Free Web NovelChapter 90: Chapter 90 Fathers Proposal
Derek’s POV
Felicia guided the reluctant Serena toward the door, though it was obvious she wanted nothing more than to remain and eavesdrop on every word exchanged between my father and me.
Her curiosity about my relationship with Bella was practically written across her face.
The moment they disappeared from view, my father shifted forward in his chair, his expression growing serious.
"Bella was never suitable for you back then, and even if that child had been yours, you would have made her miserable," I fired back at him, my voice sharp with remembered frustration. "You used to become hostile at the mere mention of her name."
I stared him down. "So what’s changed? Why this sudden respect?"
"Everything has changed," he replied without missing a beat. "Bella isn’t that timid, bookish girl who used to hide behind her hair anymore. She commands attention wherever she goes. People speak of her with admiration. I refuse to see my son bound to a woman who cannot provide him with an heir. But three grandchildren already in existence? That would fulfill every dream I’ve ever had."
My father’s words hit me like a physical blow, leaving me motionless.
"All I require from you," he pressed on, "is your cooperation. When the council members arrive and we request a DNA test from Bella, you will support the decision. This time, I won’t drive her away from you. You have my word. I’ll ensure she becomes your wife. She’ll belong to you, and those children will call me their grandfather."
His promise felt like salvation, like everything I had yearned for was finally within reach.
"What’s running through your mind? Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?" my father demanded, pulling me back from the fantasy I had begun to construct, the vision of a life with Bella by my side.
When our eyes met, I remembered the vow he had just made. Every word sounded too good to be true, yet it was everything I had craved for years.
"What about..." I started, then stopped myself.
"What? Speak up. I’ll address whatever concerns you have," my father urged, his tone commanding enough to make me draw in a steadying breath.
"What happens to Serena?" I finally managed, watching as my father’s expression grew dismissive. The lack of concern in his features told me everything I needed to know about her fate.
"She’s barren land. Why would you continue cultivating it?" he said bluntly, and I felt my eyes widen at his callousness.
"Besides, she brought this on herself, didn’t she?" he added with a shrug.
"Right," I muttered, clearing my throat uncomfortably. "Won’t her father object to this arrangement?"
"What power does he possess? He’s merely a royal beta. If he protests too loudly, he’ll find himself exiled as well," my father answered smoothly. True to his word, he had a solution for every obstacle, just as he had promised. The choice now rested entirely with me.
"Take your time. Return to your quarters, consider everything carefully, then give me your answer," my father instructed, and I found myself nodding before walking away.
I couldn’t explain why I accepted his words so readily, but his proposal represented everything I had desired for so long. Perhaps that was reason enough.
When I entered my room, Felicia rose from where she had been sitting beside Serena.
She studied me with an almost accusatory look before striding past me toward the door.
"What did your father discuss with you?" Serena rushed toward me, attempting to seize my arm and force my attention.
"I need some time to think," I told her, gesturing toward the door. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
"Absolutely not. I’m not leaving. There’s no such thing as needing time alone between us. We’re married, we’re partners. You’re supposed to confide in me. Tell me what he said," she continued her relentless questioning, displaying her typical stubborn behavior.
"Serena, I just need a few minutes of solitude," I said, holding up my hand to show her exactly how brief a period I required.
"No," she responded defiantly.
I laughed humorlessly and shook my head. Fortunately, my father’s voice boomed from the hallway. He must have overheard the commotion Serena was creating. Her voice carried even during normal conversation.
"Serena, get out here immediately!" my father bellowed.
Her gaze darted between my father’s direction and my face, then back again.
I understood her silent plea, wondering why I never defended her when my father raised his voice. But why should I? She had built our entire relationship on conflict and aggression. She screamed at me, berated me, and struck me regularly. Now that my father was confronting her, she suddenly expected my protection.
"Go ahead, Serena. Your father-in-law is summoning you," I said mockingly, reminding her how she had constantly used him against me during our early marriage. She had tormented me by turning him into her ally. But that influence had finally crumbled, and I had broken free. That loss of control was probably what frustrated her most.
After she reluctantly departed, I settled down to contemplate my father’s proposition. My thoughts immediately turned to my friends and their current activities. What were their intentions regarding Bella? free𝑤ebnovel.com
Before I could reach any conclusions, my phone rang. Seeing Camilla’s name on the display irritated me, but curiosity won out. What could she possibly want? Despite my reluctance, I accepted the call.
"Hello?" I answered coldly, hoping my tone conveyed my displeasure. But knowing Camilla, she wouldn’t care. She sounded distressed herself.
"Where is Hugo?" she asked frantically, her voice breaking. I could detect tears and irregular breathing, she had been crying.
"I have no idea. Probably occupied with something. Why are you asking?" I replied, intrigued despite myself.
"He hasn’t answered my calls since he left my house last night with Bella. What is your friend planning? Is he really going to pursue her now, so close to her engagement?"
Her words reverberated through my mind. He was chasing her? That was deeply troubling. He was already abandoning his former lover just to pursue Bella.
"I don’t have that information. I’ll contact you after I speak with him," I said before ending the call abruptly. My fingers drummed anxiously against the phone.
Next, I called Moon to inquire about her situation with Parker. Surprisingly, she reported identical circumstances. Parker hadn’t called, visited, or communicated with her since arriving here.
The only contact she had received was when he called the childcare providers to check on the children. Nothing more.
The realization struck me then, they were already moving ahead, attempting to reclaim Bella. Why should I remain passive?
Perhaps my father’s advice was sound after all.
