Chapter 0281
Minutes later, Valerie appeared in the kitchen, still groggy. She found Marcus gazing out at the garden with a coffee cup in hand. Smiling, she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his firm yet warm back.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” she murmured.
My love, good morning.” Marcus replied, smiling as he placed his hand over hers.
Valerie adored the scent of his cologne, which seemed to fill the house wherever he went. That intoxicating aroma had drawn her to him in the first place, and now, she couldn’t imagine life without it.
Serenity, on her way to the university, felt conflicted. A part of her thought she might be betraying her parents‘ trust. But after learning who her biological father was, she had too many unanswered questions. Her uncle Maximus, her father’s brother, was the only one who could provide the answers she sought. She wanted to know more about him–to understand her roots. Everything she knew about her father came from Valerie’s stories or occasional remarks from Marcus, but it wasn’t enough. She needed more–a photo, a connection, something that could make her feel like she truly belonged. Only Maximus could give her that.
Serenity realized they hadn’t set a specific time, so she quickly texted Maximus:
[I’ll meet you in the faculty garden at 10:00 a.m.]
Maximus saw the message and called her.
“Serenity, you didn’t mention the time, so I was already on my way. How about we meet in 15 minutes? We’re almost there,” he said calmly.
“We’re? Who’s ‘we‘?” Serenity asked, surprised.
“Oh, my daughter is with me! I’d like you to meet her,” Maximus replied casually.
Serenity was about to refuse. She hadn’t agreed to meet anyone else, but her thoughts raced. If the security team her father had stationed to watch over her saw her alone with Maximus, they’d immediately report it to Marcus, which would lead to chaos. If another girl was with them, however, the interaction might pass unnoticed.
“Understood. That’s fine,” she said after a moment.
She hung up and began making her way to the garden, deciding she’d skip her morning classes to deal with this meeting.
“Dad, do you think she’ll like me?” Laura asked nervously as they drove.
Laura,
you’re absolutely charming. How could she not like you?” Maximus reassured her.
“It’s just that… at school… my classmates don’t like me,” Laura said hesitantly, glancing down.
Maximus felt a pang of guilt in his chest. He knew things wouldn’t change overnight, but from now on, he would. put her first. He couldn’t let her life continue to slip by unnoticed and unappreciated.
“You’ll see. Serenity will like you. She’s kind and loves photography–she’s a very nice girl,” Maximus said, trying to ease her nerves.
Laura could sense her father’s efforts. She had never spent more than a few minutes alone with him, but she liked
this side of him. He was patient and exuded a protective aura. Her heart swelled with joy.
few minutes later, Maximus parked the car near the faculty. He got out, walked around to Laura’s side, and opened the door for her. He extended his hand to help her out. These little gestures didn’t go unnoticed by Laura, who was over the moon with happiness.
Maximus took her hand and said, “Come on, let’s go! Oh, wait–I almost forgot something!” He went to the back seat and grabbed his briefcase. “Now we’re ready.”
Laura watched her father as he led her by the hand. Today, he seemed younger, more carefree–almost rejuvenated. She was proud to walk beside him, especially as he held her hand. Taking a deep breath, she let out a soft sigh and smiled, a small but radiant expression lighting up her face.
From a distance, Maximus spotted Serenity sitting on a bench, engrossed in a book. She hadn’t noticed them yet, but they approached her quietly.
“Hello, Serenity!” Maximus greeted her warmly.
