Chapter 1189

Chapter 1189:

I looked down at the tiny boy nestled against me, my heart softening. “Yes. Isn’t he adorable?”

Alden didn’t answer right away. His eyes lingered on Winfred, thoughtful, distant. Then a faint smile ghosted across his lips. “He looks so much like you. He’s going to grow into a fine young man.”

His words drew an unexpected laugh from me—light, real.

Startled by my laughter, Winfred joined in with a soft, musical giggle of his own, the sound as sweet and pure as the breeze.

Alden reached over, playfully tickling Winfred under the chin. The little boy burst into laughter, flailing his tiny arms in giddy protest, trying to catch Alden’s fingers.

For a few heartbeats, it was perfect—laughter rippling like spring water in the quiet of the garden. But then Alden pulled his hand back slowly, his gaze falling to the pond, a sadness passing over his face.

“Makenna, I wish I’d met you sooner. If I had… maybe Winfred would’ve been my child, right?”

Makenna’s POV:

I froze, momentarily stunned and unsure how to respond.

Alden lifted his gaze. His eyes locked on mine, filled with sincerity.

“Makenna, will you still stay by my side?”

I parted my lips to speak, but no words came out.

Alden’s gaze was heavy, a silent weight pressing down on me. I couldn’t bring myself to speak, yet I couldn’t look away.

I fell silent, and a storm of panic and helplessness churned inside me. After a brief pause, Alden seemed to notice my hesitation. A subtle shadow of disappointment flickered across his face.

He let out a long sigh, then purposely changed the subject with a soft, easy smile.

ɯoɔ.slǝʌou˥ɐƃ uo sǝɐsǝɹ lɐıɔıɟɟo

“We’ve caught enough fish, Makenna. I was thinking tonight, I’ll cook something special for everyone. A little reward for all the hard work lately.”

I let out a sigh of relief as the tight knot in my chest loosened slightly. Then I returned his smile and gave a small nod.

“That sounds wonderful. I’ll go get everyone.”

Alden gave me a nod before turning away to begin preparing the meal. I watched him walk off, but the unease in my heart lingered.

I couldn’t reciprocate his feelings for me, yet I couldn’t simply dismiss them either.

Once he was out of sight, I called everyone over.

Soon, we were gathered around the garden table.

It was covered with Alden’s carefully prepared fish dishes. Their rich, savory aroma filled the air, making our mouths water.

Everyone sat together, basking in the rare moment of calm and relaxation.

But the peace didn’t last long. The atmosphere was disrupted when Bryan and Dominic clashed.

Bryan marched over to me. His expression was firm, and his voice left no room for argument.

“Makenna, I want to sit here.”

Dominic shot back, unwilling to yield.

.

.

.