Aldrich bent down, picked up the violet from the carpet, and placed it on the crystal table beside Maggie.
With a puzzled and concerned expression, Aldrich gazed at Maggie. Her evident pain and disappointment tugged at his heart, and he couldn’t bear to see her this way. Determined to understand her, he moved closer to Maggie, his voice filled with concern.
“Maggie,” he softly called, sounding earnest, “you’re not just a means to an end. I care deeply about you, about us. I want our relationship to go further.”
Maggie’s arms remained crossed before her, her eyes searching for sincerity in his face. Her voice trembled as she spoke, hurt evident in her tone.
“Then why do you control every aspect of my life?” She asked with an impassioned quiver in her voice. “Why do you reject my desires as if I can’t make decisions for myself? I want to be an equal partner, Aldrich, not just someone who fulfills your expectations.”
Aldrich locked his gaze onto Maggie, his eyes showing a hint of helplessness. He realized the depth of her pain and the harm his actions had done to their relationship. In that moment, he understood the importance of acknowledging her feelings and granting her the autonomy she craved. It was a learning experience for him as he grappled with the complexities of human emotions and their delicate interplay.
“I’m sorry, I’ve overlooked your feelings. Everything I’ve done has been for you and the children, but I forgot to consider what you might think,” Aldrich spoke with genuine sincerity. “Maggie, I’m facing countless potential competitors and dangers. Restricting your contact with Alisa is because Barrett Manor isn’t entirely secure. Maintaining strict security measures is crucial.”
Maggie looked at him with a bewildered expression, finding it hard to fully comprehend.
“Barrett Manor has tight security throughout, and you weren’t aware of it. It’s all to protect you, me, and our children. Your cellphone network isn’t encrypted, and connecting it could pose a risk to Barrett Manor’s network security, providing an opportunity for malicious individuals.”
Aldrich’s words sent a chill down Maggie’s spine, as she recalled the time when she returned home, and a menacing wolf was sniffing around. Aldrich had ensured her safety, allowing her to sleep soundly, blissfully unaware…
Maggie moved her lips and let out a soft sigh. “You always leave the danger and considerations to yourself…”
“Maggie, I don’t want you to feel burdened or fearful. I want you to have a safe and happy delivery. As for the situation with the phone, Thomas is urgently arranging for a more secure one. I thought I had everything arranged so I could give you the new phone before you found out, but I messed up…”
Aldrich’s wholehearted efforts eased Maggie’s anger. She was now concerned about Alisa. “Alisa must be very worried…”
Aldrich reassured her with a comforting look. “I’ve already sent someone to contact Alisa and explained your situation to her. They assured her that you’re okay, so there’s no need to worry. In a few days, you’ll be able to contact Alisa personally.”
“Thank you.” Maggie was deeply moved by Aldrich’s actions. “Aldrich, you should have told me that I’m not as fragile as you imagine, and reality doesn’t allow me to be fragile. I have to protect my child.”
Aldrich nodded, his curiosity and concern driving him to grow continually, bridging the gap between their worlds, and embracing the unfamiliar territory of understanding human relationships. Aldrich renewed his determination, silently vowing to himself. He would be more attentive and better understand Maggie’s needs, making an effort to comprehend her complex emotions.
He hesitated for a moment. “I understand. I just want to make you happy, Maggie. You don’t know how nervous and worried I am about you. Just like the dessert earlier, I don’t understand why you weren’t happy.”
Recalling the conflict about the dessert, Maggie chuckled softly. Knowing she had to coexist with Aldrich for a long time, she realized she needed to take the initiative to help him adapt to her and gradually understand her perspective.
“Yes, Aldrich, I wasn’t happy, and you need to find a way to make me happy,” Maggie admitted, expressing her request.
“Make you happy?” No one had ever made such a request of Aldrich. He was a powerful leader, handling major affairs. Even his previous girlfriend, a formidable werewolf, had never asked him to make her happy.
Aldrich squinted at Maggie, surprised by her request. But seeing his own reddened and nervous expression made her chuckle. She teased, “Pregnant women experience significant mood swings, and someone as easily angered as me isn’t easy to please…”
Aldrich nervously stared at Maggie, like a brave soldier about to go into battle. Maggie saw the scene and couldn’t help but laugh. She spoke with a light-hearted tone, “Considering everything you’ve done for me, I’m making a simple request – let’s make dessert together!”