Jasmine let out a weary sigh, fully aware of the truth in Aiden's words, as guilt washed over her."You chose to follow your father's instructions and obey the so-called Queen Grace. You executed every task as she commanded. She wanted you to make Giovanni fall in love with you, and you did. Why? To save your father's life and protect his business. But now, Giovanni has become so cracky about you and unpredictable. It's not my fault. I saw this coming from the beginning," Aiden expressed, his teeth gritted in frustration.Aiden's tone softened as he continued, his vulnerability revealing itself, "To be honest, I should be consumed by anger. I am angry, but I can't bring myself to express it fully. I can't bear the thought of witnessing my mate marrying someone else, watching him intimately involved with another person. I despise it, but what can I do when this is what you, my mate, seem to desire?"As Aiden spoke, a wave of remorse swept over Jasmine, realizing the consequences of her
"Can you please serve the food for us, Layla? We'll be there shortly," Isabella requested, her words directed at Layla, who wore a warm smile as she observed the interaction between Isabella and Ryle. Giovanni, on the other hand, found himself taken aback by what he was witnessing. He knew Ryle struggled with socializing and had a general aversion to human interaction. Therefore, witnessing Isabella's effortless connection with Ryle and Ryle's genuine interest in befriending her was nothing short of a shock.Layla nodded in acknowledgement before making her way to the kitchen, leaving Isabella and Ryle alone in the room. Ryle couldn't contain his joy, his smile stretching from ear to ear as he gazed at Isabella."You are such a good boy," Isabella praised, her hand tenderly caressing Ryle's cheek with adoration. Ryle's eyes immediately welled up with tears, a mixture of emotions overwhelming him, but he quickly composed himself, attempting to conceal his vulnerability. However, Giovan
"I want to cuddle with you," Ryle's small voice filled the room, tugging at Isabella's heartstrings as she settled herself comfortably on the plush recliner. Her eyes softened with affection as she looked at him, understanding his need for closeness and comfort."Awe, baby, come here," Isabella responded with a gentle smile, opening her arms to welcome Ryle into her embrace. He eagerly climbed onto her lap, finding a cozy spot where he leaned against her shoulder. They both faced the screen, fully engrossed in the movie that played before them.Isabella's fingers delicately ran through Ryle's soft hair, creating a soothing sensation that melted away any restlessness he might have felt. The warmth of her touch and the gentle rhythm of the film lulled him into a peaceful state. Within half an hour, his eyelids grew heavy, and he succumbed to sleep, finding solace in Isabella's comforting presence.Giovanni, sitting beside them, couldn't help but observe the tender scene unfolding before
"He doesn't have parents?" Isabella asks, her eyes widening in surprise. Giovanni shakes his head gently, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "No, he doesn't. I've been caring for him since he was born. He is my everything, my joy, and my source of light."A heavy breath escapes Isabella's lips, her own emotions swirling within her. She hadn't anticipated the depth of Giovanni's connection with Ryle, and it tugs at her heartstrings in unexpected ways."Well, um... It's alright. You didn't have to tell me this, but I appreciate your honesty. I genuinely care for Ryle, and I'll continue to take care of him. I've grown to love him in such a short time, and I have experience with children, so it's not a problem," Isabella responds, taking a step back as she processes the newfound information.Giovanni's gaze softens as he observes her. "You don't need to ask, but you deserve to know the truth. The way you care for him, it's as if he were your own child..." He trails off, his words causing Isab
"Nothing is inherently wrong with caring for her," Layla admitted, her voice carrying a touch of vulnerability. "However, it's what we are doing to her that concerns me," she continued, her words laden with a sense of anguish. Her grip on the glass tightened further, as if channeling her frustration through the object.In response, Giovanni let out a weary sigh, recognizing the conflict within Layla and the genuine concern that fueled her resistance. Though he hoped for her understanding, he knew the decision they had made wasn't an easy one to accept."Layla, please," Giovanni implored, his voice a mixture of weariness and pleading, his eyes reflecting the weight of the burden they both carried. He longed for Layla's support, hoping she would find solace in their shared purpose.Unable to ignore the doubts that plagued her, Layla shook her head, her gestures mirroring her inner turmoil. With a heavy heart, she placed the glass in the dishwasher, as if attempting to dispel the tension
With the baking process nearing completion, Isabella's excitement bubbled forth, evident in her tone as she exclaimed, "We just need to put these in the oven, and we'll be done. I'll take care of the icing once they cool down." Her enthusiasm was contagious, and Layla couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that perhaps their actions could lead to a positive outcome.Time passed swiftly as the cookies and red velvet cake baked to perfection in the warm embrace of the oven. As the sweet treats cooled, anticipation filled the air, mingling with the warmth emanating from the kitchen.Nightfall cast its gentle veil over the world, creating a cozy ambiance within the household. Isabella, wearing an expression of joy and fulfillment, presented the delectable creations to Ryle, whose eyes sparkled with delight. The boy's face radiated pure happiness, illuminating the room like the moon in the darkest nights.With eager anticipation, Ryle indulged in the cake and cookies, savoring each bite.
A strange sensation fills his heart as he beholds the sight of them intertwined. It's in this moment that a vivid image forms in his mind—an image of Isabella holding their own child, cradling the little one in her arms. The thought consumes him, leaving him yearning for a future where he can bask in the beauty of their unity, forever captivated by their love.A bittersweet desire fills Giovanni's heart as he envisions the possibility of having a child with Isabella, a perfect blend of both their features. Deep down, he yearns for that more than anything else. However, as quickly as the thought arises, he forcefully shakes his head, unwilling to entertain such notions. The guilt that engulfs him prevents him from allowing himself to dwell on such a selfish desire.The weight of his actions weighs heavily on Giovanni's conscience. He cannot forgive himself for the manipulative path he has set in motion, robbing Isabella of her agency and attempting to claim her motherhood without her k
"You know, you can join us if you want," Giovanni's deep voice broke the silence, sending a shiver down Isabella's spine.Caught off guard by his words, Isabella hesitated for a moment, torn between the desire to maintain her independence and the lure of the comfort Giovanni's embrace offered. Gathering her thoughts, she replied, "No thanks, you can go and get ready. I'll take care of him."Giovanni nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips, and silently left the room, leaving Isabella alone with Ryle. Isabella sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes filled with affection as she watched her nephew sleeping peacefully. She couldn't help but marvel at the bond that had formed between them in such a short period."Ryle," Isabella whispered, her voice gentle as she reached out to stroke his hair. Ryle stirred, but remained in the realm of dreams, his innocent face reflecting the tranquility of childhood slumber."Come on, Layla is making your favorite hamburger for breakfast. It's waiti