AAE DADDIES GIRLS

by ‘dilettante’ maia

 

DADDIES’ GIRLS — 1. 1

DADDIES’ GIRLS — 2. 2

DADDIES’ GIRLS — 3. 4

DADDIES’ GIRLS — 4. 5

DADDIES’ GIRLS — 5A.. 7

DADDIES’ GIRLS — 5B.. 8

 

 

DADDIES’ GIRLS — 1


by ‘dilettante’ maia

‘I cannot understand it, but I feel weird. It seems that this is the last sunset we’re going to watch together,’ Nicole Zhen said in a sad voice.

Kenneth, her boyfriend, did not reply. Instead he looked at her eyes and said softly, as if he wanted to cry. ‘Nicole, remember this, no matter what happens, there’ll only be you in my heart.’

She jabbed at his shoulder playfully, ‘What kind of speech was that? Come on let’s go to your place. Perhaps it’s the sunset affecting us, emitting to us a melancholy feeling.’

He bent his head and captured her lips in his. When he lifted his head, she wondered why Kenneth really looked so sad tonight.

Nicole linked her arm to his and lean her head on his arm while they walk.

‘Oh, the direction of your apartment is there, why are we heading in mine?’ she asked teasingly.

‘I’d better bring you home now, I have some schoolpapers to do tonight and you’re a big distraction,’ he replied half smiling.

She pouted her lips and with her little girl voice said, ‘Please Kenneth let me stay at your place tonight. If I remember it right, it’s you who do not want me to go home to my apartment. Please?’ giving him her most endearing smile.

He continued leading her to the direction of her apartment. He does not want to think of what will happen tomorrow but he has made up his mind. He thought they were both the same, struggling college students, since he met Nicole working as a part-time waitress in a restaurant. Kenneth was an orphan, and his desire to have a degree made him juggle all kind of decent work, be it a messenger or a waiter. He was not ashamed of his background until he learned through his classmate who Nicole Zhen is.

‘We’re here,’ she cut through his meandering thoughts. ‘Kenneth, if you won’t allow me to stay at your place, can you sleep here with me tonight,’? she tiptoed and kissed him. It was he who broke the kiss.

He held her hand and put something there. When she opened her hand, it was his gold pendant and when she looked closely at the back, it was engraved with K & N.

‘I love you Nicole, please accept this as a symbol of my unending love for you,’ he told her, his love for her shown in his beautiful eyes.

‘But Kenneth, you told me this is the only memory you’ve left of your mother. I like it but this is yours. And besides, what’s happening to you, why are you so emotional tonight?’ she asked with a worried look on her face.

‘Keep it,’ and enclosed her hand with his.

‘Thank you and I love you too Kenneth Yin. You’re my everything. Someday when we have our firstborn, I’ll give this to him/her because that child would be the result of a happy union.’

When Nicole entered the gate of her apartment, she kept on looking back, giving him her lovely smile. He looked at her retreating back with tears in his eyes. ‘Goodbye my love. I hope you will forgive me someday Nicole.’

FIVE YEARS AFTER, Kenneth Yin returned to South Korea as a successful construction magnate. He was very proud of his achievement in the industry, to compensate perhaps for his inner turmoil.

He stood at the window of his office looking down at the gathering dusk at Seoul’s horizon. Five years ago, he shared a similar sunset with her. Where is she now? What happened to her? Was she able to finish her studies? How is she related to the person whom he has been negotiating with to become his partner in one of his projects? Whatever happened to her, he hoped she is happy. Just like what he has been trying to do the past years, trying to pick up the pieces of his life because he became a coward when he found out that Nicole Zhen was the daughter of one the richest men in Korea. He had to leave her because he had nothing to offer her. He can only offer her his love.

She haunted his thoughts all these years. But he mustn’t think of her now. In a year’s time he would be married to Erika. Erika has filled a void in his life and for him she is special. She had helped him when he was starting his career in China, becoming his friend, his supporter in all his plans.

He turned when his mobile phone rang.

‘Kenneth, are you home already? I just called to remind you that we are attending a gathering at Mr Zhen’s place tonight,’ it was Erika.

‘Ok just get ready and I’ll fetch you at your apartment. Bye.’

They arrived at the Zhen’s home at exactly 7 o’clock. They were greeted by Alan Jin, Mr Zhen’s negotiator for all his business dealings. It was Alan whom Kenneth had been dealing wih the past weeks and this will be the first time that Kenneth will have the chance to meet Mr Zhen in person.

