Chapter 397

Victoria woke naturally, sunlight spilling across the room. She only stirred when the doorbell rang, signaling someone at the door. She listened as the

housekeeper answered, and soon after, Stein stepped inside.

The housekeeper was already preparing Victoria's second meal of the afternoon. Ever since she became pregnant, her appetite had grown astonishingly-her face and figure had filled out visibly, a healthy, maternal glow replacing her former slenderness.

"Hey, big brother..." Victoria greeted Stein, rising from the chaise lounge.

But Stein gently pressed her back down. "You need to rest more, Victoria. Don't stand on ceremony with me."

His eyes scanned the apartment. "It was a bit rushed finding this place, but if we come across somewhere better, we'll move you."

Victoria felt a swell of gratitude. "No, really. This place is wonderful."

It truly was: a spacious, high-floor apartment in the heart of downtown, over two thousand square feet. Victoria lived here with only Yasmine and a live-in housekeeper. Sometimes, the wide open rooms felt almost lonely.

When Stein brought her from Starfall City to Echo City to await the birth, he'd arranged everything, making sure she had a safe haven. He'd originally bought the apartment as a gift, but Victoria had insisted on paying for it herself. Stein, unable to sway her, had finally relented.

when's your due date?" he asked. "I've already lined up the best OB-GYN in the city for you. When the time comes, you'll be in

eyes misted

cup of tea, assuming, as many did, that he

brother," Victoria

her with gentle affection. "You call me 'big brother,'

you really were my brother. Too bad the Simms family could never produce someone

father, but if Simms ever

something unreadable in his eyes. "How do you think

Victoria's lips. "How else? He's never once treated me like his

always been the real recipients of his affection. He doted on Violet a hundred times more than he ever did

to say. She didn't want to

"Have you ever considered that

stared at him, stunned. For a moment she was speechless, then shook her head. "If he weren't my real father, my grandfather would never have handed

she grew up. She'd never thought

from his

report shows that you and Simms are not biologically

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255