Araceli POV
"Valeria, don't you remember me? Come over here. Let me hug you."
Raphael's voice was gentle, like the snow that gradually melted in early spring. It carried a bit of coolness, but more hope and warmth.
I froze and looked at Valeria.
Valeria stood up, looked at Raphael, and took a slow step.
She spaced out for a second, hesitated about something else, and stopped moving forward.
I gave Krish a look.
Krish immediately understood what I meant, bit his lip, and lowered his head.
That night, he had told Valeria that this man was not worthy of their affection, so Valeria would hesitate at this point.
I had mixed feelings inside, and I didn't know what to do now.
To my surprise, Krish got up, took Valeria's hand, and whispered, "Valeria, do you want to go over there? I'll take your hand and lead you."
Valeria looked up at Krish and giggled. She took Krish's hand and walked hurriedly in Raphael's direction.
"Valeria, come here."
I looked sideways and saw Raphael sigh with slight relief. I knew that if Valeria hadn't come over, his words to me at night would have been meaningless.
Luckily, Valeria came over.
Raphael raised his hand and stroked Valeria's hair, his voice growing softer and softer.
"Valeria, honey, tell me, can you see me?"
Valeria blinked her big eyes, her clear eyes were full of confusion.
I took Valeria's small hand and said tenderly, "Valeria, tell Mommy that you can see us, right?"
Valeria was still dumbfounded, no different from before.
I frowned and sighed slightly.
Had Valeria really told Raphael she could see things when she was with him?
Why did Valeria like Raphael so much that she was willing to talk to him?
Krish pursed his lips and said, "Valeria, baby, can you see Mr. Lancaster?"
I looked at Valeria, shook my head at Krish, and didn't say anything.
If Raphael could make Valeria's autism better, then I could grudgingly accept him into our lives.
Raphael crouched down and got down on one knee.
He looked directly at Valeria, and his eyes were filled with mixed emotions. His eyes were like the ocean, surging with waves, and those were emotions I couldn't read.
His voice was deep and gentle, and he said, word by word, "Valeria, who am I? Do you remember what you called me before?"
Valeria's confused eyes gradually took on a look. She stared at Raphael's face, opened her lips, and said.
"Daddy."
I held my breath, not daring to show any excited emotion.
Raphael continued, "Valeria, tell Daddy, can you see things?"
Raphael's voice was soft and strong, full of patience. It was the first time I had ever seen a man so gentle with my daughter.
His eyes burned with encouragement as he looked at Valeria.
Valeria's eyes were filled with tears, as bright as stars in the night sky.
The next moment, she nodded and said, "Yes, Daddy, I can see you."
On this quiet and peaceful night, the breeze outside the window gently blew the leaves. A soft rustle echoed in the air. The bright moonlight spilled over the tree canopy, reflecting the leaves into a silvery glow, as if gems scattered in the night.
I opened my lips tremulously, my eyes filled with tears.
"Vallie, you can see things now, right?"
Krish said excitedly, "Vallie, you're so amazing!"
Krish's eyes were full of joy. "I'm going to take you to see all the beautiful sights in this world!"
"Wow! Vallie, you're amazing!" Essel was also delighted and jumped twice in excitement. "Vallie, can you see what I look like?"
Valeria giggled and said, "I can see you, Essel!"
Valeria's voice was so nice, like milk sugar, sweet.
Essel suddenly paused and said, "Wait, Vallie, did you just call my daddy 'Daddy'?"
I had forgotten about it, but now that Essel mentioned it, I started to wonder about it and turned my head to look at Raphael.
Raphael froze for a moment before coming back to his senses.
He said, slightly lost, "Valeria, you can call me Uncle Raphael. I'm not your daddy..."
Valeria tilted her head and said again.
"Daddy."
This time, there was more determination and stubbornness in her voice.
Her watery eyes shone with light, reflecting Raphael's figure. It was as if she could only see Raphael alone in her world, in this moment.
Looking at this scene, a sour feeling suddenly came over me.
Valeria rarely called me "Mommy", but at that moment, she called this man "Daddy" twice.
I coughed and said, "Mr. Lancaster, I'm sorry, Valeria may not know what 'uncle' and 'daddy' mean. I hope I'm not causing you any trouble."
I stood up and continued, "Thank you very much, Mr. Lancaster, but it's too late today. Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to talk to you in more detail..."
Raphael got Valeria to talk and let Krish and I know that Valeria could already see. This was a great joy and help to me, so of course I had to treat him to a meal to show my appreciation.
Raphael said calmly, "Ms. Chancey, I will have my assistant send you the contact information of that expert as soon as possible. You'd better take Valeria to him tomorrow as soon as possible so she can heal sooner."
I nodded my head and got up to prepare to see them off.
Essel walked deliberately and slowly, taking Valeria's hand and stroking her cheek.
At that moment, Valeria suddenly ran towards Raphael. She wrapped her arms around Raphael's thigh and yanked hard.
"Daddy, don't go."
Valeria's meaning was too obvious. She didn't want Raphael to leave.
"Daddy, Valeria wants to keep us here for the night!" Essel said excitedly, "Maybe we can stay here tonight. Daddy, I really want to play with Valeria a little longer..."
Krish didn't say anything. He stood by, frowning, his eyes cold.
He resisted the urge to walk over and pick up Valeria, clenching his fists and standing still.