Chapter 0282
+25 BONUS
Serenity looked up, momentarily unsure. Then she recognized him–Maximus. For a split second, she hesitated. He looked different today, much like Laura had thought. The man standing before her seemed nothing like the stern, cold figure she had briefly met in Madrid.
“Hello, Maximus,” Serenity replied, her tone neutral as she shifted her gaze to see who was standing just behind him.
Laura couldn’t help but feel intimidated as she looked at the girl in front of her. Serenity was stunning from head to toe–nothing like her. Laura suddenly felt so small. Serenity’s casual and slightly disheveled outfit only enhanced her effortless charttı..
“Laura, come on, don’t be nervous. Look, this is who I was telling you about–your cousin!” Maximus said, gently pulling Laura forward.
Serenity’s first Impression of Laura was that she looked like an exquisite porcelain doll. The girl wore a charming beige dress adorned with tiny pink flowers, slightly flared, with a light pink cardigan over it. Her pale skin, paired with long, straight blonde hair and soft, rosy cheeks, gave her an angelic appearance. Her green–gray eyes were striking, and Serenity couldn’t help but think of her as one of those antique dolls she’d seen in old shop windows. The only thing missing was curls.
“Hi… h–hi,” Laura stammered shyly
“Hi, my name is Serenity! Yours is Laura, right?”
“Yes,” Laura replied softly.
“That’s a lovely name! How old are you?”
“I’ll be 18 soon.”
Wow, you’re almost an adult! I’m two years older than you”
Maximus stood back, watching the two girls interact. He felt a sense of relief–he’d made the right decision. He was certain Serenity and Laura would get along. Maybe, someday, Laura could even study at the same university and spend more time with her cousin. That would help her build her confidence.
“Well, now that introductions are done, is there a place nearby where we could grab breakfast? Laura and I haven’t eaten yet–we left the house so early. And though this one won’t admit it,” he said, ruffling Laura’s hair, “we’re starving.”
“There’s a cafeteria here, but I’ve recently discovered a little café nearby, and it’s become one of my favorites,” Serenity said, gesturing toward the exit.
“Then let’s go there! What do you think, Laura?” Maximus asked.
“Yes, Dad!” Laura answered, a little more at ease now.
“Serenity, tead the way. We’ll follow you,” Maximus said with a smile.
“It’s not far, but we should drive. Walking would take a bit of time,” Serenity replied, looking between the father and daughter.
For a brief moment, Serenity stared at them. She imagined herself in Laura’s place, holding Maximus’s hand and. being guided by him like a protective father. She didn’t know what her real father looked like–there were no photos of him, and she’d always been too hesitant to ask Marcus for more information. It felt like a sensitive topic she didn’t want to touch.
Chapter 0282
“Let’s go by car,” Maximus decided, motioning for them to follow.
+25 BONUS
They reached Maximus’s car, and Serenity climbed into the back seat. Laura hesitated for a moment before joining her, her expression full of curiosity. It was clear that Laura wanted to learn more about her newfound cousin. Maximus got in, glancing into the rearview mirror. He smiled as he saw the two girls chatting animatedly. Laura’s face lit up with a wide smile–a rarity for her.
As he observed them, Maximus couldn’t help but notice their similarities. Despite having different mothers, they shared unmistakable traits. Their mannerisms, expressions, and even some of their quirks were eerily similar. He thought to himself, ‘Grandma, if only you could see them now. You’d be ecstatic. They look so much like you.‘
For a fleeting moment, Maximus saw himself as a father taking both his daughters out for breakfast. It was a simple, heartwarming scene, and it filled him with a rare sense of peace.
