Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 513

Lawrence loved his daughter with a fierce, almost terrifying devotion. He spoiled Sloane rotten. Because Bonnie was entering a critical phase in her academic career—finishing her Ph.D. and securing a tenure-track position at The Cabinda University—she didn't have much time to micromanage a toddler. She had considered the corporate route and government work, but academia called to her. Between her and both sides of their family, the Lane family practically owned the education sector, ensuring Sloane's future schooling would be flawlessly handled. However, once Bonnie's career stabilized, she realized Lawrence had essentially raised a tiny tyrant. Sloane was utterly fearless and demanded the world. Lawrence gave her the stars and the moon without blinking. Refusing to hire nannies for the heavy lifting, he handled every tantrum, feeding, and bedtime routine himself, never once complaining of exhaustion. Sometimes, he even hauled her into the executive boardroom, needing her in his line of sight to feel at ease. When Sloane was a toddler, Bonnie and Lawrence had their first real argument in over a decade. It was entirely one-sided, with Bonnie laying into him about his parenting style. Lawrence stubbornly defended himself. He insisted Sloane wasn't a spoiled brat, just assertive. To him, a girl having a dominant, iron-willed personality was a massive advantage—it meant no man would ever dare walk over her. And frankly, with him as her father, he was more than capable of protecting her for the rest of her life. His absolute confidence left Bonnie speechless. It wasn't that she thought her daughter was a bad kid. It was just that whenever the little girl threw a fit, she would stare Bonnie down with those massive, fiercely defiant eyes. She had inherited Bonnie's stubbornness and Lawrence's predatory, commanding presence. But just as Lawrence said, she was a Lane woman. She was supposed to be a force of nature. Luckily, as Sloane learned to speak in full sentences, she became easier to reason with. She was devastatingly charming—a spitting image of Lawrence's stoic intensity when serious, but mirroring Bonnie's radiant warmth when she smiled. She had people wrapped around her finger. A little bossiness was expected; after all, she was the undisputed princess of the family empire. As Sloane grew up, guided by the combined efforts of both families, she evolved into a brilliant, fiercely loyal, and compassionate young woman. She had an ironclad sense of right and wrong and respected her elders. Her only flaw was her unshakable conviction. When she made a decision, her logic was so flawless it was impossible to argue against. Unless someone could appeal to her heart, her mind remained immovable. Bonnie often worried whether that trait would be a blessing or a curse. She feared her daughter might become an absolute dictator when she eventually took over the family conglomerate, refusing to listen to advice. Yet, another part of her was incredibly proud that her daughter would never be manipulated. Life was full of highs and lows; experience would temper her edges. While Bonnie fretted like a mother, Lawrence was nothing but a walking hype-man for his daughter, constantly fueling her confidence. By the time Sloane turned eighteen, she was a stunning, razor-sharp powerhouse. She launched her own startup in college, navigating the brutal realities of failure and the intoxicating highs of success, forging an unbreakable resilience. Lawrence poured every ounce of his energy into grooming her. He brought her into the inner circle of the Lane empire, ruthlessly clearing the path until she firmly took the reins of the family legacy. The day he officially handed over the company to her, Lawrence announced his retirement. From then on, his only full-time job was Bonnie. He drove her to the university, brought her lunch, and whisked her away to mountain cabins and fishing retreats on holidays. Sometimes Bonnie found his constant hovering annoying; other times, she missed him the second he left the room. Even as an old married couple, they still texted endlessly and never ran out of things to say. Eventually, Bonnie retired too, and they stepped into their twilight years side-by-side. Their favorite ritual was sitting on the porch, watching the sunset. Watching the golden sun slowly dip below the horizon felt like a reflection of their own lives—moving from a blinding, passionate brilliance into a quiet, beautiful dusk. Looking back, Bonnie knew with absolute certainty that growing old with Lawrence, with their daughter thriving nearby, was a life perfectly lived. Year after year, they watched Sloane fall in love, get married, and elevate the family empire to global dominance. They watched their grandchildren run through the halls of their estate. They had zero regrets. When Lawrence was ninety-eight years old, his time finally came. Lying in bed, he held Bonnie's hand, his thumb weakly tracing the wrinkled, fragile skin that had once been so smooth. His heart ached with the ultimate reluctance to leave her. He had sworn decades ago that he would be the one to take care of her until the very end, but he was breaking that promise. He was going first. Bonnie laid her head on his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Lawrence pressed a trembling kiss to her silver hair, his voice a frail whisper. Bonnie caught the words. He was telling her it wasn't a dream. Through her blinding tears, Bonnie let out a shattered laugh. He had remembered that nightmare for his entire life, and only now, at the very end, did he finally let the fear go. She slipped her shoes off and climbed into the bed, curling up against his side exactly as they had done every single night of their lives. She pressed her lips to his ear. "Lawrence, I love you." A faint, deeply peaceful smile graced Lawrence's weathered, handsome face, chasing away the shadows of his final moments. He had been right. This beautiful, perfect life hadn't been a dream. "I love you too, Candie."