‘Welcome to the Zhen’s home Mr Yin. Come on Mr Zhen’s been waiting and eager to meet you.’

Kenneth introduced his fiancée to Alan and they proceeded to the where Mr Zhen was seated.

‘So you are Mr Kenneth Yin. It would be a pleasure to be working with you. As you can see I’m excited over this new project because this is the first time that I’ll diversify in my business investments.’



DADDIES’ GIRLS — 2

by ‘dilettante’ maia

The party was just a small gathering, mostly of Mr Zhen’s business associates and their wives. Most of them were family friends, a gathering were everyone almost knew each other. Erika felt that they were the odd people out, but it was understandable since they are new in Korea.

She left Kenneth’s side and wandered for a while nodding and talking civilly with the other female guests. Erika heard someone said, ‘Thank God, daddy’s girl is here, we can already fill our empty stomachs.’ Everyone who were gathered near the foot of the stairs laughed and greeted the beautiful lady descending the steps in her red gown. She’s very beautiful, Erika thought. She cannot understand it but she felt uncomfortable looking at her.

Erika was not the kind of person who was easily intimidated by the person of the same sex. Where looks and achievements are concerned, she knew where she stands and she carried herself with confidence. It was not surprising because Erika is also beautiful and intelligent.

‘I’m sorry I was not able to welcome you. I hope Daddy will not be mad as he has a VIP guest tonight. It’s just that Jiena decided to put on her tantrums tonight. She wanted to attend this party too,’ she apologized and encompassed everyone with her smile. She hesitated a little when she met Erika’s eyes but both women bowed slightly to each other.

Kenneth, Alan, and Mr Zhen were deep in discussion when Kenneth’s attention was caught by a movement at the other side of the room. It was a very familiar instinctive response to a presence of someone he knew. When he turned he saw the lovely back of a woman in red, her hair in a chignon. Kenneth was about to turn his attention to his companions when the woman turned with a smile on her face.


He would recognize that smile anywhere. It has haunted his thoughts for years. She proceeded to approach their group when she froze in her tracks. They stared at each other with hurt, admiration, surprise, love on his, and hatred on her part. Both were quick to recover. She continued walking to them though her fingers were clammy. What is the handsome devil doing here, she thought.

She gave him a slight bow and hooked her arm at her father’s elbow.


‘Dad I’m here,’ she said smiling at the group though she tried to avoid Kenneth’s gaze.

‘Oh I thought you’re in dreamland already,’ he teased her.

‘And is little Jiena asleep already?’ but she avoided answering that question. It sent shivers down her spine.

‘Mr Yin, please meet my daughter, Nicole Zhen. Mr Yin will be my new business partner. And this is his fiancée,’ indicating Erika who linked her arm to Kenneth immediately.

Nicole bowed slightly and said, ‘Dad let’s start dinner now,’ and proceeded ahead to direct everyone to their seats. Since her mother died, Nicole has started to assume the role of hostess once his father has a gathering like this one tonight.

It was a pleasant dinner except for Kenneth and Nicole. Erika noticed it but she just kept her observations to herself. On their way to her apartment, she opened the subject of Nicole.

‘Mr Zhen’s daughter is very beautiful isn’t she? Do you think she’s married already? I can’t see any wedding band on her finger but I heard their friends talking about a little girl.’

Kenneth hid his surprise and shrugged his broad shoulders. It is possible that she’s married already though he also noticed the absence of band on her fingers. He shook his head as if by doing so her beautiful image in his mind would disappear.


‘Would you like to have a cup of coffee?’ Erika invited.

He smiled at her and shook his head. ‘Thanks Erika, I’d better go home and catch up on some paperworks. Be there at the meeting tomorrow at Mr Zhen’s office. Warren called this afternoon, he’s already here in Korea.’


The mention of her friend’s name brought a spark to Erika’s eyes. ‘I’m glad he’s here. At least when you’re busy, there’ll be someone who’s harmless who can accompany me where I want to go.

‘Don’t forget Ms. Xu that you and Warren have also jobs to do.’


At the Zhen’s house that night after the dinner party, Nicole followed her father to his study/

‘Dad do you really have to go into partnership with this Mr. Yin? What about the risks involved? He is new here in Korea. Dad…?’

She looked as if she was ready to stamp her feet and Mr Zhen smiled at the thought. His twenty-six year-old daughter is already a mother, but there are still times when she exhibits her childlike attitude. His business associates had branded her daddy’s girl since she was still small. Until now they cannot stop referring to her as such.

