?Chapter 1223:


    Isaac gave a half-shrug. “You never really know someone.” Still, deep down, he knew his son had grown emotionally after everything that happened. At least now, he wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.


    Melinda shot him a look. “Is that really how a father talks about his own son?”


    Isaac didn’t flinch. “When he married Freya, did anyone think he’d leave her for some so-called first love?”


    He kept going. “Life’s unpredictable. I’m just saying—be ready for anything.”


    Melinda’s eyes narrowed. “So what, are you saying I’m just a stand-in for one of your exes?”


    Isaac looked her straight in the eye. “There’s only ever been you.”


    “Yeah, right. Who’d believe that?”


    “You do.”


    She went quiet again, but her mind was clearly still on what he’d said earlier. “Okay, okay.” Isaac softened his tone. “I’ll drop it.”


    Melinda didn’t say anything, still a little annoyed.


    Isaac kept trying to smooth things over.


    Liam watched the two of them, once again struck by how odd—and strangely beautiful—love could be. Even after all these years, his parents still acted the same as they did when he was a kid. He couldn’t help but wonder—when would he find that kind of love?


    Time moved on, quietly and steadily.


    In what felt like no time, months had slipped by. Since returning from Alerith in May, Kristian had either been holed up at work or staying at the family estate. His life had be quiet, low-key, and maybe a little closed off. He hadn’t shown up to a single hangout, even though Felipe and Zander had invited him more than once.<fn40e6> Newest update provided by Find?Novel</fn40e6>


    Watching this unfold, his family slowly came to ept one thing: he might never fall in love again.


    Meanwhile, things were going smoothly for Freya. She was now four months pregnant. The risky first trimester hade and gone without a hitch.


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    One afternoon, she was walking in the backyard with Ellis. Ever since Freya got pregnant, Ellis had handed off all his duties at Lambert Group to Locke so he could stay by her side full-time. Back when she had morning sickness and could barely keep food down, he’d nearly lost his mind with worry. Thankfully, that phase was over now.


    As they walked, Freya looked at Ellis, who had been by her side every single day. She said seriously, “I’m not as fragile as you think. If you’ve got work to handle, go take care of it. You don’t need to hover over me all the time.”


    Ellis gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Everything’s with Locke now. I’ve got you.”


    Just then, Freya stopped walking.


    Ellis noticed and gently asked, “What’s wrong?”


    “I just need a bit of time to myself.”


    “You sure?”


    “Is that okay?” she asked, her tone serious.


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