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113 Meeting in the Rain
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-11 12:23:52
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Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 114 The Two in the Rain
The rain showed no signs of stopping, and it seemed to grow heavier with every passing minute. Standing in front of Layson Norman, Adela could feel the cold raindrops soaking her clothes. Despite her surprise, a part of her knew instinctively that they couldn’t just stand there in the downpour."The rain's too heavy. Let’s find some place to shelter for a bit," Adela said, her voice almost lost in the sound of the rain hitting the ground.Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed Layson's arm and started walking. He barely reacted, a small smirk playing on his lips as he allowed her to pull him along. What used to irritate him—the damp, wet days—now felt almost welcoming. Something about the rain, about being here with Adela, made everything feel strangely right.They found refuge under a roof that had been shut off for the night, a small, overhanging awning protecting them from the downpour. Adela brushed the water off her clothes, and Layson put the umbrella away, both of them sile
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 115 A Painful Anger
The rain had finally stopped, and out of nowhere, the sun broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the town. It was as if the summer sky had never been gloomy in the first place. The air smelled fresh, carrying a hint of damp earth. Adela walked alongside Layson Norman, her steps light but her thoughts heavy.She didn’t know what to say. Since his arrival, the tension between them had been unbearable. He wasn’t as cold as before, but that didn’t make things any less awkward.“When are you heading back to New York?” she finally asked, breaking the silence.Layson turned his head slightly to look at her, his sharp gaze unreadable. His steps slowed, and his expression darkened.Was she trying to get rid of him now? First, she ran away, and now she couldn’t even wait for him to leave? Her audacity was truly growing by the day.“Am I making you that uncomfortable?” His voice was low, edged with something almost dangerous.Adela immediately felt a jolt of panic, quickly waving h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 116 Because of You
After returning from Florida, Adela hadn’t seen or heard from Layson Norman at all. It was as if he had vanished. Even the usual office gossip about him had completely died down. She found it strange, but more than that—she felt… unsettled.For someone who had been avoiding him for so long, she shouldn’t have been bothered by his silence. Yet, she was. Keeping tabs on him had somehow become a habit, something she did without even realizing it.Cora stepped out of the conference room and immediately spotted Adela lost in thought again. Since their return, Adela had been like this—distracted, absent-minded. Then again, maybe she had always been like this.Cora still found it odd, though. Leopold had told her that Layson had traveled to Florida with him, but strangely enough, no one had actually seen Layson while they were there. When Cora had asked Adela about it, she had stuttered through a vague, unclear answer.Then, after they got back, rumors began circulating in New York’s busines
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 117 Layson’s Hospitalization
After stepping out of Leopold’s office, Adela paused at the door for a moment. The words he had just spoken echoed in her ears—Layson was in the hospital.She couldn't quite figure out how she felt. There was an odd emptiness inside her, a strange sensation she couldn’t describe.……Layson lay in the hospital bed, his face pale, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he wasn’t sleeping well.Diana had just learned this morning that Layson had been hospitalized. Standing by his bedside, she looked at his normally sharp, imposing face, now drained of color, and felt an inexplicable discomfort.Layson Norman never let himself end up like this.He was always in control, always composed, yet now, here he was, lying unconscious.“What the hell happened to him?” Diana’s voice was stern, carrying a hint of frustration as she turned to Barnes, who stood nearby.Barnes knew that Layson had been pushing himself too hard—nonstop work, endless business negotiations, and his latest brutal takeover of t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 118 Because of Adela
Dexter took Ralph back home. He knew Layson didn’t want them staying at the hospital any longer, so he had practically pushed them out. Ralph sulked the entire car ride, clearly unhappy about leaving. He had wanted to stay by Layson’s side, but his father had been firm about sending him home. No matter how much he protested, Layson was even more stubborn.Dexter wasn’t surprised. He had already figured out that this had everything to do with Adela. His older brother had fallen hard.He never imagined Layson would take things so seriously. Years ago, he had resented him for what he had done to Adela, but looking at things now, maybe… this was fate.Dexter had been back in New York for some time now, but he hadn’t yet seen Adela. Even so, it seemed like her name was everywhere. It was as if she had always been a presence in the Norman family.But there was no longer any love left in his heart for her—only the most sincere blessing for an old friend.“Ralph, do you want your mom and dad
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 119 Rejecting Layson Norman
The setting sun painted the streets with a golden hue. Adela walked slowly, her eyes fixed on the long shadow stretching in front of her, lost in thought.She was almost home. Recently, Herbie had insisted that Adela no longer needed to pick her up, saying she was old enough to manage on her own. Instead, she had Adela buy her a small phone so she could check in whenever needed.After work, Adela had stopped by the supermarket to pick up a few things for dinner.What she didn’t know was that, at this very moment, two unexpected guests were waiting for her at her apartment building’s entrance, standing near the elevator.The moment she stepped through the glass doors, her footsteps faltered.Ralph was standing beside Diana, his tiny hand held firmly in hers. But as soon as he spotted Adela, his face lit up with joy, and he quickly broke free from Diana’s grasp.“Mommy! You’re finally back!”Adela froze. It had been a while since she last saw Ralph, long enough that she had almost forgo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 120 Visiting Adela
In the bedroom, Ralph excitedly pulled out his brand-new gaming console, a gift from Dexter. He was eager to show it off, but Herbie wasn’t as interested. Her thoughts were elsewhere—she still wasn’t sure who the woman outside was.Leaning in closer to Ralph, she kept her ears trained on the conversation happening in the living room. But all she could hear was the sound of the game playing.“Ralph, who’s that lady with you?” she finally asked.“My grandma.”Ralph answered casually, focusing on his game.In truth, it had been Ralph’s idea to bring Diana over. After returning home with Dexter the night before, he had immediately sought out his grandmother, explaining that Layson refused to stay in the hospital and that he was desperate to see Adela. Ralph believed that if there was anyone Layson would listen to, it was Adela.“Your grandma?” Herbie’s heart skipped a beat.She had no idea what Diana’s attitude toward Adela was like, nor did she know why she had come here today. Even thou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 121 Have You Been Well?
