Thought It Was 'The End', Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 228
Adeline was already meaning to ask Genevieve, but she thought it was still too early to bring up something so small as a cluster of cellsâŚ
Overwhelmed by Genevieveâs enthusiasm, Adeline nodded reluctantly. Only then did Genevieveâs stern expression soften into a radiant smile.
There was a time when she had thought about having a child with Harrison, but now, in hindsight, not having one had been a blessing from the gods.
If she had had a child with him, Genevieve knew she would have loved that child unconditionally. She would have done anything for them.
âI probably still would have killed Harrison, but I would have been so guilt-ridden for taking their father away that I wouldnât have been able to face the child properlyâŚâ
She likely would have avoided the child under the pretense of being too busy.
She would have ended up doing countless things to hurt them, leaving them to grow up without knowing parental love.
The reason she had wanted a child back then was to put an end to those wretched rumors and to build the image of a perfect family.
But she had already abandoned that dream and resolved to consider Adeline her sole family from now on.
She had sworn off marriage and love entirely, vowing to simply earn money and live for herself.
Perhaps that was why this unexpected news brought her so much joy.
If it was Adelineâs child, Genevieve was confident she would love them unconditionally. She already felt ready to cherish them.
Even if half of the childâs traits came from Shane, Adelineâs half would more than make up for it.
âCongratulations, Adeline. Truly.â
But, if possible, you should tell him quickly.
Who knows what your husband might do otherwiseâŚ
*
Shane suppressed his growing frustration.
âLucian hasnât returned from Melcre in the last ten days, and Lloyd hasnât given me any hints, so itâs not like sheâs planning to run awayâŚâ
More importantly, there were no signs she was trying to escape. While she was clearly hiding something, she wasnât distancing herself from him or others like she used to. If anything, it felt like she was carefully choosing her words.
And Shaneâs instincts were dead-on.
After hesitating for a while, Adeline handed him a letter.
âIâve been thinking about how to bring it up, but I just couldnât find the words. So I wrote it down instead.â
ââŚThis is the first letter youâve ever given me.â
Her nervousness was written all over her face. Shane carefully read her expression as he accepted the letter.
What could it be about? At the very least, she didnât seem dissatisfied with their marriage.
Was she actually annoyed by him following her everywhere? That would make sense.
Was she upset that he kissed her regardless of who was around? That could be it too.
What else could it be?
âHurry up and open it.â
As long as it wasnât a request to leave him, he was prepared to accept any criticism.
Shane opened the letter, only to freeze in place.
The letter contained just one line:
[ Congratulations on becoming a father, Shane. ]
Adeline watched him cautiously. It wasnât the most elaborate way to break the news, but Genevieve had advised her that skipping over any dramatic reveals and just telling him quickly was the best way to avoid unnecessary chaos.
What kind of chaos was she even trying to prevent?
It wasnât like the letter was long enough for Shane to need time to process it, yet he stood motionless, staring at the words without blinking.
Was he not happy?
Come to think of it, Shane didnât seem like the type to enjoy having children. Maybe he had been hoping to savor their honeymoon phase a bit longer.
âShane, say something.â
ââŚâŚâ
âShane, are⌠are you crying?!â
Tears suddenly began streaming from Shaneâs wide eyes, breaking the frozen expression on his face.
âDo you hate it that much?!â
ââŚâŚâ
He was at a loss for words, covering his mouth with his hand as if to hold back an emotional outburst. When Adeline stepped closer, placing her hands on his shoulders and peering into his face, Shane squeezed his eyes shut before opening them again.
Adeline waited for him to say something.
Shane looked like he wanted to speak, but his tears wouldnât stop. After waiting a while, Adeline couldnât hold back her laughter anymore.
Honestly, such a crybaby.
The very next day, Shane Blanchardâs pregnancy cravings began.
