The next morning, when Maggie woke up, the spot next to her bed was already empty.
“Good morning, dear mistress,” Elizabeth greeted her warmly, bringing back memories of the good days before.
“Good morning, Elizabeth! It’s nice to see you.”
“Likewise,” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with joy and gratitude.
“Has Aldrich gone to work?”
Elizabeth hesitated slightly as she assisted Maggie walking out of the bathroom. “Perhaps Mr. Barret had other arrangements.”
It was only when Maggie saw Aldrich in the dining room that she understood what Elizabeth meant.
“Aldrich, if I remember correctly, last night a CEO from another company called and berated you for standing him up.”
“Yes, so I rescheduled the video conference to ten o’clock this morning.”
“Ten o’clock? Will you make it on time?” Driving from Barret Manor to Barret Corporation would take over an hour without traffic, so time was obviously tight, unless Aldrich transformed into his silver wolf form.
“Of course, don’t doubt my time management.”
Maggie furrowed her brows, and Aldrich finally explained, “Since you don’t want to go to the company, I’ll work from home until our babies are born.”
“Aldrich… You don’t need to make sacrifices for me again and again.”
“For me, it’s not a sacrifice. It’s a win-win solution.”
“But Aldrich, I don’t want to interfere with your work and affect your efficiency.”
Aldrich shook his head. “That’s just a typical man’s excuse. My work efficiency won’t be easily affected, at least not by this.”
“You’ll be working too hard…”
“Of course, after all, sweetness also carries weight.” Aldrich moved closer to Maggie. “I understand your concerns, Maggie. I can be straightforward with you-it won’t affect my work. Besides, the babies are growing, and you need more care. You’re the most important.”
A wave of mixed emotions washed over Maggie as she looked into Aldrich’s sincere eyes. She couldn’t deny the truth in his words. With her growing belly and the increasing challenges of pregnancy, she truly needed Aldrich’s protection and support.
Silence filled the room as Maggie pondered the weight of Aldrich’s commitment. She couldn’t deny the warmth that enveloped her heart, knowing that she had someone by her side who was willing to sacrifice his work for her well-being.
Tears welled up in Maggie’s eyes as she tightly held Aldrich’s hand, expressing her gratitude and vulnerability. “Thank you, Aldrich,” she whispered. “I never thought I would find someone who would be there for me like this. Your love and support mean more to me than words can express.”
Aldrich’s expression softened, and he gently caressed the back of Maggie’s hand with his thumb. “I love you, Maggie. Our child and your happiness are everything to me. I will do whatever it takes to ensure you feel safe and cared for.”
In his study, Aldrich was immersed in a sea of paperwork and constant phone calls. His brows furrowed with concentration as he juggled multiple tasks, surrounded by notes and documents. The weight of responsibility pressed upon him, but he remained determined to fulfill his duties.
Meanwhile, Maggie strolled through the enchanting garden, breathing in the scent of blooming flowers. Her mind wandered, and thoughts of Mrs. Jenkins surfaced. Concern crossed her face as she recalled the woman’s recent injury. She felt a strong urge to visit her, to check on her well-being.
However, the reality of the situation weighed on Maggie’s mind. Aldrich wouldn’t allow her to venture out alone, especially with his current workload consuming all his time. She hesitated, torn between her desire to help and the understanding that she couldn’t burden Aldrich any further.
What if Maggie invited Mrs. Jenkins to the estate? No, Maggie quickly dismissed the idea. In the estate, her every move was restricted. If she talked to Mrs. Jenkins, she worried that Aldrich might learn some secrets that he wasn’t supposed to know yet.
Moreover, the assailant was still closely monitoring her. She couldn’t afford to let Mrs. Jenkins come into their consideration. It was too risky.
Lost in her thoughts, Maggie noticed a vibrant cluster of flowers. A smile played on her lips as she plucked a few delicate blossoms, feeling their soft petals against her fingertips. Determined to convey her well wishes to Mrs. Jenkins, she decided to entrust the task to Elizabeth, one of the trusted maids in their household.
With the flowers cradled delicately in her hands, Maggie sought out Elizabeth and found her in the bustling kitchen. The room was filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods, clattering utensils, and the warmth of the oven.
“Elizabeth,” Maggie called softly, catching the maid’s attention. “Could you do me a favor? Take these flowers to Mrs. Jenkins, please, and ask about her recovery. I’ve been thinking about her lately.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with warmth as she accepted the bouquet. “Of course, Miss Maggie. I’ll deliver them right away. I’m sure Mrs. Jenkins will appreciate your kind gesture.”
