Chapter 580
Chapter 580
Chapter 580
+25 Bonus
The corridor leading to the right-wing pavilion was quieter than usual. Soft wall lamps cast a gentle glow, stretching long shadows that swayed faintly with each step they took. A few staff members were still moving about, but Althea had already instructed them to retire for the night.
Daven walked more slowly than he normally would, as if measuring his pace to match hers. His hand never truly left her fingers.
Once their bedroom door closed behind them, the atmosphere shifted. It became private. Warm. Calm. Far removed from the heavy conversations that had weighed on them all evening.
Althea slipped off her shoes carefully and moved toward the vanity to remove her earrings. But before she could lift a hand to her ear, Daven was already standing behind her.
“I’ll take them off,” he said softly. “Just sit p>
She glanced at him, a faint crease forming between her brows. “I’m taking off earrings, not running a
marathon p>
He didn’t smile the way he usually would at her teasing. Instead, he focused intently on the small clasps, unhooking them with careful precision-as if the tiny pieces of jewelry might somehow hurt her if he wasn’t cautious enough.
Afterward, he pulled the chair back for her and guided her to sit, then began massaging her shoulders
gently.
Althea looked at him, half amused, half flustered. “You’re overdoing it p>
“I don’t think so p>
“I’m in my first trimester, not critically ill p>
Daven paused, then crouched down in front of her so he could look up into her face. “Exactly p>
She let out a small sigh. “Daven.” She stood and walked toward the bed, sitting on its edge instead. He followed, his attentive gaze never leaving her.
“Since when did you become like this?” she asked softly, her cheeks warming slightly under the intensity
of his care.
He didn’t hesitate. “I made a fatal mistake once. It’s not something I can easily forget-or pretend doesn’t matter anymore.” His voice remained steady. “I don’t want to repeat it. I’ve told you that before, haven’t I p>
That answer silenced her.
Daven sat beside her. One of his hands moved instinctively to rest against her stomach-still flat, yet
now more precious than anything else in the world.
“I was too used to believing everything would work itself out,” he continued quietly. “Too certain that you
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Chapter 580
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would always be there p>
Althea lowered her gaze, watching his large hand cover the small, fragile life growing inside her.
“But sometimes, I was the one who kept walking away,” he admitted. “The one who left you carrying too much on your own.” He took her hand, bringing her soft, warm fingers closer to his lips and pressing gentle kisses against them, again and again. “I’m sorry p>
“You’re making me feel like I’m made of glass,” she said lightly, trying to ease the weight in the air.
At last, Daven gave her a faint smile. “Then I’ll make sure this precious glass never breaks p>
Althea let out a soft laugh. “That sounds dramatic p>
“Maybe.” His gaze softened even more. “But it’s not an exaggeration. It’s because I love you p>
There was no teasing in his tone. No flirtation. Just certainty. Honest and unguarded.
Althea turned to look at him fully. There was something in his eyes tonight-something deeper than affection. Not just love.
Fear.
The lingering fear of loss.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered.
Daven lifted his hand and brushed his thumb gently along her cheek. “I know. But let me be there for every step you take. Whatever it is in your life… please, let me be the one who does it with you p>
Althea finally relented, resting her head against his shoulder. “Fine. But don’t make me feel like a patient p>
kled softly. “All right. But if you so much as stumble, I’m carrying you p>
htened immediately. “Don’t you dare. Josh will sulk all day p>
still jealous like that p>
thea nodded, laughter spilling from her lips. It was light, bright-and contagious. Soon Daven was laughing too, the sound filling the room in gentle warmth.
Outside these walls, a trial awaited. Truths were waiting to be dragged into the light. Justice had yet to be served for those who had suffered. A family that should have remained whole had been fractured by someone else’s selfishness. And a child had been used as a pawn.
No.
Daven would not forgive easily.
He hadn’t forgotten what had happened to his mother. She should have been here now-waiting with them for the birth of another grandchild, filling this house with even more joy.
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Chapter 580
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Tonight, he made a silent vow.
There would be no more losses in the family he loved.
Not Althea. Not Josh. Not Grace. Not the baby growing quietly beneath his hand. Not the extended family who surrounded them with unwavering support.
“I want to fall asleep holding you,” Daven whispered, pressing a kiss to the crown of Althea’s head. “May
1 p>
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