‘Nicole I also want to diversify in my investments. And why the sudden change of attitude about this? A few weeks ago, when you learned about this venture, you were very eager.’

‘I didn’t know then that it was him,‘ she muttered.
‘What did you say, ‘ her father inquired.
‘Sorry Dad, it was nothing.’


Mr Zhen looked at her strangely. He indeed noticed the current between between his daughter and Kenneth Yin that evening. He put his arm around her shoulder.


‘My daddy’s girl, I think you’re very tired. You’d better kiss Jiena goodnight for me and rest also. We’ll have a meeting tomorrow.’

‘What do you mean WE! Count me out in this project Dad.’

That made her father wonder what’s wrong with her. His curiosity was piqued .



DADDIES’ GIRLS — 3

by ‘dilettante’ maia

Nicole worked as a free lance interior decorator but most of the time when he has a new project in his construction business, she was often tasked to help and as far as he can remember, she had not turned down any offer from him or his partners.

She walked out of her dad’s study and went to her daughter’s room. Nicole kissed her as tears rolled down her eyes. Why now when we’re already at peace with our lives? She asked silently. She wanted to run away and take Jiena with her. But she cannot do this to her father, her pillar of strength during those times when she felt the world was crashing down on her.

The following morning, Kenneth’s group met with that of Mr Zhen’s. Nicole was forced to be there sitting silently during the whole proceeding. As the meeting came to a close, Mr Zhen said, ‘Mr Yin, kindly coordinate with my executive secretary, Judith, and Nicole if you need anything.’

Nicole gasped and Kenneth nodded with a smile. Erika narrowed her eyes at them. What’s happening here, she thought. It seemed that Kenneth had been reduced to a monosyllabic machine since this morning, she mused.

‘Shall we have lunch?’ Kenneth asked directing his question to the group but his eyes were on Nicole.

She stood up, bowed, and left the conference room.

‘Please excuse Nicole, sometimes she goes home to have lunch with my granddaughter,’ Mr Zhen explained.

Days passed with everyone being busy with the planning and the implementation of the project. As much as possible, Nicole tried avoiding Kenneth, it was through Alan or Judith with whom communications were relayed. Erika on the other hand tried to befriend her.

‘I think you won’t mind if I call you Nicole. Since we will be working together, I don’t think we have to be too formal with each other. Please call me Erika.’

Nicole smiled and nodded.

‘I think I would suggest to my fiancé that we will hire you as our interior decorator once we have chosen a house. We’re planning to get married in a year’s time and from what I’ve heard and saw, you’re work is really good.’

‘We’ll see about that Ms Xu… Erika I mean. Although I can also refer you to a number of interior decorators in the city,’ she replied not wanting to offend her but she think she cannot accept that request.

When Erika left her office, Nicole sat there feeling numbness enveloping her body. Is this another trial Lord, she asked.

On the other hand, Mr Zhen requested Alan to hire a private investigator.

‘Anything of importance, Mr. Zhen?’ Alan asked.
‘Leave it to me Alan, just give me the best,’ the old man replied.

Two weeks after, the private detective handed his report to Mr. Zhen. He looked at the file with a frown, but later a smile started to lighten his face. He was not mistaken after all.

It was another beautiful morning. Nicole saw Jiena at her favorite playing place at the foot of the stairs, feeding the goldfish in the fishbowl. She had been begging for her to allow her to have a pet. She refused, not wanting to give her everything she asks for. It was Jiena’s grandpawho gave her the goldfish.

‘You’re early today darling,’ she sat down beside her and cuddled her.

‘You smell nice Mommy. You will get your dress dirty if you’ll sit here,’ she admonished her.

Nicole laughed. ‘Be a good girl, and this afternoon, Mommy will be the one who will bring you to your ballet lessons.’ She bent and kissed her. You’re only mine Jiena, as tears start to form in her eyes.

When Mr Zhen came out, he saw his granddaughter playing at the foot of the stairs. He went to his study and called Judith.

‘I’m not feeling well today. I remember I’ve to meet Mr Yin this morning. Will you inform him that I will meet with him here at home? And Judith please don’t tell Nicole. I don’t want her to worry.’

He went out of the study and sat near Jiena.

‘Grandpa, look, my goldfish is always hungry so I have to feed her every minute,’ she reached out and kissed him on the cheek.

Mr Zhen looked at her and thought, No wonder he looked familiar. Jiena’s face was the female version of that face.

