Chapter 39

But Calvin still shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "I still don't want to go home. I want to be here with Daddy. Only with Daddy!"  

Celine stood up, trying to take a step forward, but Calvin just stepped back and hugged Nico even tighter.  

"Honey, please..." Celine said, her voice sounding almost desperate.  

Nico looked at Celine with guilt-filled eyes. After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, he said softly, "Celine, let him stay here tonight."  

"What?" Celine was surprised.  

"She needs some time. She's obviously upset and confused," Nico continued. "I'll talk to her. I'll make sure she understands, but for now... let her calm down here."  

Celine looked doubtful, looking at Nico and Calvin in turn. "Nico, this is not a solution. She needs to go home. If she starts thinking she can stay here forever, what then?"  

"Celine," Nico approached with Ca