"Don't worry about that. I've got it covered," Zayden reassured Melon with a smile.

After a bit of back-and-forth, Zayden managed to convince Melon. He took Melon with him after telling Melon's teacher about it.

When school ended, Ariana arrived at the kindergarten alone to pick up Melon. As the kids walked out, she couldn't spot Melon and rushed inside to look for him.

The teacher, equally surprised upon hearing Ariana's intent to pick up Melon, said, "His uncle came and picked Melon up this afternoon. Weren't you aware?"

“His uncle?" Ariana, taken aback, asked, “What uncle? I have no idea what you're talking about."

The teacher was shocked.

Ariana, growing more anxious, demanded, “Why did you let someone take my child without asking me first? Who on earth took Melon away?"

The teacher, now flustered, assured her, "Don't panic. I'll go find the principal right away."

Shortly after, the principal arrived. Upon listening to Ariana's concerns, he too was baffled. "That doesn't make sense. The guy said he was Melon's uncle. He even made a hefty donation to our school in your honor. If he's not related to Melon, it would be strange for him to spend so much. Plus, Melon didn't say he was a stranger, so we let Melon leave with him."

Ariana, on the verge of tears, said, “But Melon has no uncle!"

Worried, the teachers quickly reviewed the surveillance footage and examined the visitor logs. They attempted to call the number Zayden had left, but it turned out the number was out of service.

At the amusement park, Zayden spent the entire afternoon indulging Melon in all the fun and games Ariana had previously deemed off-limits.

This newfound freedom was a delight for Melon, who had never enjoyed such unrestrained playtime before.

As the day wore on, Zayden suggested a brief pause and asked Melon to wait on a bench while he went to purchase two ice creams.

Returning, he handed one to Melon, and they sat side by side, enjoying their treats.

Melon, driven by curiosity, bombarded Zayden with questions. "Uncle Zayden, what was my father like?" he inquired. "Do you get along with my dad? What do you do for a living?"

Zayden responded with ease, musing privately that, if Melon weren't Holden's son, he would have found Melon cute.

After their chat, Melon, mindful of the time, extended his hand and said, "Uncle Zayden, I should head home now, or my mom will start worrying. Could I have my smart watch back now?"

Earlier, Zayden had convinced Melon to entrust him with the watch, claiming it would hinder their enjoyment and risk damage during the rides.

Zayden, with a smile, reassured Melon, "No rush. I'll give it back to you in a bit. I just need to use the restroom first. Wait here.”