Chapter 1024

Daniela and Cedric stepped out of the hospital.

They had meant to take a walk, but when the rain started pouring, Cedric grew concerned for her and decided they should head back.

The car soon reached their destination.

Once quiet and empty, the place now glowed with lights and pulsed with life.

In the yard, strings of small lights twinkled while someone grumbled, "Why did it have to rain? I was planning to have a barbecue out hee!"

Hamilton's voice thundered from inside. "Are you out of your mind? This is Daniela's house. She likes things clean and can't stand the smell of smoke. If you want a barbecue, do it at your own home!"

Duran called back, "Dad, I asked her. She said it was fine!"

Hamilton barked, "No way! Daniela's pregnant. The smell from the grill is too strong. What if it makes her sick?"

Damon sighed. "She's about to give birth. She's not going to get morning sickness now." Hamilton was firm. "Enough! No barbecue!"

The whole family was swept up in the noisy argument

The front door of the villa was left wide open. From a distance, Daniela spotted several children sitting on the floor, building towers with blocks.

Daniela glanced at Cedric, and he met her eyes.

She smiled. "They sure are a lively bunch."

Cedric's expression stayed stoic. "Indeed."

They stepped inside.

Someone noticed them and yelled, "Hey, you two!"

Hamilton barked, "Show some respect!"

At that moment, Daniela saw Hamilton coming out of the house. "Where did you go for your walk? I've been looking all over for you."

He had meant to bring them an umbrella. His clothes were slightly damp.

Daniela said, "It started raining, so we just drove around for a bit."

Hamilton urged, "Hurry up and get inside. Go take a hot shower."

They went in while Hamilton kept talking non-stop.

The living room was crowded with people. As soon as Daniela and Cedric entered, everyone greeted them warmly, their faces bright with smiles.

Daniela and Cedric headed upstairs to take a shower.From below, the sound of kids laughing mingled with the TV blaring and the McCoys talking about a drama on screen.

That kind of warmth was unfamiliar to both Daniela and Cedric.

After showering, Daniela sat down in a chair, lost in thought.

Cedric came over, picked up the hairdryer, and gently dried her hair.

She smiled at him, and he returned the smile.

Their reflections met in the mnirror.Daniela said,"See?You should smile more. When you don't, they all think you're too stern and get scared of you."

Cedric had been tense all this time.

Daniela's first pregnancy had not ended well.

Now,he was overly careful, almost keeping everyone at a distance.

It was hard to blame him.

The housekeeper who caused them to lose the baby had been someone Cedric had trusted. The guilt still weighed heavily on him. Naturally, his guard was higher now.

Daniela stayed close to him, quiet and gentle, while the noise from downstairs filled the house.

She finally spoke again. "It's all behind us. The babies will be healthy. Cedric, we'll have a happy family.Don't be sad."

Cedric felt his throat tighten. He lowered his eyes,letting a flicker of sadness show-something he never did in front of others. "Okay."

The low hum of the hairdryer filled the room.

Cross-legged on the chair, Daniela said, "Neither of us grew up in warm families, but we can give our children a home full of love. They'll grow up kind and good.We do have a future to look forward to, don't we?"

Cedric brushed his hand through Daniela's hair. "You're right."

She leaned her head slightly, eyes drifting toward the night sky. "If my mom were still around, I think she'd really like you as my husband. You're steady, good-looking, and dependable."

He really did have a lot going for him.

When she spoke with him, there was a freedom in her words that didn't appear around anyone else.Sometimes she rambled without much direction, but he never seemed to mind.

They simply talked. Just the two of them.

Their tones were soft and unhurried, floating gently through the stillness of the night.

And in that quiet space, they both found peace.

Cedric's usual sharpness would melt away in these moments. She brought out a part of him no one else ever got to see.

That side of Daniela-he loved it.

And more than anything, he loved not having to pretend when he was with her.

After Cedric dried her hair, they ended up sharing a long kiss that neither wanted to break.

Afterward,Cedric mentioned she could go downstairs and grab some fruit.

As soon as Daniela opened the door, Nikolas was there.

She wasn't caught off guard. She glanced once in his direction and walked past.

HHe quickly followed after her. "Hey, wait up! I realy do need your help."

Daniela laughed."Help? From the way you're standing there,I figured you just wanted to give me a headache."

Nikolas sighed to himself. Seriously? Nobody was going to mess with her now. She was the family's favorite, and crossing her now was just asking for trouble.

Still, Nikolas followed her into the kitchen. With a lowered voice, he said, "Please. I need a hand with something."

Daniela picked up the fruit Cedric had set aside earlier and started eating as she asked, "What are we talking about?"