The lights in the living room felt especially bright that evening, casting a warm glow over the home. Accompanied by the laughter of two children, the dinner table was filled with chatter and joy, making the space feel incredibly cozy.Adela ate in silence, occasionally glancing up at them. Something felt different tonight.For the first time, looking at Ralph didn’t feel as distant as it had before. In fact, she felt something unfamiliar—a subtle warmth spreading in her heart, filling a space she hadn't even realized was empty.“Mom, we have this teacher at school, and he’s super funny! He makes silly faces at us every day!”Ralph animatedly waved his hands as he spoke, eager to share everything with Adela. He wanted to make sure she didn’t feel like a stranger to him—he wanted her to know him, to remember him.Adela didn't say anything at first, just listened. But when he called her “Mom,” it didn’t feel as unnatural as it had before.“Oh! You’re talking about that short, chubby tea
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
Bab terbaru
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 217 The Warning
Lily scrambled to recall the design’s theme, her mind spinning. Then she remembered what Layson had said—the diamond element was meant to represent him.Seizing on the connection, she confidently redefined the entire piece: the design symbolized love.Now that she had calmed down, her thoughts were more structured. She had decent analytical skills—she wouldn’t have made it into Starry Jewelry otherwise.Carlton listened without interruption, his face unreadable. When Lily finally finished, he shifted his gaze toward Marah, his expression now laced with unmistakable disappointment.Marah frowned slightly, sensing something was off. Carlton’s silent disapproval began to fill her with unease.The air in the conference room turned heavy and suffocating. Carlton tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table before turning to Adela.“When you created this design,” he asked, “what was its true meaning?”The color drained from Lily’s face. Her hands began to tremble.It was clear now—no matter
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 216 Termination
Adela had reached the edge of fury—but oddly enough, that brought her calm.She inhaled deeply, casting a cold glance at Marah before turning to face Carlton, her expression once again unreadable, as steady as still water.“Director,” she said calmly, “this design is indeed mine. I can explain every single line, every embedded meaning. Both my home desktop and laptop have versions of this design—the concept sketches, early drafts, and every single revision saved across different files.”After finishing, she no longer looked at Carlton. Instead, she turned to Lily, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “Tell me, Lily—how many revision records do you have on your computer? Don’t tell me this design came to you in one perfect draft.”Her words were laced with sarcasm, and the cold gleam in her eyes bore straight into Lily’s now-tense expression.Even master jewelers wouldn’t dare claim a design came to them fully formed. Adela knew Lily had copied her work. At best, Lily might have tweaked a fe
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 215 Who Copied Whom
The day before the final deadline for submitting design entries had arrived.Adela informed Richard that she needed to leave early for the competition. For the first time in days, he actually glanced at her directly.“You’re participating in that contest?” he scoffed. “Marah told me it’s only for top-tier designers. Do you really think you’re at that level?”Dexter, who was standing nearby, couldn’t take it anymore and was about to jump in, but Adela quickly spoke up before things escalated.“Anyone can register for the competition,” she said calmly. “It’s about growing and pushing yourself. Winning isn’t the only point.”Richard sneered but didn’t press further. “Fine. Go on then. At least I won’t have to deal with you hovering around me all day. Must be a relief for you, huh?”Adela clenched her jaw but didn’t rise to the bait. She gave him a slight nod and walked out of the hospital with her laptop, determined not to let his bitterness affect her any longer.Just as she exited the
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 214The Theft
Despite Layson’s attempts to dissuade her, Adela returned to the hospital the next morning, just as she promised.Richard had been resting for days, and though his complexion had improved slightly, the toll of the accident was undeniable. The lines on his face had deepened, and his spirit had clearly dimmed—he looked significantly older than he had just a week ago.Though he didn’t openly say it, his resentment toward Adela hadn’t faded. He refused to let her feed him or assist him directly. Now that Dexter was home, Richard made it clear that only his son should take care of him.Adela understood and didn’t push. She simply sat quietly nearby, not even taking out her laptop while Richard was awake. If Dexter needed a hand, she’d step in without hesitation. Her quiet diligence gave Richard no reason to criticize her, though his coldness remained.Before long, Marah arrived, as she had every day without fail. Though she never stayed long, her visits were always perfectly timed and care
