Chapter 581
Chapter 581:
Richard spoke with sincerity, his voice steady and heartfelt.
“I love children. If we get married, I’ll treat your child as if they were my own and love them completely. You know I mean it, right p>
Jenessa paused, caught off guard by his words.
She knew Richard was genuine; he would be a wonderful father, ensuring her child was surrounded by love and happiness.
But marrying Richard?
Her feelings were rooted in gratitude, not romantic love. How could she commit to a marriage without true affection?
Her thoughts were a tangled mess, leaving her unsure of what to do.
“Rick,” she fumbled with her seatbelt, opening the car door quickly, “I need some time to think. I’ll head up now. Take your way home p>
Without waiting for his response, Jenessa rushed inside, avoiding looking back. She felt his eyes on her as she left, but she needed space to clear her mind.
Richard remained in the car, watching her disappear with a heavy heart.
Her refusal was more resolute than he’d anticipated. The weight of her refusal lingered like a storm on the horizon. He realized he couldn’t let things stay like this.
He needed to act—and soon. Determination set in, and a flash of resolve crossed his eyes.
Jenessa returned home feeling lost and unsettled. After picking at her dinner, she decided to go to bed early, hoping for a reprieve from the day’s chaos.
But sleep was elusive, and when it finally came, it was filled with nightmares.
In her dream, she watched helplessly as her child was tormented by other children.
“You’re a dirty little bastard! You don’t have a dad! You’re a bastard! Stay away from us p>
“Yeah, get out of here, you bastard p>
The harsh words cut through Jenessa like a knife.
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She hurried over, her heart aching, and shooed the bullies away before wrapping her arms around her son.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here. Mommy will always keep you safe p>
Her son calmed down, sniffling against her shoulder. But soon, he pulled back, looking up at her with wide, tear-filled eyes.
“Mommy, why do other kids have dads and I don’t? Where’s my dad? Am I really what they say I am—a bastard p>
Jenessa was frozen, the words lodged in her throat, trapped beneath a weight of uncertainty. She wanted to scream, “No, you’re not a bastard. You’re my most precious baby,” but it felt as if her mouth was sealed shut, and she couldn’t utter a sound.
“Say something, Mommy. Where is my daddy? Am I a bastard p>
The boy’s voice shifted from innocent curiosity to something eerie, echoing in her ears like a haunting specter.
Jenessa jolted awake from the nightmare, her heart racing, skin damp with sweat. Her hand instinctively found her belly, and she closed her eyes, trying to dispel the lingering fear.
Richard’s words then echoed in her mind, stark and unyielding. Without a father, her child might face bullying and discrimination, no matter where they lived.
The thought of her child being mistreated was unbearable. But did that mean she had to marry Richard?
Jenessa pressed her hands to her forehead, trying to ease the ache. The idea of marrying someone she didn’t love twisted her insides.
Richard was good—too good. He deserved someone a thousand times better than her, someone worthy of a lifetime by his side.
Jenessa’s heart felt torn, each beat a reminder of her turmoil.
It seemed like fate was always against her, as if no matter what choice she made, she was destined for situations she didn’t want to confront.
Jenessa glanced at the clock, its ticking a reminder of time slipping away. The night stretched before her—she knew she wouldn’t fall back asleep anytime soon.
With a sigh, she dragged herself out of bed and headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.