My Baby Bridgerton

Chapter four

Anthony looks at Siena, his expression becoming serious again as he realizes the gravity of the situation.

"Of course I want her. She's my child, my flesh and blood." He said firmly. But things aren't so simple. I can't just take her away from the life she's known for the past two years and drop her into mine, just like that. I have empathy for a child and their homelife, unlike some.."

"I'll visit, but she cannot be in the same house as my husband." Siena said.

He looked confused at first but shook it off. He nodded and answered with a nonchalant tone. "I understand. I will make the necessary arrangements for that, but you need to understand that from this point on, she will be living with me. She is my daughter, and it's my responsibility to provide for her and ensure that she has a stable and loving home."

"And I am allowed to come whenever I like." Siena said.

Anthony looks at her, his expression guarded "You will be allowed to visit her, but I must set some boundaries. If you want her to stay with me you'll abide by my parenting, I will be her primary caregiver. I cannot have you coming in and out of her life whenever you please. It will only confuse her and cause her emotional distress."

"Emotional distress?" Siena laughed. "Who has softened you, Anthony?"

Anthony glared.

"No, either you let me see her whenever you want or I'm not giving her over" Siena added.

His expression became frustrated. "You can't make demands like that. You can't threaten to withhold my daughter if I don't give you unfettered access to her. I understand that you want to see her, but you also need to understand that I have her best interests at heart as her father,"

"And you do not know her, I do"

"And who's fault is that, Siena?" Anthony looks at her, his expression still stern "I realise that you have spent the past two years with her, and that you know her better than I do. But that doesn't negate the fact that I am her father. I have a right to take on the role of a parent, and I have a right to establish a stable and loving home for her."

"I will come whenever I like to see my child. Clear?" Siena said.

Anthony realised he wasn't getting anywhere with her. "Fine you can come to see her whenever you like. But you will respect my authority as her father, and you will not interfere with the way I raise her. Is that clear?"

"Clear" she answered.

Anthony looks at up at her, his expression still a little tense. "Good. I'm glad we have an understanding. But I warn you, I will not tolerate any interference from you in the way I raise my daughter. She is now my responsibility and I will do everything in my power to ensure she has a happy and healthy life."

"Yes yes you've said" she said impatiently. She bent down to her two year old. "Mamas gonna go now? Okay?"

The two year old looks at you with wide eyes before looking to her mother and clutching her blanket and binky in her small hands. She looks a little confused and scared but nods obediently at sienas words. "that man is your dada ok? Remember mama talked about? Papa... he will take care of you.. " she kissed her head. The two year old looks up at Anthony, still holding on tight to her blanket and binky. She looks a little unsure of the strange man in front of her, but she doesn't protest. Anthony watches the interaction between her and the two year old, his expression a complex mix of emotions. There is sadness in his eyes, as he watches Siena say goodbye to the child. But there is also a hint of resignation, as he realises that he is now responsible for this child, who is a complete stranger to him.

He takes a deep breath and takes a step forward, approaching the two year old. She looks up at him with wide, curious eyes, her small hands clutching the blanket and binky tightly. She takes a step back, clearly frightened by this man who she has been told is her father. Anthony bends down to her level, attempting to make himself seem less intimidating. He looks at her with a gentle smile on his face, trying to appear as warm as possible.

The two year old looks at him with wide eyes, still clutching her blanket tightly, not sure what to make of this man who is now calling himself her father.

Anthony looks at her, he couldn't help the frown on his exterior even though he truly did care for the child. He turned to look at his family before turning back to the child. "Ugh.." he scratched his head. "I-

Violet sensed his sons awkwardness and helplessness of her son and stepped forward. She spoke up. "Hi sweet baby , I'm your grandmother" she said in a warm tone. She looks at Violet, her eyes widening in surprise. She seems to realise that there are more people in the room. She walked towards violet and held her legs. Violet chuckled warmly. "Oh dear! Oh dear.. what is your name my sweet?" She asked.

"Arabella."

"Arabella.." violet smiled warmly.