Chapter 01604
Chapter 0604
Maximus and Laura entered the consultation room. Dr. Baker raised her eyebrows slightly, surprised to see Maximus again so soon. She managed a polite smile and said:
“Back again as moral support?”
“Yes,” Maximus replied casually. “This time with my daughter. The woman earlier was my ex–wife.”
“I see. Well then, let’s check on your little one, Laura. How have you been feeling?”
“I’ve been okay,” Laura answered. “Just weird changes in my body. Some days I feel fine, other days I’m sad, and then sometimes everything annoys me.”
“That’s perfectly normal–it’s the hormones. Let’s take a look at your baby. Go ahead and get on the table.”
Maximus effortlessly lifted Laura onto the examination table.
“Laura, uncover your belly. I’m going to apply a bit of gel so we can slide the ultrasound device around. It’ll feel a bit cold, but that’s normal.”
“Alright.”
The doctor began moving the probe over Laura’s belly, and the sound of the baby’s heartbeat quickly filled the room. Laura and Maximus locked eyes, the tension from earlier melting away in the shared moment. Laura’s eyes welled with tears, and Maximus squeezed her hand, leaning close to whisper something that only she could hear.
“That’s your baby’s heart, Laura!” Dr. Baker said with a smile. “Everything looks good–your baby is growing right on schedule. A very strong heartbeat!”
“He’s strong like his grandfather!” Laura said proudly, glancing at her father.
“Well, that’s it for today. Just confirm your next appointment at the front desk, and here’s the prescription for your supplements this month.”
Leaving the hospital, Laura suddenly craved a treat, so they stopped at a nearby café. Maximus ordered a black coffee while Laura unleashed a voracious appetite, ordering cakes, milkshakes, and pastries.
“Laura, are you sure you’re going to eat all that?” Maximus asked, half amused and half concerned.
“Yes, Dad! I eat more than this at home!”
“Alright… anything else?”
“Nope, this will do!”
“Good thing it was just a ‘small craving,” Maximus teased with a grin.
“DadLaura began hesitantly.
“Yes?”
“What would y
think if Serenity moved in with us?”
“What?” Maximus blinked, caught off guard.
“Serenity and I talked. She said she wants to live with us,” Laura admitted, looking a little embarrassed.
Chapter 0604
Maximus felt a chill run down his spine. The idea of Serenity living with them filled him with both excitement and dread. While he would love to have her around, he could already see the storm brewing with her parents. He knew they’d blame him for influencing her.
“Why does she want to move in with us? It’s not that I mind, but there must be a reason.”
“She doesn’t want me to be alone. She thinks she can give me moral support.
“Hmm. Are you sure?”
“Yes!”
“I don’t mind at all. In fact, you decision.
“Good! So you’re okay with it?”
know I’ve been preparing a room for her at the house. But I wasn’t expecting this
“Of course. But we need to talk to her parents first…”
“Dad, she says she’s an adult now and earns her own money, so she doesn’t need their permission.”
Maximus couldn’t help but chuckle internally. Serenity had clearly inherited his stubborn streak. Standing up to both Valerie and Marcus wouldn’t be easy.
“Well, as long as Marcus and Valerie are okay with it. I dont want any trouble with them.”
“Hmm.”
“Laura, is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Hmm…”
“Laura…”
“She’s moving in today!”
“What?!”
“Yes, Dad. She planned to talk to you about it today.”
“Do I even have a choice?”
“Nope!”
“Then why are you asking me?”
“Just giving you a heads–up! For now, Serenity will stay in my room.”
Maximus sighed deeply. He could already imagine Marcus showing up and giving him a piece of his mind.
“You women… always conspiring against me, huh?”
“No, Dad. It was supposed to be a surprise!”
“Laura, the real surprise will be when her father breaks my nose..” Maximus muttered under his breath, though he didn’t voice it out loud to avoid worrying Laura.
“Well, I guess tonight there’ll be an extra plate at the table
“Thanks, Dad! You’ll see–having two women in the house is better than one!”
Chapter 0604
“I hope so…” Maximus said with a faint smile.
+25 BONUS
Meanwhile, Marcus and Valerie arrived at her home. Their earlier conversation had calmed some of the tension, though Valerie couldn’t deny that the thought of Marcus leaving again unsettled her.
“Alright, we’re here!” Marcus said, parking the car.
“Do you want to come in and see John?”
“I’d love to.”
“Then let’s go!”
“Thank you, Valerie.”
“He’s your son, Marcus. He deserves to see you. He misses you.”
“I promise I’ll change that. Let’s stop fighting–for you, for me, and for our kids.”
“Marcus… you should be here,” Valerie said softly, her voice cracking.
Marcus felt a pang in his chest. The divorce had been an impulsive, emotional decision–a decision made with a wounded heart. Seeing Valerie now, her tear–streaked face and her round belly, broke him. He didn’t want to rush back into things or undo their decisions hastily, but it was clear to him that Valerie was still deeply confused. And if Peter were to reappear, he feared that this calm, composed Valerie would vanish, replaced by the impulsive, irrational woman who had turned his world upside down.
