Chapter 0422
After dinner, Marcus walked Valerie to their bedroom. They strolled arm in arm down the hallway, his embrace comforting her. She’d already tucked John into bed and had a quiet chat with Serenity. Together, they agreed that the timing of their news couldn’t have been better.
As they entered their room, Marcus wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his hands gently on her belly.
“What do you think they’ll be?” he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
Valerie leaned into him, a soft smile on her lips. “Whatever they are, they’ll be loved more than anything in this world.”
“At this moment, all I care about is getting through the pregnancy safely,” Valerie said, turning to look lovingly at Marcus. “But I really hope they’re girls! I’d love to see how a little girl would look with your features.”
Marcus easily turned her to face him, holding her hands gently.
“Val, I’ll never have enough time in my life to thank you for being by my side. You changed everything for me that night at the hospital when we met again. And now, you’re giving me the chance to see two more little ones come Into the world. For me, this feels like paradise.”
My love,” Valerie replied, her voice tender, “I’m the lucky one to have you. You are the love of my life. As long as I have you, I don’t need anything else.”
As the couple shared their heartfelt moment, far away at the Palmer mansion, a heated argument was brewing,
“Laura, who was that young man you were with today?” Maximus asked in a stern tone.
“Dad, he’s just a friend. Since I arrived at school yesterday, he’s been showing me around and has been really kind,” Laura replied casually.
“I didn’t like seeing you holding hands with that boy. I don’t even know him, and he’s already taking liberties. That boy has other intentions,” Maximus said, his voice sharper now, a hint of irritation on his face.
“It was just a friendly gesture,” Laura said nonchalantly.
“You’re just a child, my love! This isn’t the time to be thinking about boys. You need to focus on school, on choosing a career, on your future. I don’t want you distracted by boys right now. You should enjoy your life and build something for yourself.” Maximus tried to keep his frustration in check as he spoke.
“Dad, he’s just a friend–there’s nothing wrong with that. Besides, you say I’m not old enough, but didn’t you date my classmate Audrey? She’s the same age as me…” Laura’s words came out casually, as though she hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.
Maximus froze. Hearing those words from his own daughter was like a dagger to his chest. He stood there, speechless, the weight of her comment leaving him momentarily paralyzed.
“Laura…” he began, his voice quieter now, “just focus on choosing the career you want to study at university. I want you to be successful, independent, and not rely on a man in the future. I’m worried that a boy might distract you and lead you to make choices you’ll regret later. And yes, I know I’m not the best example, but I don’t want
to learn the hard way that not everyone has good intentions. I’m proof of that.”
you
He stood and smoothed the blanket on her bed before turning to leave.
“Dad…” Laura called softly, guilt creeping into her voice as she realized the impact of her words.
Maximus turned and gave her a faint smile. It was clear that bringing up Audrey had hurt him, but it was the only
Chapter 0422
thing she could think of to push her father away.
