Chapter 0694
While events, both expected and unexpected, were beginning to unfold in Valentia, life in the Maldives remained peaceful. One thing was clear: Laura’s pregnancy was nearing its end. Despite having medical services on the island, any complications would require leaving for better care, which could pose challenges.
At 36 weeks, Laura struggled daily to get out of bed. Her swollen belly prevented her from even seeing her feet. Paul and Maurice were always attentive to their sister, who was visibly more exhausted each day.
Emma couldn’t help but see traces of Mary in Laura. Mary had been so young when she gave birth to Serenity. Now, Serenity was no longer a child, and Emma prayed she was taking care of herself—especially since a pregnancy at this time would be difficult.
One day, while Serenity and Laura went for a walk, Emma approached Alden with a worried expression.
“Son… Can we talk for a moment?”
“Of course, Emma. What’s going on?”
“Alden, dear… I’m not blind. I know what’s going on between you and Serenity. I don’t have a problem with it, and I don’t think I should, but… have you thought about what’s going to happen when we go back to Valentia?”
“Every single day.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Emma. Not a day goes by that I don’t worry about how Valerie and Marcus will react, or my father. But the one I’m most concerned about is Maximus, my uncle. I know we’re not blood–related, but…”
“Yes, Alden, that’s exactly what worries me. You know you can count on me, but you need to prepare yourself. The people back in Valentia aren’t going to take kindly to what’s happened here.”
“I love Serenity, and that’s all that matters to me.”
“I just want you to know that I support you both. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together. You know, the past may not have been kind to your father and Serenity’s mother, but now fate has brought you two together. To make it all the way here and begin something new… it’s clear this is what destiny intended.”
“Thank you, Emma. Thank you for understanding.”
“You don’t need to thank me, son. Just be clear–eyed about the fact that the challenges ahead won’t be small. But if you’re both willing to face them, I’ll be by your side.”
“Emma… I proposed to Serenity, and she said yes.”
Emma went pale. That confession caught her completely off guard–she hadn’t imagined that part yet.
“Alden, but-”
“Emma! Alden!” Maurice suddenly burst in, shouting.
“What’s wrong, Maurice? Why are you yelling?” Alden asked, turning to face the boy.
“Dad! Dad!” Ethan cried out.
“Uncle Alden! Aunt Laura! The baby’s coming, and she can make it home!” John added, clearly terrified.
“Oh no! Where are they? I’m on my way!” Alden shouted as he ran toward the beach.
He hadn’t expected this to happen now–Laura still had two weeks to go. As he approached, he saw Laura leaning
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Chapter 0694
heavily on Paul and Serenity, barely able to walk. The sand made every step harder.
“What happened, Serenity? Laura?” Alden asked, scooping Laura into his arms and rushing as fast as he could. “We were just walking, and then Laura bent down to pick up a seashell. Suddenly, there was a gush of water…”
“Oh no! Her water broke… We have some time, but we need to alert the island’s medical service. Serenity, run and call them!”
“Alden…”
“Go, my love! She’ll be okay…”
“Finally, you two speak clearly… Oh, God, this hurts!” Laura groaned, laughing through the pain.
“What?”
“God, it really hurts… Everyone already knows what’s going on between you
two!”
“Laura, I-”
“Alden! Not now. Could you just get me to the house, please?” Laura managed, grimacing.
Her fear was understandable—this was her first time giving birth. Emma rushed over to meet them as Alden carried Laura to her room, gently laying her down to make her as comfortable as possible. It had already been decided that the baby would likely be born there.
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