He hugged the child and asked, ‘How’s the ballet lessons of grandpa’s girl?’

She stood and performed a pirouette. Mr Zhen clapped. ‘Oh but ballet dancers don’t pout,’ she’s so like her mother in her mannerisms, he thought.

‘I don’t want to be called Grandpa’s girl. I want to be called Daddy’s girl like mommy. Can I make a Christmas wish now Grandpa?’ she asked in all innocence.

‘And what can Ms Jiena Zhen be wishing for, may I know?’
‘I want a daddy so I can be called a daddy’s girl also.’
‘We’ll see about that little tyke.’ He heard a car stop. He looked at his watch.

‘I have to leave you for awhile Jiena, Grandpa has to meet someone. Business talks,’ he winked at her.

Kenneth got out of his car outside the Zhen’s home. Will she be home, he asked himself. He rang the doorbell and a maid ushered her in. ‘Mr. Zhen is waiting for you in his study.’ Kenneth gave his thanks and went inside. He knew the direction since he had met briefly with Mr Zhen there during that dinner a month ago. He continued walking until he saw the child at the foot of the stairs holding a fishbowl in her lap staring at him. He can’t believe his eyes but… she seemed to be a female version of him. He came near her and she stood and bowed.

‘Good morning Mr Business Talks,’ she smiled at him hesitantly, ‘Grandpa is in the study,’ her smile widened when he smiled and squatted in front of her.


DADDIES’ GIRLS — 4

by ‘dilettante’ maia

Kenneth looked at the little girl and smiled again. ‘Hi, I’m Kenneth. May I know your name little girl?’

She continued smiling at him. My God, her smile is really like that of her mother. ‘I’m Jiena. So you are Mr Kenneth Business Talks.’

He chuckled and nodded. ‘And how old are you Jiena?’ but he feared the answer to his question.

Jiena raised 4 fingers at him. Just then she bent to retrieve something on the floor and her pendant dangled. Kenneth recognized it. He swallowed a lump in his throat, looking at her face so like his own. Nicole why did you keep this from me, he thought. He shook his head and smiled again at her.

‘I must go in and meet with your Grandpa, will you be still here later?’ he asked expectantly.

She nodded her head and reached out her hand. ‘Nice meeting you Mr Business Talks. I’ll wait for you here so you can see my goldfish eat its lunch.’

He nodded and resisted the urge to hug and kiss her.

When he entered Mr Zhen’s study his face was grim. Mr Zhen guessed the reason for that but he just kept silent.

‘Kenneth, come in. I’m sorry I’m not feeling well today so forgive me for requesting you to meet me here.’

‘It’s all right Mr Zhen,’ Kenneth answered distractedly, though he noticed the informal address to him by the older man.

The two men discussed things for almost two hours before deciding to call it a day. Mr Zhen went out with him and they found Jiena still playing at the foot of the stairs.

‘Perhaps you haven’t met my adorable granddaughter. Jiena be a good girl and say hello to Uncle Kenneth.’

‘We’ve met already Grandpa when Uncle Kenneth Business Talks arrived. Can I really call you Uncle Kenneth?’ she asked hopefully. Kenneth smiled and sat beside her. Mr Zhen looked at them with tears in his eyes, walking a few feet away pretending to look outside the window.

Jiena motioned to Kenneth that she wanted to whisper to him. He bent his head and she reached out and circled her little arms around his neck. ‘Can I call you Daddy Kenneth when we are alone? I don’t have a daddy. I told Grandpa that I want a daddy for Christmas because I also want to be called Daddy’s girl. And Christmas is still so far away,’ Kenneth tearfully nodded at her and this time he did not care if Mr Zhen was around. He hugged her to him. ‘Jiena, you can always call me Daddy even if there are other people around.’

‘No Mommy won’t like that. And what if my wish will be granted and I’ll have a daddy. What will happen to you.?’ She asked innocently.

‘I have a swing in the garden, I want to show it to you Daddy Kenneth,’ the last two words were said in a whisper. Kenneth followed her.

Meanwhile, at the office, Alan mentioned to Nicole that Mr Zhen was not feeling well. She hurriedly came home to check and at the same time to bring Jiena to her ballet lessons that afternoon.

She found her father staring outside the window with a smile on his face. ‘Dad, Alan told me that you were….’ Her sentence was not finished when her attention was caught by her daughter’s laughter in the garden. When she looked out, she froze. Mr Zhen looked at her. ‘Would you still hide the truth from her Nicole?’