During a brief break from his demanding workload, Aldrich glanced out of the study window and spotted Maggie in the garden. The golden rays of the sun bathed her in a radiant glow, accentuating her vibrant smile as she gracefully moved among the blossoming flowers. He couldn’t help but be captivated by her joyful presence.
Observing her actions, Aldrich realized that she had gathered several baskets of flowers. He remembered her mentioning that she planned to sell them at a local flower shop. The thought of Maggie diligently tending to his precious garden and eventually selling its exquisite blooms warmed his heart. It was a testament to her resourcefulness and determination to make a living.
Aldrich’s gaze followed the delicate petals she held in her hands, their vibrant colors contrasting against her gentle touch. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of tenderness, deepening his affection for her. Memories of when Maggie worked multiple jobs to make ends meet flooded his mind, and he admired her resilience and unwavering spirit.
Lost in contemplation, Aldrich stepped away from his desk, leaving behind the piles of paperwork that had consumed his attention. He made his way downstairs and into the garden, his footsteps silent on the cobblestone pathway.
Approaching Maggie, a soft smile graced Aldrich’s lips. “Maggie,” he called out, his voice carrying a gentle warmth that mirrored the sunlight. “You certainly have a green thumb, don’t you? This garden flourishes under your care.”
Maggie turned toward him, her expression radiant, and her eyes sparkling with delight. “Aldrich.”
Closing the distance between them, Aldrich’s gaze never left her. “I couldn’t resist witnessing the magic you bring to this place. It’s enchanting to see you among these blooming flowers.”
Maggie blushed, a rosy hue adorning her cheeks. “I must admit, I’ve grown fond of these flowers. They bring me a sense of tranquility, reminding me of the beauty that surrounds us.”
Aldrich reached out and gently brushed his fingers against a velvety petal, marveling at its softness. “They’re lucky to have you caring for them,” he murmured sincerely.
Vulnerability flickered in Maggie’s eyes. “Thank you, Aldrich. ”
She turned and asked, “And how about you? What do you like in nature?”
“Of course, it’s standing here in this magnificent flower field with Maggie.”
Maggie couldn’t help blushing. This person really… The longer they spent together, the less serious he became. Confessions seemed to come out of nowhere.
“Actually, compared to you, it’s hard for me to pinpoint something I love.” Aldrich walked side by side with Maggie.
Curiosity piqued within Maggie, “Wolves like hunting, maybe you love antelope.”
“That’s just the hunting instinct.”
“Other than that?”
“Werewolves are not as mysterious as you imagine. On the contrary, we study human systems and strive to emulate humans, but we can never escape some fatal attractions.”
“Fatal attractions?”
“Like bloodlust, destruction, and brutality.”
“Are you like that too?”
“If I said yes, would you be afraid?”
Maggie looked at him, unable to speak. Aldrich continued to press, “Countless times, I wanted to completely possess you, control everything about you, and even…”
Before Aldrich could finish his sentence, Maggie quickly tiptoed and covered his mouth with her palm. “Don’t try to scare me, Aldrich Barrett is the most just, kind, and responsible alpha in the world!”
“Yes… You’re right…” Aldrich embraced Maggie, not letting her see the seriousness in his eyes. The real Aldrich was far more complex than Maggie could ever understand. He truly worried that one day he might scare her off, but at that time, he would never let Maggie escape.
Maggie stepped out of Aldrich’s embrace. “Aldrich, I’m glad that you were the one chosen for the surrogacy in the first place.”
Taking a step closer, their gazes locked in a silent understanding. “Maggie,” Aldrich began, his voice softening with emotion. “You’ve brought so much into my life. More than you’ll ever know.”
Her eyes widened slightly, curiosity and anticipation mingling within her. “What do you mean, Aldrich?”
Aldrich’s gaze turned tender, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve seen how hard you’ve worked, striving to create a better life for yourself. Your determination and strength have touched me in ways I never thought possible. My feelings for you have deepened, Maggie. You’ve become an integral part of my world, and I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Maggie’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding. The weight of his words hung in the air, anticipation and uncertainty swirling within her. She reached out and gently clasped his hand, finding comfort and reassurance in his touch.
“Aldrich,” she replied, her voice filled with emotion. “You’ve become such an important part of my life too. I treasure the moments we share, and I’m grateful for the love and support you’ve shown me.”
Aldrich’s eyes sparkled with affection, his thumb caressing the back of Maggie’s hand. “Together, we’ll face whatever challenges lie ahead. I’ll always be here for you, Maggie.”
In that moment, amidst the blooming flowers and their entwined hands, their connection deepened. The garden, once a sanctuary of beauty, now held profound significance, symbolizing the growth of their relationship and the blossoming of their love. And as they stood there, basking in the warmth of their feelings, they knew that their journey together had only just begun.