Chapter 50
Alexei never imagined that on such an ordinary day, it would feel like waking from a dream to see his two daughters standing before him. This rugged Eastern European man, tough on the outside but soft on the inside, stepped forward. Despite the disgusted and conflicted looks on Natasha and Yelena's faces, he stretched out his arms and pulled them into a hug.
With his large head wedged between theirs, he let out a shaky breath, his voice trembling, "Even if this is just a dream, I'm happy. Praise God for letting me see you now."
Natasha and Yelena were caught off guard by their emotions. But Natasha, ever the practical one, quickly broke free from the bear hug, pushing Alexei away with surprising strength. He stumbled back, a confused look on his face.
He glanced down at his arms, caked in mud, and then at Natasha, wondering, Did I not eat today? Or has my strength—once greater than ordinary men—somehow become weaker than my daughter's?
"This... you... I..." Alexei stammered, unable to find the words. Natasha rolled her eyes and turned toward Wanda and Clarice, who stood nearby, watching with amusement. She gently patted Clarice's head and said softly, "Thank you, Wanda. Clarice."
"Hee hee, Sister Natasha, is that your sister? Oh, she's very nice!" The little girl, clearly enjoying being patted on the head, grinned with her big eyes sparkling. She looked curiously at Yelena, clearly fond of her, especially since Yelena had been making funny faces at her just a moment ago.
Natasha glanced at Yelena, a complicated expression briefly crossing her face, but she nodded, "Yes, she's my sister, Yelena."
Then, after a moment's hesitation, she added, "They're also my family."
"Wow~~" Wanda and Clarice responded excitedly, as if they'd figured it out already. They weren't surprised—after all, it seemed Natasha had come back for her former family.