‘She’s mine Dad. He left us five years ago. He has no right to come back and disrupt our lives,’ she said not denying anything.

‘Jiena has a right to know who her real father is. At least don’t deny her that. I haven’t said anything, and don’t ask me how I learned about it, but I have my ways. As for Mr Yin, I’m sure that he was not aware he is her father until a few hours ago. I did not tell him either but just looking at them, the truth is glaringly obvious.’

Nicole walked out to the garden. ‘Mommy, look …Da… Uncle Kenneth is playing with me. Come here Mommy and meet Uncle Kenneth Business Talks. Isn’t he handsome?’ she winked at him.

Kenneth stood there and looked at her approaching figure. Motherhood agreed with her. She has become more beautiful and captivating. He looked at her eyes and said ‘I want to talk to you.’


She ignored him and kissed Jiena. ‘You’d better go in now and we’ll have lunch in a little while.’

Jiena looked at Kenneth smiling, ‘When can we play again Uncle Kenneth, please don’t tell Mommy about our secret, OK?’ Kenneth bent and kissed her. He was lost for words to say to her. She left the two adults and bounded the garden steps happily.


Nobody wanted to break the silence. Finally Kenneth found his voice, ‘Why did you hide her from me Nicole?’

‘Hide her from you!? May I remind you Mr Yin that it was you who left me five years ago without even saying goodbye. Leave us alone! You have your fiancée. You can have your own children.You just don’t know what I’ve been through. I was fortunate that I have a very understanding father. Leave us alone Kenneth Yin,’ there were tears now in her eyes.

He pulled her into his arms, tears rolling down his face too. ‘I’m very sorry Nicole for all the anguish I’ve caused you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I forced myself to leave you because when I learned who you were, I was afraid. I have nothing to offer you then. All I can offer you was my love.’

She struggled out of his embrace. ‘Just leave Jiena alone. And I hate you Kenneth Yin.’ She ran inside the house. Unknown to them, Jiena was watching them at one of the windows. ‘Why is Mommy crying? Jiena waved goodbye at the departing figure of Kenneth Yin.



DADDIES’ GIRLS — 5A

by ‘dilettante’ maia

Kenneth was sitting at his office brooding. How can I win them back? He knew that if he has to take Jiena, he has also to take Nicole. He honestly admitted to himself that he is still attracted to her. He was deep in thoughts when Erika entered. ‘Hi Kenneth, where do you want us to have lunch today? I can sense there’s something bothering you.’ Kenneth did not reply.

‘I just want to be alone Erika, ‘ he replied wearily. Since seeing Nicole and discovering Jiena, he’d been having sleepless nights. He knew he had been neglecting Erika and oftentimes she would tease him that if he’ll continue doing that, she might elope with her best friend, Warren, since they were the ones who were often together lately. Kenneth seemed unperturbed by her idle threats.

‘Ok, I’ll go out with Warren AGAIN, and I’ll bring you your lunch,’ and kissed him on the lips.

Just then, there was a light rap on the door and it was opened slowly. Kenneth was surprised to see Jiena standing there smiling at them. ‘Hi Uncle Kenneth, I came with Grandpa and Mommy did not know it. Shhh. I just want to give you this, I let Mommy buy that yesterday but I did not tell her it was for you,’ handing him a little box.

Kenneth lifted her into his arms and kissed her. His sudden change in mood did not escape Erika. She narrowed her eyes, noting the similarity between him and the child. Jiena noticed her for the first time and asked ‘Are you Uncle Kenneth’s girlfriend?’ Erika nodded and smiled half-heartedly at her. Kenneth seemed to have forgotten her presence as he carried the child in his arms and sat in his chair.

‘And what is inside the box,’ he asked teasingly.

She laughed and clung to his neck and whispered, ‘Open it Daddy Kenneth.’

It was a goldfish keychain. ‘Thank you Jiena, it’s very thoughtful of you. And would you like to have lunch with me. I’m very hungry.’

That night, Erika waited for him at his apartment. Kenneth was a bit surprised to see her there.

‘Is the child yours?’ she asked without further ado. ‘I only learned about it a few weeks ago,‘ he replied quietly. And he told her everything that happened five years ago.

‘All these years in our relationship, I know there was something holding you back. And then I saw the way you look at Nicole and I know there was something which binds you two together. Don’t deny it Kenneth, I saw the love in your eyes. I know you love me but I believe it’s different.’