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 213 Public Disgrace
The moment Richard Norman spat out those entitled words, the faint smile in Layson’s eyes vanished without a trace. He was just about to speak when Adela tugged lightly on his sleeve.He turned toward her, focusing intently on her face, as if trying to read her thoughts through her calm expression.Adela looked at Richard and spoke evenly, “Mr. Norman, I’ll come by every day to take care of you. But not as the future daughter-in-law of the Norman family—only because you are Ralph’s grandfather.”Richard scoffed and said nothing. He didn’t care what reason she gave—as long as she complied. He was never concerned with process, only results.With no meaningful conversation left to be had, Layson saw no reason to linger. Barely half an hour later, he took Adela by the hand and left the hospital, leaving Richard fuming to the point of nearly passing out.Diana sighed and gently patted Richard’s back. “I can tell you care about Layson visiting you,” she said softly. “Why not say something k
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 212 Deliberate Trouble
That morning, like many others before, Richard Norman got behind the wheel and set off alone, heading toward a countryside farm to meet an old friend.But fate had other plans.Out of nowhere, a van with failed brakes careened into the road, smashing head-on into Richard’s car. The collision was brutal. Both vehicles were left mangled, and the drivers were rendered unconscious with serious injuries.By the time Layson Norman arrived at the hospital, Richard had just been wheeled out of surgery. Diana sat outside the operating room sobbing uncontrollably, her face drained of color. Marah, standing nearby with reddened eyes, tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ears when she saw Layson approach.“Cousin,” she said in a voice tinged with fear, “Richard will be okay, won’t he? I’m so scared.” She leaned toward him, clearly hoping to be held or comforted.But Layson didn’t stop.He brushed right past her, leaving her reaching out into empty space. Her expression darkened for a bri
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 211 The Car Accident
Adela didn’t show up at the office all day.Richard and Diana came by the apartment. Layson had already left for work, so she had to face them alone—and the atmosphere was colder than ice.“You’re the one who encouraged Ralph to run away, weren’t you?” Richard accused, voice full of mockery. “This is how you act as a mother? I knew you had some hidden agenda when you got close to Layson.”His sarcastic tone made Adela’s chest tighten with anger. But with Ralph still playing quietly in the study, she forced herself to breathe deeply and hold it in.“Mr. Norman,” she said evenly, “no matter what I say, you’ve already made up your mind about me. So I won’t waste my breath. If there’s nothing else, feel free to make yourselves tea. I’ve got work to do.”She stood to leave, but Diana quickly stepped in to play peacemaker.“You know how he is,” she said with an awkward smile. “Always blunt. Don’t take it to heart. We just came to bring Ralph home. He’s got kindergarten tomorrow.”Adela gave
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 210 The Jewelry Design Competition
When Adela got Layson’s call, she was still at the office. The moment she heard that Ralph was missing, her voice shot up several decibels.Marah, already paying close attention to every move Adela made, immediately walked over, her face full of concern.When Adela hung up, Marah gently asked, “Did something happen to Ralph?”Then she quickly added, “I wasn’t eavesdropping—I just heard you mention his name.”Adela was too panicked to analyze her words. Instead, she felt a wave of gratitude for the concern.“He ran away from home,” she said, voice shaky. “I need to take the afternoon off to go find him.”Marah was technically her team leader, so she needed her approval for leave. That’s why she told her.“Oh my God, then you should go right now! Ralph is only five—it’s serious. I’ll approve your time off. I’ll even head out and help look. I mean, I am his aunt, after all.”Hearing those words, Adela didn’t wait another second. She grabbed her bag and bolted—completely missing the flick
Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama 209 Runaway
Adela kept her expression neutral. She’d already known Marah was Layson’s cousin, but she hadn’t realized she actually lived at the Norman family’s old estate. Still, it didn’t bother her much—Layson usually stayed at his apartment anyway.Watching Marah chatting so happily with Richard Norman, Adela didn’t try to join in or interrupt. In Richard’s eyes, that aloofness came off as arrogance.To him, Marah was being warm and friendly, and Adela wasn’t even pretending to appreciate it—not even a polite smile. It ticked him off instantly.He turned to Diana and muttered, just loud enough for the room to catch: “The Norman family’s daughter-in-law needs to be gentle and well-mannered—not someone who expects us to tiptoe around her.”That line caught everyone off guard. But the words “daughter-in-law” had people glancing toward Adela.Just then, Layson walked in from outside, carrying something in his hand. The moment he set it down, he caught the tail end of Richard’s comment. His tone wa
