Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria) novel Chapter 428

Chapter 428 

After Victoria’s explanation, Nathan and Nicole now believed that Bane was sick. Still, 

he would get better. When that happened, he would still be their Mr. Bane. 

Their newfound knowledge clearly cheered them up. Just then, Alaric walked into the 

room. The children swiftly moved over to pester him. 

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Of course, their name for him had not changed due to the time spent together. To them, 

he was still Mr. Night. 

Nathan was still understandably restrained, but Nicole had no restraint at all. She 

immediately held her arms out in a demand to be carried. 

Alaric did not think much of it. He promptly kneeled down before her. 

Seeing that, Victoria hurried over. 

“Nicole, he’s still hurt,” she said. 

That made Nicole freeze in place. She dazedly stared at Alaric before shrinking back, 

pulling away from him. 

She even took a few steps back just to make sure he did not touch her. 

Her reaction stunned Alaric. After a few moments of staring at her, he helplessly 

Chapter 428 Rivals in Love 

chuckled. “It’s only a minor wound. She’s just a little kid. How would she hurt me any 

more than I already am?” 

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Victoria disagreed with him as she sternly declared, “No way. Nicole is a playful kid who 

loves to fidget.” 

While Nicole was not a heavy child, she still weighed something. Moreover, she loved to 

move around and fidget. What if she accidentally kicked his wound? 

His injuries were so serious. Although they had healed nicely over the last few days, it 

would still be very painful if the wounds were reopened. 

Victoria’s explanation had Nicole maturely holding back from demanding to be carried 

by Alaric. When he continued to insist that he was fine, she kindly spoke up. “Mr. Night, 

I think it’s better to wait until you’re all healed up.” 

There was an obvious look of helplessness on his face as he remained on his knees. 

“Very well. I’ll carry you in a few days.” 

They were his children, so he wanted to spend more time with them. 

While they still called him Mr. Night and might not even know that they were his kids, 

Nicole had been rather friendly to him. That was not the case with Nathan. 

At that thought, Alaric turned to look at Nathan. 

Chapter 428 Rivals in Love 

This boy had more thoughts lurking in his mind than Alaric had expected. 

Just when would Nathan finally open his heart to Alaric? 

Had he ever done so with Bane? 

Alaric decided to have a proper chat with Nathan when he had the chance. 

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The moment he thought that, Nicole suddenly demanded Victoria go with her to check 

out the new clothes the servants had prepared for her the night before. 

As Nicole was a girl, Nathan did not follow her as she led Victoria to her room. 

Now, the only ones left in the room were Alaric and Nathan. 

The chance had arrived. 

Alaric gestured for him to come closer. “Nate.” 

Nathan was familiar with Alaric now. The wariness from before had slowly faded away 

until they could act naturally around each other. Otherwise, he would have left the room 

with Nicole and Victoria. 

Thus, Nathan approached Alaric and obediently greeted, “Mr. Night.” 

Alaric patted the seat beside him, telling him to sit. 

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Chapter 42B Rivals in Love 

Nathan did not reject the suggestion and immediately sat next to Alaric. 

He might be a young boy, but he was a smart kid. He could sense that Alaric had 

something to say to him. 

“Nate,” Alaric said. 

He looked down at Nathan. His voice was calm and relaxed as though they were only 

engaging in small talk. 

“Can I ask you something?” 

Nathan nodded and asked back, “What would you like to ask?” 

“Do you think I am worthy of being your and Nicole’s father?” 

The question was if Alaric was worthy, not if Nathan was willing to accept him as a 

father. 

Nathan was a very knowledgeable child despite his age. Hence, he swiftly understood 

what Nathan meant by that. It took him a while before he finally responded, “Th–That 

depends on Mommy.” 

“I am asking about you. Putting your mother’s opinion aside, what do you really think? 

Do you think I am good enough?” 

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Chapter 428 Rivals in Love 

Nathan silently stared back. 

“Don’t be scared,” Alaric said, placing a hand on Nathan’s shoulder. His voice was 

unusually warm and sweet. “Just tell me the truth.” 

What Nathan wanted to say would absolutely be offensive to Alaric. Yes, Alaric had 

done a lot for them and even watched the children’s streams. 

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The name “Silent Night” held a lot of influence over the kids. If a stranger had admitted 

to being their biological father but was not “Silent Night,” would they have accepted 

that man into their lives so soon? 

They would not since the man would feel very distant from them. 

The psychological distance was a very vital part of any relationship. 

Getting used to something was also a life–changing matter for most people. 

For example, Nathan and Nicole were used to having a man named “Silent Night” who 

would watch every single one of their streams, rain or shine. He would always shower 

them with donations and gifts. 

They had grown used to that life and the presence of that name in their lives. 

Hence, the moment Alaric appeared and made himself known as “Silent Night“, he had 

carved for himself an irreplaceable spot in the children’s hearts. 

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Chapter 428 Rivals in Love 

However, that was exactly why… 

Nathan shook his head. 

“If I have to tell the truth, then it’s a no.” 

Alaric had expected that answer. 

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