Chapter 0834
+25 BONUS
Serenity woke up in her childhood bedroom, the familiar walls surrounding her like a warm embrace. But the comfort was quickly overshadowed by a wave of morning sickness, forcing her out of bed.
Valerie knocked on the door, concern evident in her voice.
“Serenity? Are you alright?”
Hearing movement inside, she didn’t wait for a response and stepped in. The bed was empty, but the sound of retching led her to the bathroom.
Serenity was on her knees, hunched over the toilet.
Valerie’s heart clenched.
Her baby girl—the child she had once held in her arms, the one who had looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes -was now going through the same journey she once had.
A mix of nostalgia and bittersweet emotion filled her chest.
She wasn’t ready to see Serenity become a mother.
Not yet.
“Sweetheart, just breathe…” Valerie murmured, quickly moving to hold back her daughter’s hair.
Serenity groaned. “God, this is awful… Maybe my baby misses their dad already.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because when Alden and I are together, he’s the one who gets all the nausea. I never felt this bad before… And God, it’s horrible!”
Valerie chuckled softly. “It’s all part of pregnancy, honey. Your body is adjusting to so many changes. But come on, let’s get you cleaned up. I’ll make you some warm milk to settle your stomach. Or would you rather have some fruit?”
“Fruit, please. I don’t think I can handle milk right now.”
“Alright, sweetheart. John is still sound asleep. Poor thing hasn’t adjusted to being back home yet. One minute he says he misses the beach, and the next, he’s talking about how much he loved seeing the city from the sky. That boy has had more adventures than I ever have.”
Valerie spoke lightly, trying to lift Serenity’s mood.
It had been a week since she, Marcus, and Serenity had returned home.
That long night still lingered fresh in her mind.
She had seen how exhausted Serenity was–how her body carried the weight of more than just her pregnancy.
And she also couldn’t forget the guilt she carried from her initial reaction to the news.
[A Week Ago]
Alden and Valerie walked down the hospital hallway toward the waiting area.
There, curled up on the couch, were Marcus and Serenity, fast asleep.
1/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0834
They were wrapped in each other’s warmth, completely unaware of the world around them.
The sight made Valerie’s heart ache with a deep, familiar nostalgia.
It reminded her of when Serenity was four years old.
She thought back to one particular night–when she and Marcus had worked late. He had driven her home, and though they weren’t together at the time, he had stayed for a while.
When she came back into the living room, she found Marcus asleep on the couch, Serenity tucked into his arms, holding onto him like he was her entire world.
The strong, imposing man softened completely for her.
That meant more to Valerie than a thousand words ever could.
Taking a gentle step forward, she reached out, touching his shoulder.
“Marcus… sweetheart, wake up.” she whispered.
Marcus stirred, blinking blearily.
“Val… Oh, damn, I must have dozed off. Sorry, I didn’t even realize-”
“It’s okay, Marcus.” She smiled.
“Don’t worry, Father–in–law,” Alden said lightly. “It happens to me too whenever I’m with Serenity.”
Marcus froze.
Then groaned.
“Father–in–law… I still haven’t gotten used to that word. Let’s take it slow, Alden. Just call me Marcus for now.”
Slowly, he sat up, carefully adjusting Serenity so she could rest against the couch.
Turning to Valerie, he asked, “Did you just get here? Or have you been trying to wake me up for a while?”
“We just arrived.”
He exhaled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“We should head home. Serenity needs rest.”
Valerie gave a small nod.
“Marcus, I think that’s something we should ask Alden. He already booked a room here at the hospital.”
Marcus frowned. “I thought you were furious with them.”
Valerie sighed.
“Alden and I had a long talk. I won’t say I’m thrilled, but I know he loves her. And that…” She swallowed. “That’s enough for me to give them my blessing.”
A wave of relief washed over Marcus’s face.
He had been worried–worried about the distance that had formed between Valerie and Serenity since the pregnancy announcement.
He loved them both.
2/3
Chapter 0834
And he couldn’t stand the thought of them being at odds.
Alden’s voice was filled with sincerity as he looked at Marcus and Valerie.
+25 BONUS
“I don’t think Serenity could be in better hands than yours. She’s exhausted. The trip was long, and the pregnancy is making her sleepier than usual. If you could help me take care of her while I check on my father, I’d be really grateful.”
།
Marcus nodded, his eyes drifting to his daughter and the small curve of her belly.
“Alden, you’ll see–Peter will be out of surgery in a few hours. He’s strong. He’ll recover. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss everything later.”
His gaze softened.
“And we’ll also have time to plan a proper wedding. My grandchild will not be born without you two being married first.”
Alden held back a sigh.
He knew it was best to keep quiet about certain details.
If Serenity’s parents wanted them to have a church wedding–if Serenity wanted it–he would do it gladly.
After their brief conversation, Alden moved toward his wife pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.
Both Valerie and Marcus noticed.
