Free Web NovelChapter 89: Chapter 89 Pleasantly Surprised
Sylvia’s POV frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
I was flipping through a rack of kids’ clothes, holding up a lilac dress I thought would look adorable on Melody—it matched the soft violet of her eyes perfectly—when I noticed Noah’s grip on her hand tighten, just a little too much.
Not enough to hurt her, but enough to catch my attention.
His jaw was clenched, eyes darting toward me like he was holding something back.
“You okay, Sylvia?” he asked finally, breaking the weird silence that had settled between us.
I blinked, caught off guard.
“Yeah... why wouldn’t I be?” I said, raising an eyebrow as I held the dress up to Melody’s shoulders for size.
When I turned to face Noah, his expression was tight—some mix of concern and something else he was trying to hide.
"Nothing, really," he stammered. "I was just concerned about you. That woman earlier... she didn’t ruin your day, did she?"
I couldn’t help the dismissive smirk that formed on my lips.
My Alpha instincts, though suppressed for years, still recognized petty dominance displays when I saw them.
Helena’s pathetic attempt to mark her territory around Caesar was beneath my notice.
"Her?" I scoffed. "She doesn’t have the power to affect my mood. I refuse to give her that kind of importance."
"Wasting my time on people like that is pointless," I added, my tone final.
Noah nodded appreciatively. "You know, you’ve got a really healthy perspective on things."
I smiled but didn’t elaborate.
Instead, I turned my attention to Melody, her innocent face a welcome distraction from thoughts of Helena and her ridiculous posturing.
I gently ruffled Melody’s soft curls, earning a tiny smile from where she clung to Noah’s shoulder.
“Enough about people who don’t matter,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Let’s focus on finding something beautiful for our sweet girl, yeah?”
Melody peeked at me shyly from behind Noah’s shoulder, her violet eyes wide, curious. I gave her a reassuring wink.
We moved through the children’s section, surrounded by racks of pastel cardigans, tiny shoes, and dresses soft as clouds.
I knelt beside a display of folded sweaters, carefully selecting a few pieces in colors that would complement Melody’s pale complexion.
As I held up a lavender dress with a delicate lace collar, I felt it again—that steady gaze.
Noah was watching me.
Not in the way men sometimes do, but with something quieter, deeper.
There was gratitude in his expression, but also something gentler—something I’d seen before in the eyes of exhausted parents and protective siblings: the rare relief of seeing someone treat their world with genuine care rather than performative politeness.
I didn’t comment. I just smiled at Melody and asked if she liked the dress.
She gave a tiny nod and reached for it.
We kept shopping.
By the time we finally stepped out of the store, the sun had dipped lower in the sky and our hands were full—multiple shopping bags dangling from Noah’s arms, and a few from mine. Melody held a small plush fox in one hand, her other tucked securely into the crook of Noah’s elbow.
I glanced down at my own bags—several of which didn’t belong to Melody at all.
“This is embarrassing,” I muttered, adjusting the straps of the bag on my shoulder. “I was supposed to be helping you shop today. Instead, you witnessed a soap opera in the middle of a department store and somehow ended up buying clothes for me.”
"You’re being too generous, Noah. I feel bad about accepting these."
Noah waved away my concerns with an easy smile. "Melody adores you, I can tell. Consider these a small token of appreciation for spending time with us."
His eyes crinkled warmly at the corners. "And as for that so-called ’scene’ earlier—what scene? I don’t remember anything worth remembering."
I couldn’t help but laugh at his deliberate dismissal of Helena’s behavior.
There was something refreshingly uncomplicated about being with Noah and Melody.
No power plays, no hidden agendas—just simple human connection.
"It’s getting late," I said, checking my watch. "We should probably wrap up for today."
Noah nodded in understanding. "You’re right. We’ve taken up enough of your time today. Maybe we can do this again sometime?"
"It’s not about taking up my time," I corrected him gently. "As long as Melody’s happy, that’s what matters."
I meant it, too. The little girl had captured my heart with her quiet dignity and observant eyes.
I didn’t see her autism as something to be pitied—I saw a unique soul who experienced the world differently.
"Melody, say goodbye to Sylvia," Noah prompted softly.
Melody just stared at me with those soulful violet eyes, silent and watchful.
My wolf recognized a kindred spirit—someone who observed more than she revealed.
Noah tried again, "Say goodbye, sweetie. We’ve kept Sylvia long enough today."
"It’s fine," I assured him. "Don’t pressure her. I understand completely."
We were already heading toward our separate vehicles when the unexpected happened.
"Thank you, sister," Melody’s clear voice rang out, soft but distinct.
Noah and I exchanged shocked glances.
The surprise and joy on his face told me everything I needed to know about how rare and precious this moment was.
My heart swelled with emotion.
"You’re amazing, Melody," I said, kneeling down to her level. "Next time you come with your brother, I’ll take you for those little pudding cups you loved so much. Would you like that?" freēwēbηovel.c૦m
Melody didn’t respond verbally again, instead burying her face against her brother’s neck, clinging to him tightly.
But that was okay—we’d already witnessed something extraordinary.
"I should get going," I said to Noah, my voice softer than intended.
