In Barrett Manor, vibrant flowers surrounded Maggie in the garden, and delicate petals danced in the gentle breeze. However, her heart was shrouded in unease. Her fingers absentmindedly touched the edges of rose petals as she recalled the recent outburst. Regret gnawed at her, filling her with self-doubt. Had she lost control of her temper? She couldn’t deny the stinging words from Aldrich, his tone cutting through her like a cold wind. It was as if he viewed her as an immature child, unable to grasp the weight of her actions.
At that moment, Elizabeth’s voice interrupted Maggie’s reverie. “Miss, you have a visitor, it’s Jolie.”
Jolie, a woman filled with wisdom and elegance, approached with a warm smile, seemingly diffusing the tense atmosphere. “Maggie, I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Not at all, Jolie. I’m glad you’re here. I really need someone’s company,” Maggie welcomed her presence, knowing that Jolie had the ability to unravel even the most complex emotions.
As they found a secluded spot in the garden, curiosity sparkled in Jolie’s eyes, and her voice was genuinely caring. “Maggie, dear, tell me what’s troubling your heart,” she urged gently, her voice carrying a soothing melody.
Maggie hesitated, her gaze fixed on the ground as if searching for the right words.
Jolie encouraged her tenderly, “Maggie, take your time. I’ll listen quietly and offer you support and strength.”
“Jolie, it’s challenging to put everything into words all at once…”
Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with vulnerability. “Jolie, I… I can’t shake this feeling of unease. Someone from my past, someone who disappeared years ago, has reappeared and targeted me. It’s as if they want to disrupt our lives, tear us apart.”
Jolie’s eyes widened in surprise, and she instinctively reached out to cover Maggie’s trembling hand. “Oh, dear, I had no idea. This news is truly unexpected,” she said softly, her voice filled with sympathy and concern.
“I feel anxious, filled with doubt and uncertainty. The seeds of fear are spreading like wildfire in my heart, and I can’t even control myself…”
“Relax, dear. You’re safe, and you must trust Aldrich’s strength.”
“No!” Maggie suddenly shook her head, her intensity taking Jolie by surprise.
Maggie’s eyes were filled with doubt and turmoil. “I don’t know if Aldrich will choose me. Maybe I’m not that important, and he might just discard me…”
“Why would you think that? Protecting a partner is every Alpha’s duty, and Mr. Barrett is a top Alpha. You don’t need to have such concerns.”
“But the wall of trust I had for him has crumbled!” Maggie said in anguish. “The attacker is Aldrich’s ex-girlfriend, and he hasn’t mentioned a word, hasn’t explained anything to me these days, and hasn’t provided me with any investigation results!”
Jolie, filled with curiosity, asked, “Dear, have you shared this with Aldrich? Let him know your feelings and what you’re going through. It’s important. You can’t unilaterally blame Aldrich in your heart without giving him a chance to explain.”
Maggie averted her gaze, her cheeks tinged with a blush of guilt and embarrassment.
“I… I admit, Jolie, I accidentally came across some photos while going through Aldrich’s things. It wasn’t my intention to invade his privacy, but I couldn’t resist the temptation. I feel like an intruder, but I can’t bring myself to admit it to him.”
Jolie understood the importance of Maggie’s confession, and she gave a gentle smile, her voice filled with comfort.
“Maggie, dear, I understand the confusion such a discovery can bring. Let me share a story with you, a story about Aldrich and Grace. It will reveal his character and assure you of his unwavering commitment.”
So, in the vibrant garden of Barrett Manor, Jolie painted a vivid picture with her words. She spoke of love, loss, and the enduring strength of Aldrich’s spirit. These stories flowed from her lips like a gentle stream, washing away Maggie’s doubts and replacing them with newfound understanding.
“Maggie, Aldrich is a just and responsible leader. While he and Grace were fated mates in the past, sometimes the course of destiny is beyond our control. Grace is now a part of the past, and you are destined to be his forever. The strong bond between you, including your connection with the twins, is undeniable. He will understand his responsibility.”
With the magic of Jolie’s words, Maggie’s heart began to lighten, and her worries gradually faded. The garden seemed to come alive with new vitality, matching the spark of hope that glimmered within her. She couldn’t help but thank Jolie for her presence, her wisdom, and the comfort she provided. In that moment, Maggie felt a glimmer of optimism and faith that her steadfast protector, Aldrich, would never abandon her.
“Thank you, Jolie. Your words made me realize my mistake. I jumped to conclusions and made unwarranted assumptions. Looking back, I can’t even remember what I did during the time I was distancing myself from Aldrich. I’ve become so irrational…”
Jolie gazed gently at Maggie and said, “I believe this might be jealousy, Maggie.”
“Jealousy?” Maggie widened her eyes in surprise.
“Yes, your anger, hesitation, sadness – all of it is a manifestation of jealousy. But because you’re pregnant, your heightened emotional state amplifies everything, making the conflicts more intense.”
Maggie found herself lost in a sea of doubt, seeking guidance from Jolie. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Jolie, how can I earn Aldrich’s forgiveness? I’m afraid my unstable emotions pushed him away. Is there a way to bridge the gap between us?”
Jolie wore a comforting smile, her eyes filled with understanding. “Maggie, dear, Aldrich isn’t really angry with you. You must remember that you’re carrying his child, and these emotional fluctuations are entirely natural. However, if you can do something to put a smile on Aldrich’s face, that would be wonderful. It will undoubtedly bring you closer.”
Jolie, as per her usual sensitivity, could feel the depth of Maggie’s feelings for Aldrich. She knew that gently nudging them in the right direction would help them reestablish their connection.
As they sat in the cozy living room, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, Jolie’s soothing words enveloped Maggie, alleviating her worries and bringing a glimmer of hope. Jolie shared valuable advice on managing pregnancy emotions, guiding Maggie through the turbulent sea of hormones.
“Maggie, remember, don’t hide any negative emotions in your heart. If you want to do something or even feel the slightest discomfort, tell Aldrich. You don’t need to feel embarrassed, and you don’t need to think it’s bothersome. Every trace of negative emotion is absorbed. The impact on your body will affect the baby’s development and your health. If magnified, it will also affect your relationship with Aldrich.”
“I understand, Jolie. I want Aldrich to know how I feel…”
“It seems like you already have a plan in mind?” Jolie chuckled.
Maggie nodded eagerly, filled with hope. “Yes, I want to see Aldrich. I can’t wait for him to come home after work. I don’t want the rift between us to exist for another second. Now, I’m going to find Aldrich!”
Inspired by Jolie’s advice, Maggie felt a new determination growing in her heart. She decided to take action and go to Aldrich’s company to find him. The image of a romantic candlelit dinner danced in her mind, a way to create a special moment for both of them.
With her new goal in mind, Maggie stood up, her hand resting on her growing belly, gazing at the fading daylight outside. “Jolie, you’re right. Now is the time for me to show Aldrich how important he is to me. I’m going to his office to invite him for a candlelit dinner tonight.”
Joy sparkled in Jolie’s eyes, and her voice was full of encouragement. “That’s the spirit, dear! I have no doubt this gesture will bring you closer. Remember, love has a way of healing the deepest wounds.”
With a sense of purpose and newfound confidence, Maggie headed to her closet and chose an elegant dress that accentuated her graceful figure. She took a deep breath, filled with anticipation, readying herself for the evening ahead.