She sat near him and took off her ring. ‘I’m letting you go Kenneth, I love you but I won’t be totally happy knowing that your heart will only belong to Nicole. Your child needs you. Your family needs you. I won’t begrudge you that. Mend whatever there is that needs mending. It may take some time but be patient.’ She reached out and kissed him for the last time on his lips.

‘I’m sorry Erika,’ he looked at her with admiration in his eyes.

‘I’m returning to China tomorrow. Don’t worry about me, I’m strong Kenneth. I have no regrets during the three years that we’ve been together. It hurts but time would heal all wounds. I just want you to be happy. Perhaps someday, I’ll be able to find the right man who will love me without reservations. I’ll always be your friend.’

‘Erika, I hope you will find your happiness too.’ And kissed her on the forehead.


DADDIES’ GIRLS — 5B

by ‘dilettante’ maia

That morning Nicole received a call from her. ‘Please nurture the love Kenneth has for you Nicole. I just want him to be happy and I know you and your daughter are his happiness. Goodbye Nicole.’ Nicole sat dazed holding the receiver, tears rolling down her cheeks.

It was Warren who brought Erika to the airport. ‘Be careful Erika, in a few months time, I’ll be home too. I’ll miss you.’

‘I’ll miss you too friend. See you in a few months time.’ He waved at her and thought, I hope we can be more than friends Erika.

A few weeks later, Kenneth invited Mr Zhen for dinner. It was obvious that the two men were not having business talks this time.

It was already November, the air was already chilly.

Despite the cold, she stood in the garden, looking at her daughter’s swing. Tonight, his father invited Kenneth for dinner. It has been months since his discovery of his paternity. They’ve been civil towards each other. He would often visit at the house but it was Jiena he spend his hours with. They haven’t talk to Jiena about him being her father but it was like a sword of Damocles hanging over their head.

She heard Jiena’s laughter and knew he had arrived. She cannot deny it, the attraction is still there. What is she going to do with the truth? She knew Kenneth wants Jiena to know. Is she ready to share her with him.

‘You’ll catch cold standing here,’ Kenneth spoke behind her back. How she love that voice. She closed her eyes. Kenneth moved in front of her and when she opened her eyes, they stared at each other for a long time.

‘I want to marry you Nicole,’ he said with conviction. She cannot move, she seemed hypnotized by those eyes. Finally she shook her head. Marriage without love, she wanted to cry.

‘Kenneth if you’re doing it because you feel responsible for Jiena, don’t. We can tell her who you are to her, and arrange things so you can always see her,’ she replied coolly.

‘Jiena is not the only reason why I want to marry you. I’m not getting any younger and I thought I may need someone to care for me too,’ he wanted to bring back the smile on her face and he succeeded.

‘Oh you!..’ She tried to jab at his chest but he caught her hand. He looked into her eyes, ‘I haven’t stopped loving you. There came a time when there was someone in my life but I know I was fooling myself. Remember what I said years ago. There would always be you in my heart.’

They kissed, trying to erase the hurt the past years had brought. When he lifted his head, he urged ‘Marry me soon,’ and she replied impishly, ‘I haven’t said yes yet Kenneth Yin.’

‘Oh Mommy please say yes to Daddy Kenneth, please Mommy, I want him to be my Daddy! You were kissing each other so you should marry him. Or else I will tell Grandpa about what you were doing.’ They were so engrossed with each other that they haven’t noticed their daughter approaching. Both laughed. Kenneth lifted Jiena and kissed her.

‘We want to tell you something Jiena.’ He put his other arm around Nicole. ‘Jiena, I am your real daddy.’

‘YOU ARE! Mommy is it true?’ Nicole nodded smiling at her but with tears shimmering at her eyes.

‘So from now I’ll call you DADDY even if there are people around,’ she hugged and kissed him. Kenneth pulled Nicole and embraced them both.

He put her on the ground, and she ran inside the house. ‘Grandpa, Grandpa, you won’t believe this but Daddy Kenneth is really my Daddy. Now I’m a real Daddy’s girl.

Nicole and Kenneth smiled at each other and he pulled her again in his arms and kissed her hungrily. ‘I love you,’ they said at the same time when they looked at each other.

‘Shall we go inside, dinner is waiting,’ Nicole said and started to mount the garden steps. He stopped her and took her fingers. When she looked down he was inserting an engagement ring on her finger. ‘Have I said yes Mr. Yin?’ she teased at him.

‘Do you need further convincing?’ she pulled his hand to go inside the house to join Jiena and Mr Zhen waiting for them at the patio steps.

END OF DADDIES’ GIRLS