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118 Because of Adela

Penulis: FancyZ
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-03-12 11:55:07

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
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  • Reclaiming 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 : 2025-03-13
  • Reclaiming 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 : 2025-03-13
  • Reclaiming 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
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   122 Are You Trying to Steal My Mom?

    Adela and Dexter had been chatting for a while, catching up on life and reminiscing about the past. Time passed quickly. Dexter told Adela that he hoped she’d find happiness and a life she truly wanted. He wished she wouldn’t live for others but for herself because she deserved so much more.Adela could tell Dexter had let go of his feelings for her. He was talking to her as a friend now.“It’s getting late. I should take Ralph back. His grandmother will start worrying soon.”Dexter stood up, preparing to leave, and Adela followed suit. It was late, and she couldn’t stay here any longer. Ralph had already started yawning outside and didn’t want to leave just yet, glued to the TV with Herbie, watching cartoons.“Ralph, let’s head home!”When Ralph heard his name, he immediately jumped up from the couch and walked over. Herbie glanced back at Dexter. She recognized him—she’d seen him around New York when she was younger. Even though she was just a kid back then, she clearly remembered D

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-13
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   123 What Layson Norman Fears

    The lights were still on in the living room of the Norman family home. Sitting on the sofa, Diana supported her chin with her hand, her thoughts drifting. She had originally hesitated about sending Dexter to pick up Ralph from Adela’s, worried that seeing her might stir up old feelings. But then she remembered how Adela had always been a part of Dexter’s life, a regret he had carried for so long. In the end, she hadn’t stopped him. However, as the hours passed, she still felt uneasy. Dexter hadn’t come back yet, and she was beginning to worry.By the time they were on the road, Ralph had already fallen asleep. Dexter had carried him into the house, clearly exhausted from the day’s events. Diana only lifted her head when she heard the door open. Standing up, she walked over to greet them. When she saw Dexter holding the child in his arms, a frown tugged at her lips. She couldn’t help but feel bad for making him go through all this.“Is he asleep?”“Yeah, I’ll carry him upstairs.”Dexte

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   124 A Chance Encounter with Evelyn

    Yesterday, Adela had met with Mrs. Walton and Dexter, but today she still decided to visit Layson Norman at the hospital. Although she had been avoiding him, she couldn’t bring herself to be that heartless. However, she didn’t realize that as she arrived at the hospital, a car was pulling away. Sometimes, fate plays its tricks, causing two people to miss each other without them even knowing.“Hello, I’d like to ask which room Layson Norman is in?” Adela asked as she approached the nurse's station. The nurse looked up, a bit surprised, because she knew that Layson’s hospitalization was being kept private. She didn’t know how Adela had found out, and suspicion flickered in her eyes as she studied her.“Hello?” Adela repeated when the nurse didn’t respond immediately. The nurse snapped out of her daze and quickly masked her thoughts, trying to compose herself. Since Layson’s arrival, the entire nursing staff had been quite curious about the VIP room. After all, Layson Norman was a househ

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   125 Chat at the Coffee Shop

    The coffee shop was filled with soft, soothing music. The people inside sat quietly, speaking in hushed tones, as if afraid to disturb the serene atmosphere. Adela knew she was being too cold toward Evelyn, but she couldn’t help herself; there was something inside her that made it hard to warm up to her, despite Evelyn’s kindness.“I know you still can’t accept the Walton family right now, and I don’t blame you for that. We all feel guilty for what happened, and we just want you to be happy,” Evelyn suddenly spoke about the Walton family, causing Adela to lower her head.It wasn’t just because she had been abandoned by her family—it was also because everything about that family felt foreign and even frightening to her. After all, if they could leave her behind, then surely there was some reason for it that she wasn’t able to comprehend.“Back then, your mother had to let you go for the sake of the Walton family's survival. After we found out, we all felt guilty for not coming to find

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14
  • Reclaiming His Runaway Baby Mama   126 Mom Might Be Taken Away

    Adela walked out of the hospital, her steps aimless as she wandered down the street. The sun beat down on her skin, but she didn’t feel its usual sting. Instead, the summer sun seemed almost enchanting, casting a bright light that felt like a good omen amidst the chaos in her heart. She didn’t like the person she was right now—too tangled up in her thoughts, too far from clarity.The weekend streets were crowded, filled with people seizing the chance to relax after a long week. Adela moved through the crowd, her face expressionless, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere around her. She had originally planned to visit Layson at the hospital, only to find out he had already been discharged. The news left her with mixed feelings—relief and disappointment swirling together in a way she couldn’t quite understand.Earlier, she had spoken with Evelyn. Adela knew Evelyn was a good person, even though their families’ first encounter had been anything but pleasant. Evelyn hadn’t left much o

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-15

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  • 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

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