Aldrich caught Maggie’s whisper, and his heart sank. But he didn’t leave; instead, he chose to wait outside, sensing Maggie’s emotional turmoil. He believed she needed him.
As time passed, Maggie gathered her thoughts. She slowly rose from the ground, opened the door, and found Aldrich still waiting there.
Maggie let out a sigh internally, her eyes fixed on Aldrich’s extraordinary face. She was dazzled by his beauty, but she reminded herself not to develop feelings for him and not to be swayed by him. He only treated her differently because of the babies.
So, Maggie offered Aldrich a cold but polite smile. “Fine.”
Aldrich followed closely behind, his brows knitted in concern. As Maggie ascended the steps, she stumbled and nearly lost her balance. Aldrich quickly extended his hand, steadying her with a sense of frustration and helplessness.
“Maggie, you can’t keep ignoring the fact that you need help,” Aldrich said, his voice tinged with helplessness. “If you have any concerns or requests, please let me know. The well-being of you and our children is crucial. We need to ensure you get the best care.”
Maggie huffed and her eyes revealed resistance and vulnerability. “I can take care of myself, Aldrich. I’m not as fragile as you think, not like a delicate rose needing special care.”
Aldrich tightened his grip on her arm, his gaze filled with concern. “But the fact remains, Maggie, that I really need to make sure you and our children are safe. You’ve shown signs of weakness, and things are only going to get worse. Please let me take care of you.”
Maggie’s frustration and resistance gradually faded, replaced by an enlightening moment. Aldrich’s words confirmed her suspicions: his kindness was only due to their children. She shouldn’t harbor any illusions.
“Alright, but only because I know you’re right,” Maggie softened her stance, her voice carrying helplessness and gratitude. “But don’t think I’m completely dependent on you. I still have my independence.”
Aldrich nodded, his expression relaxed yet determined. “I don’t want you to lose your independence, Maggie. You’re strong and capable. But in this unique situation, I want to ensure you have every advantage and support.”
At this moment, the butler joined in, as Aldrich gestured for him. The butler respectfully bowed and said, “Sir, the renovations for the steps and foyer will be completed soon, and we’ve been instructed to prioritize the safety of that lady.”
Upon hearing the butler’s words, Maggie’s eyes widened in surprise. She turned to Aldrich, her voice filled with awe and disbelief. “You’re doing all of this just for me?”
Aldrich’s face softened, and a rare smile appeared at the corners of his lips. “Of course, Maggie. You and our children are my top priority. I’ll do my utmost to ensure your safety and comfort.”
As the butler stepped back to carry out his instructions, Maggie felt overwhelmed. She gazed at Aldrich, her eyes shimmering with unspoken gratitude and affection.
“You know,” Maggie playfully teased, “whether I like it or not, you sure have a way of making me feel like a delicate rose.”
Aldrich chuckled softly, his voice low and rich. “Maybe, dear, but you’re the strongest flower I’ve ever known.”
Sometimes, he would silently pray that Maggie wasn’t so strong, so kind because she was such a wonderful danger and trouble to him…
The parenting books had already been organized by the housekeeper. Maggie was assigned a bookshelf for the ones she’d read. “This shelf is for the books I’ve read.”
Aldrich nodded, his gaze sweeping over the books on the shelf. “Maggie, you’ll be an excellent mother.”
Maggie snorted, recalling the time when Aldrich accused her of being fake, extravagant, and trying to gain an advantage from the children. She didn’t deserve to be their mother.
Aldrich was filled with remorse, and a rare look of embarrassment appeared on his face. “I’m sorry. I misjudged you through a cold investigation. I was wrong. Knowing you, Maggie, you’re a kind, sincere, and gentle girl. You’re the strongest rose.”
Since Maggie could calmly bring up these matters, it meant she didn’t care about Aldrich’s misunderstandings.
Just the thought of it made her nails sink deep into the bookshelf. She knew she couldn’t evade this issue, and she couldn’t assume that Aldrich would change his mind because of his gentle words. Anything related to the children couldn’t be compromised. It was her last line of defense.
“Aldrich, I hope you can be honest with me.” Maggie took a deep breath and locked eyes with Aldrich leaning on the bookshelf.
Aldrich closed the book in his hand and felt the seriousness in Maggie’s tone. “Of course, Maggie. I’ll be truthful with you.”
“In the hospital, you suggested that after the children are born, we should separate immediately.”
Maggie’s face turned pale, but she had to address all these issues. “It’s hard for me not to doubt your intentions now.”
This was also a topic Aldrich didn’t want to confront. He could arrange everything for Maggie to make her happy, but when it came to the children, his heart wasn’t as tender.
Seeing Maggie’s unsteady demeanor, Aldrich took a step closer, attempting to support her. “Maggie, please believe me. In any case, I’ll ensure that everything is arranged for you and the children as best as possible.”
“No, you’re avoiding it. You can’t give me a straight answer because you’ve never considered changing!” Maggie stepped back, rejecting Aldrich’s well-intentioned words.
Aldrich shared her pain. “But you’re human! Our races are different, and it’s inevitable that you’ll be separated from the babies.”
Maggie wouldn’t accept this answer. No matter how challenging the road ahead was, she couldn’t bear to be apart from the children. She wouldn’t yield.
“No-no-there must be a way, there has to be a way!” Maggie said firmly, tears welling up in her eyes.