Chapter 966: Official Adoption

Chapter 966: Official Adoption



Amy's room was dimly lit, with the soft glow from the bedside lamp casting shadows across the walls as Lucas lay on his back, one arm wrapped around Amy, her head nestled on his chest.

The rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing was soothing, and the warmth of his body wrapped around her made her feel safe and content. Yet, despite the peace of the moment, Amy's eyes remained open, staring at the ceiling, her mind buzzing with the inevitable goodbye that would come in the morning.

"Close your eyes," Lucas whispered, his voice low and gentle, as he patted her back. "You need to sleep."

Amy shook her head, her cheek brushing against his chest as she shifted. "I don't a want to. If I go to sleep now, morning will come soon, and then you'll have to go." She tilted her head to look at him, her expression tinged with sadness. "I'm going to miss you, Luca."

A soft laugh escaped Lucas as he looked down at her. He tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear and kissed the top of her head. "I'll miss you more, but I'll be back in a couple of months. It's not that long."

"It is long," Amy pouted, snuggling closer, her voice muffled against his skin. "Two months without you feels like forever."

Lucas chuckled softly, his chest vibrating beneath her. "You're cute when you're like this, you know that?" He leaned down and kissed her forehead, lingering there for a moment as if trying to pour all his affection into that simple gesture.

"Only when I'm like this? I thought I was always cute?" she asked with a yawn, and he laughed again.

Lucas watched as Amy's eyelids drooped, and she yawned, despite her best efforts to stay awake. "You're always cute. Now go to sleep."

She blinked up at him, her resolve faltering as the warmth of the bed and the comfort of Lucas' embrace started to lull her. But she fought it, struggling to keep her eyes open. "I don't want to fall asleep yet," she whispered stubbornly, though her body betrayed her exhaustion. Lucas watched her with amusement, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "You're fighting a losing battle, Amy." He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her as she curled into him. "But if it helps, I'll tell you a story."

"A story?" she asked, her voice thick with drowsiness but filled with curiosity.

"Yeah," Lucas said, his fingers trailing softly up and down her arm. "A story to help you sleep."

"No. Not to help me sleep. A story to keep me awake," she said, and Lucas smiled.

"Alright. A story to keep you awake."

"Okay," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she settled against him, her body growing heavier as sleep inched closer. "Tell me a good one."

Lucas thought for a moment, then began spinning a tale with their names, his voice soothing and steady. He spoke of a faraway land, of adventure and love between a Sir Lucas and a Princess Amy, weaving a story that made Amy smile sleepily.

As the minutes passed, her breathing deepened, and Lucas could feel her body go limp in his arms as she finally succumbed to sleep.

Lucas stayed still for a while, listening to the soft sound of her breathing, his heart swelling with tenderness as he kissed her forehead.

Slowly, he slipped out from under her, making sure not to wake her, and padded quietly across the room to his bag. Kneeling down, he pulled out the envelope he had received from Miley's mother the previous day.

He had been carrying around but hadn't yet had the courage to open, and he wanted to do that before leaving.

Lucas hesitated, staring at the envelope for a long moment before going to the living room. He tore it open as he sat down.

Inside was a letter, along with another document. He unfolded the letter first, his heart pounding in his chest as he began to read.

Dear Lucas,

I know this letter is a surprise. By now, you've probably moved on, but I felt I needed to write this, if only to apologize and let you know I'm deeply sorry. I know I was selfish and inconsiderate to have wanted to make such a request. It was unfair of me, and I regret putting that burden on you. Please don't hold it against Amy. She has nothing to do with my actions, and I hope you can forgive me for what I did.

I've left you some money as a thank you. I know you never asked for anything, but this is my way of showing my appreciation for the care you showed me. You are a good man, Lucas, and I hope you can heal from the pain Rachel caused you. You deserve to move on, to find happiness again.

Ryan crouched down next to Kimberly, his face softening as he looked at Dawn. "Yes, Dawn.

I'm your daddy now."

Dawn's face broke into a wide, toothy grin, and she threw her arms around Ryan's neck in an enthusiastic hug. Kimberly watched, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes as Ryan wrapped his arms around Dawn, holding her tightly as if she were the most precious thing in

the world.

After the emotional moment passed, they thanked the judge and their lawyer before stepping outside into the bright afternoon sunlight.

Kimberly felt as though she were floating-light, free, and full of joy. This was what she had dreamed of: a family for her daughter, a stable home where Dawn would be loved and

protected.

When they arrived home, Dawn's governess was waiting for them by the door, ready to take her for her afternoon activities. Dawn clung to Ryan for a moment before reluctantly letting go, giving him one last hug before running off with her governess, chattering excitedly about

her new "daddy."

As the door closed behind them, Kimberly turned to Ryan, her heart full. "Thank you," she

said softly, her voice thick with gratitude. "You have no idea how much this means to me-

and to Dawn."

Ryan reached out, taking her hands in his. "I'm glad we're here," he said, his voice steady. "But now that Dawn is officially mine, there's something we need to discuss."

Kimberly frowned slightly, her heart skipping a beat at the sudden shift in his tone. "What is

it?"

Ryan's expression grew serious. "Now that Dawn is legally my daughter, I think it's time we cut her off completely from the Hank family. I don't want any connection with them- no scandals, no complications."

Kimberly's breath caught in her throat. Although she had no plans of letting the Hanks be involved in Dawn's life, but hearing it aloud from Ryan unsettled her.

She nodded slowly. "I understand. The Hanks are not interested in Dawn anyway. It won't be a

problem." Ryan's gaze softened slightly, but his next words came with an edge of finality. "I also want you to cut off that kid- Jamal. I know he's connected to the Hanks," Ryan sajd, since Genevieve had told him all about Dawn's friend, Jamal.

Kimberly hesitated. Jamal had been Dawn's only real friend before Genevieve came into the

picture, and she had allowed the friendship to continue for Dawn's sake. But now, with Ryan's request, she knew it was time to let go. "You're right," she said quietly. "Dawn has Genevieve now. There's no reason for her to keep in touch with Jamal."

Ryan smiled, pleased with her agreement. "Good. It feels like we have a real family now. No

outside influences. Just us."

Kimberly smiled too, though a small part of her felt a pang of sadness at cutting off Jamal

since she knew Dawn was sweet on him. Still, she knew this was the best decision for Dawn's future-and for their family.

"Yes," she agreed, her voice soft. "Just us."