Chapter 0361
Chapter 0361
“I still remember the day we met at the hospital. You and derick had been in an accident. It was the first time I’d seen you in over two years. You showed up with that commanding presence of yours and decided, on your own, that you were going to be a part of Serenity’s life from that moment on. Do you remember how adamantly I refused? I knew it wasn’t your responsibility, but you wouldn’t back down. I even thought about running away, but my little girl desperately needed care. I was convinced you’d come after me to collect the money you’d given me to survive. I was like a scared cat, ready to scratch at the slightest wrong move.
“That same day, you asked to meet Serenity. She was finally sleeping peacefully. Her little face was red as a tomato, and her hair was damp with sweat. You sat beside her and gently wiped her forehead. I saw the tenderness in your eyes, but I still had my doubts. Peter had never mentioned you. I didn’t meet you until the day he died, and back then, you looked so different. I didn’t know whether could trust you or not.
“After that, like we were some divorced couple, you started sending me financial support. You cared for her so
took care diligently. I remember how much I resisted your help. At first, it was doubt. Then it was guilt. I knew you of her because you thought she was a part of your friend, but that was a secret between Peter and me. Call me childish if you want, but I felt that if I told you the truth, I’d have to let go of what I once dreamed of with Peter. It would break the pact we made,
“My intention was never to hurt you, Marcus–nor Serenity and definitely not Maximus, who wasn’t even on my mind anymore. He was the least important to me. But by the time I realized it, you were already attached to my daughter, treating her like your own. The time you laid out carpet on the elegant marble floor of your office and set up a playpen with a changing table.. it broke my heart. You said it was to make sure my daughter was more comfortable on the days you looked after her.
“I didn’t know how to react to so much kindness. Back then, I didn’t know you as a person. All I knew was that there were days you wanted to care for her. Frederick even told me you canceled meetings just to spend time with her while I went to school.
“Then there was the incident at work, when my boss tried to take advantage of me. I was crying inconsolably on the curb when you showed up. You handed me tissues and took me home. I can still remember the warmth of your embrace. You promised me that he wouldn’t get away with it. I didn’t understand what you meant at the time, but later I found out you moved heaven and earth to make sure that man ended up in prison.
“The idea of offering me a job wasn’t Frederick’s–it was yours. I always knew that. But you let me believe it was him. You were always so cold, so distant with me, and I was grateful I didn’t run into you often. You were so serious with me. But your demeanor completely changed when you looked at Serenity, and that gave me peace of mind. Apart from Camille, I knew that if something ever happened to me, you’d be there to care for her. I’d never again feel the helpless terror I felt when she was about to be born.
“Many times, I wanted to tell you the truth. Don’t think I’m heartless or that I enjoyed keeping it from you. I just couldn’t find the right words–until now. This place brings me peace. It hurts, but it’s also calming, clearing the cobwebs of my past. Peter will always be in my heart. Maximus is part of my past. The only good thing we ever did together was Serenity. But you, Marcus, you’re my life. You gave me John. You’ve given me nothing but happiness for years. You made me a strong woman, helped me grow wings of my own. I don’t need you, but I want to be with
you—
-not for what you give me, but for who we are together. Don’t ever think another man could change what I feel for you. Let that be clear.
