Runaway Mommy: My Boss is the Father novel Chapter 8

But for Jaxson to actually ask about her husband? That was unexpected.

Because Phoebe's husband didn't exist.

Back when she had taken Edward abroad for treatment, they met a fellow patient's family on the plane.

Both fathers' dying wish was to see their children settle down.

So, standing beside those hospital beds, Phoebe and the other patient's son agreed to pretend to be together.

Shortly after, both men passed away, and she had long since lost contact with the guy.

As for her marital status, it was just a lie of convenience. To the outside world, she was a happily married woman.

Because that was when she had Lily.

In this society, a married woman whose husband was useless and absent was met with sympathy.

But an unwed mother who couldn't name the father? She would be crucified by vicious rumors.

Phoebe didn't care what anyone said about her, but she absolutely refused to let her daughter grow up under the toxic scrutiny of society.

Even if he was nothing more than a ghost, Lily needed a father on paper.

And no matter what happened, Phoebe would never let Jaxson find out about Lily's existence.

If a family like the Hayes dynasty discovered Lily, would they mercilessly rip her away from Phoebe, or would they subject the two of them to endless humiliation and neglect the child?

Anything was possible.

Lily was a girl. Even if they forcefully claimed custody, the Hayes family wouldn't value her.

Phoebe had seen enough ruthless aristocratic custody battles to know the truth. The thought alone was a suffocating thorn in her chest.

Whatever Jaxson's motives were, she didn't care.

She only cared about her daughter.

-

The Hayes Estate.

Holding a massive, stunning bouquet of roses, Jaxson shoved them unceremoniously toward Eleanor Hayes, who was waiting at the dining table.

Jaxson was the eldest son and grandson of the Hayes family.

He was also the sole heir to the main Hayes branch. The patriarch had three sons, and between them, there were four grandsons and one granddaughter—none of whom were married.

The younger cousins had an excuse, but the older ones constantly cited Jaxson's bachelor status as the reason they couldn't possibly settle down before their eldest brother.

He was Eleanor's only son, and she desperately wanted him to marry and expand the bloodline.

Seraphina only had eyes for Jaxson.

His aura was practically otherworldly. Having shed his suit jacket, the tailored vest he wore showcased his flawless physique, making his every movement exude an indescribable aristocratic elegance.

"Jaxson, is it really okay if I keep these flowers?"

"Don't call me that."

Jaxson looked up, meeting Seraphina's blushing gaze with icy indifference. "The flowers weren't for you. If you want some, buy them yourself."

Seraphina bit her lower lip, playing the picture of innocent vulnerability, before abruptly shifting gears. "Jaxson, do you still remember Phoebe Vance?"