Chapter 0812
+25 BONUS
Alden had gone to find a room for Serenity. He knew this wasn’t a hotel–it was a hospital–but sometimes, accommodations could be made for certain people. He figured it was worth a try.
Marcus was right. Serenity had endured a six–hour flight without any breaks, and it was already past midnight. She couldn’t keep pushing herself like this.
Fortunately, the hospital staff provided a comfortable room for her. The moment Alden mentioned his last name, the staff seemed to understand that this wasn’t just any request. With that taken care of, he headed to the cafeteria to find something for Serenity to eat.
What he didn’t expect was to run into Valerie and Diana.
Taking a deep breath and silently praying to all the saints his mother had taught him about, he walked confidently toward their table.
Valerie immediately recognized him. The moment she saw him, she felt as if she had been punched in the chest. He was Peter. The only real difference was his pale skin and light–colored eyes. But his posture, his walk- everything about him screamed Peter. A younger, almost reincarnated version of him.
It was suffocating. No matter how hard she tried to keep her distance, it was as if fate kept forcing them closer together.
And what about Marcus? How was he going to handle all of this? Serenity was his everything. Valerie regretted how she had reacted earlier, but if she was honest, even she hadn’t expected that kind of reaction from herself.
“Good evening, ladies,” Alden greeted politely. “Mrs. Bartz, may I speak with you?”
Diana immediately recognized him as well. She stood up from the table and grabbed the two cups of coffee she had just ordered.
“Valerie, I’m going to check on Maximus and bring him some coffee. I’ll see if Celeste needs anything too. Do you want me to take Marcus’s coffee to him?”
“Oh, yes, please,” Valerie said quickly.
Diana gave her a knowing look before glancing at Alden. The young man barely looked older than her, and yet here. he was, standing before Valerie, looking nervous but determined.
“Valerie, just… think about what we talked about, okay?” she said before walking away.
Once they were alone, Valerie gestured for Alden to take a seat.
Alden could still feel the nerves bubbling in his stomach. He had heard so much about Serenity’s parents–how they were kind, understanding, and open–minded.
But the slap Valerie had given Serenity earlier had completely erased that image from his mind.
“So, what do you need to talk to me about?” Valerie asked, her voice firm but not unkind. “I assume this is about Serenity, correct?”
“Yes, Mrs. Bartz,” Alden said, his voice steady. “I know we started off on the wrong foot. I’ve heard about you, but I don’t believe we’ve ever formally met.
My name is Alden Pietrovich Palmer. And, yes, I’m sure you already know whose son I am.”
Valerie’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she said nothing
Chapter 0812
+25 BONUS
“I’m currently 23 years old–almost 24. I’m divorced, and have a son who’s almost six years old. As you probably know, he’s good friends with your son. I share custody with my ex–wife, who lives in Spain.
“And no, our marriage didn’t end because of infidelity or abuse. It ended because we were too young, too inexperienced. We needed to live first.
“I want to be clear–I love my son. I adore him. But my ex–wife and I needed to separate. Today, she’s happy in Spain, and I’m happy here–with my son and my family.”
Alden took a deep breath before continuing.
“Mrs. Bartz, I know we didn’t handle things the right way. know the way you found out wasn’t ideal, and I take full responsibility for that.
“One of us should have been more mature about it. But the truth is… I got carried away.
“I love your daughter with all my heart. I love her, and I can’t imagine a life without her. I know you–and all of Serenity’s parents–aren’t exactly thrilled about this.
“But all I want… is to give her the best life possible.”
“Alden, are you telling me that Serenity will be safe with you? You sound very sure of yourself,” Valerie said, studying the young man in front of her.
“Mrs. Bartz, I know you don’t know me, and I haven’t had the chance to know you either. I understand that you have doubts–I would, too. All I’m asking for is a chance.”
“A chance?”
“Yes. A chance for Serenity and me. We love each other. I don’t want to see her sad. I know we didn’t do things the right way, and I know we acted like reckless teenagers. And yes, I know you’ve already noticed that she’s pregnant.
“But I’m going to take responsibility for my child. You have no idea how excited I am.”
“Alden, do you have any idea what a difficult position you’re putting me in?”
“Why, Mrs. Bartz?”
“Even if I support my daughter, I’m genuinely worried about how her father will react. You must know that Marcus and Peter… well, they aren’t exactly close.”
