Ava suddenly went straight to the topic. Raegan and Neil were frozen for a moment. After the two exchanged glances, they both lowered their eyes silently. They seemed to blame themselves and feel regretful over it, but at the same time, they did not know how to start explaining.

Their reactions made Ava even more puzzled. “I’ve been alone for so many years. Every time I saw other students being picked up by their parents when I went to school and came back, it puzzled me why my parents abandoned me.”

What Ava said made Raegan and Neil contemplate even more. They then fell into deeper remorse.

“Over the years, I really hated you two and never had the thought of reconciling with you. Why did you abandon me when you wanted to and then acknowledge me again when you felt like it? I feel like a toy that comes and goes as you please.”

“No, Ava. How could that be? How can you be a toy? You’re the apple of your father’s and my eyes,” Raegan hurriedly explained. That strong woman who was a