept saying she was expecting ‘Aria’. I didn't really understand what she meant and honestly, I was a little overwhelmed by the situation. Finally, I asked her if she knew any phone numbers I could call," she added.

Hearing this brought tears to Ariana's eyes. She was so moved to know that Adele had been thinking of her all this time. Ariana had also become very attached to Adele, and she even found herself wishing that Adele was her daughter.

Ariana took the little girl in her arms, tenderly stroking her hair.

Adele didn't say a single word and just buried her face in Ariana's arms.

Seeing how much Adele seemed to like the woman in front of her, the employee couldn't help but smile. "So, her name is Adele? What a lovely child! You really need to take good care of her. Don't let such a young girl wander the streets alone."

Still cradling Adele, Ariana thanked the employee for everything.

Then, Ariana's gaze fell on the remaining cakes still displayed by the window. She turned to the employee and asked, “Could you also help me wrap all these cakes? I'll take them to celebrate her birthday with some friends."

“sure! I'll be happy to give you a discount," the employee replied with a bright smile. After saying this, she immediately went to pack the cakes. "Luckily, we also have some small gifts left in the store.

I'll add them to your basket to make the celebration even more special."