When Ellie heard that, she burst into tears and jumped into Charlotte’s arms, like a snail burying itself in its shell. It was as if by doing so, she would not need to confront the cruel choice she had to make.
Jamie’s tears streamed down his cheeks. However, instead of wailing like Ellie, he merely sobbed sadly.
“It’s fine, Robbie. You can choose later.” As Zachary could not bear to force the kids, he quickly said, “You can stay with Mommy for the time being! After I’m done dealing with work…”
“Let them choose now.” On the other hand, Charlotte was very resolute. “I’m returning to Erihal three days later, so there’s no time to consider. It’s better to end things now than prolong our suffering!”
Zachary was stunned when he heard that. She’s returning to Erihal! No wonder she’s so determined. Looks like she really wants to cut off all ties with me…
“Mommy…” Pulling Charlotte’s hand, Jamie cried sorrowfully, “Don’t do this! I don’t want you to separate. I want our family to be together!”
“It’s impossible, Jamie.” Although tears were welling up in her eyes, Charlotte insisted mercilessly, “Your father and I can never be together. You can only choose one of us!”
“No!” Jamie could not help but burst into tears again.
“Stop crying!” interrupted Robbie with a frown. “I’ll choose first. I choose Mommy!”
He was very straightforward, without showing any signs of hesitation. However, he dared not look at Zachary.
When Zachary gazed at Robbie, there were no signs of blame or confusion in his eyes. Instead, all he felt was guilt and pity.
“Jamie, choose now!” Like an elder brother, Robbie ordered, “At the count of three, announce your choice.”
He knew how to deal with Jamie and Ellie the best.
“No…” Jamie shook his head, feeling terrified and worried.
“One!” Robbie counted directly.
“No, don’t make me choose! I won’t choose anything!” wailed Jamie anxiously.
“Two!” Robbie ignored his emotions.
“No, Robbie!”
“Three!” Robbie called out. “If you don’t choose, I’ll assume that you’re following Mommy.”
“Daddy! I choose Daddy!” blurted Jamie.
After that, he glanced at Charlotte flusteredly. “I’m sorry, Mommy!”
Although she had already expected it, she could not help but feel an agonizing sense of disappointment. Squeezing out a smile, she reassured him gently, “It’s fine, Jamie. You can stay with Daddy. I’ll visit you frequently!”
Not daring to speak, Jamie stared at Robbie intently.
“Mommy’s right.” Robbie was very calm. “Regardless of who you choose, it’s fine. We’re just living in separate places! It won’t affect our relationship.”
“Yeah.” Only then did Jamie felt relieved.
Ellie watched everything unfold in a daze. Her initial anxiety had faded significantly. Staring at Charlotte timidly, she looked like she had something she wanted to say, but dared not…
“It’s your turn, Ellie.” Robbie looked at her. “Do you choose Mommy or Daddy? Do you want me to count down?”
“I choose to stay with Daddy…”
Ellie’s voice was extremely soft, but everyone heard her.
She lowered her head, not daring to look at Charlotte. Fiddling with her fingers, she said tearfully, “Mommy, I love you, but I don’t want to go to Erihal. I want to stay in H City!”
“I understand.”
Charlotte cupped Ellie’s face and wiped her tears away, but she was crying herself too.
“It’s fine. I’ll leave Dr. Felch with you for your treatment. After you’re cured, I’ll come back and visit you.”
“No!” interrupted Zachary quickly. “You’re receiving treatment too, so you cannot be separated from Ellie.”
He remembered that Dr. Felch had mentioned that Charlotte’s treatment required three months. Furthermore, it could not be interrupted, for all the previous efforts would go to waste.
