Stop Running Love, I Found Our Child novel Chapter 2

She didn't dwell on it.

On second thought, telling him face-to-face when he got home would be much more special.

So, she hailed a cab back to their apartment.

Her stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation as she waited for Cole.

...

Meanwhile, in a neighboring metropolis.

At The Donovan Estate in Capital City, fish swam lazily in the pond next to a beautifully landscaped pavilion.

This sprawling, elegant sanctuary sat squarely in the most expensive zip code of Capital City.

An elegant middle-aged woman sat on a stone bench in the pavilion, leisurely tossing food to the fish.

Her voice was calm and measured.

"Eliam, I never opposed you dating for fun. I looked into that girl. For an ordinary civilian, she's impressive enough. She has a clean record and a sweet disposition. She's a good girl."

"Your grandfather made it clear that those in power must always be vigilant and adaptable. The Donovan Group is currently a massive target, so he isn't forcing you or your brother into a political marriage just for the sake of power."

"But you are the eldest son. The empire will ultimately fall into your hands. Your future wife doesn't need to come from royalty, but she absolutely cannot be a nobody."

"Besides, an innocent girl like her would be eaten alive by the social politics of our world."

"Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Mrs. Donovan dusted the last of the fish food from her hands.

She turned to look at her son sitting across from her.

The crisp autumn sunlight filtered through the changing leaves, casting dappled shadows over the man.

He possessed a strikingly aristocratic profile, his sharp jawline and straight nose sculpted to perfection beneath the shifting light.

His gaze was lowered, fixated on the missed call on his phone. He let out a low, indifferent sound of agreement. "Yeah."

"Give her a generous financial settlement. Cut ties now before she enters the real world and discovers your true identity. It's best for both of you."

"Got it."

"She's been with you for three years without asking for a dime. She loved you genuinely. Don't make it ugly, and try not to break her heart completely."

"Understood."

"As for your impending marriage, will you pick someone yourself, or should I find a suitable candidate?"

She had no family.

She was used to hiding the darker parts of her childhood trauma. Since Cole never pressed, she never volunteered the information.

And just like that, three years had flown by.

Because she was terrified to mention her own background, she felt she had no right to pry into his.

As a result, she knew absolutely nothing about his family dynamic.

What were his parents like?

Would they look down on her because of where she came from?

And if they knew about the things she had endured...

The mere thought filled her with insecurity, dimming the bright excitement in her eyes.

Whatever.

She would just focus on the pregnancy for now.

They could tackle the family baggage later.