Chapter 526 Let Me Love You
Marlowe's premature baby had to remain in an incubator for a full six weeks.
She visited almost daily, naming her daughter Mina Scott. As a new mother, she gave everything she could—her time, her presence, her promise of a happy childhood.
For the past two weeks, Grant had barely left her side. Though Marlowe tried to ignore the changes in him, some things were impossible to overlook. Everyone—even her parents—encouraged her to give him another chance.
She felt conflicted. Yet when she thought of their baby, her resolve softened. Her original plan—to wait until the birth, forge false paternity results, and leave Grant forever—had been derailed by this unexpected early arrival.
Yesterday, Elliot had informed her that he'd already given Grant both paternity reports and revealed her escape plan. Her options had vanished.
Today, Marlowe went to see Mina without waiting for Grant. She could walk unassisted now, no longer needing constant supervision.
When she reached Mina's room, she spotted a familiar figure. Grant was bent over the incubator, playing with Mina. His typically stern features had softened completely.
For the first time, Marlowe could see genuine fatherly affection written all over his face. Though he'd accompanied her to see the baby these past two weeks, he'd never interacted with Mina like this in her presence. She'd always assumed he disliked children. Apparently, he visited privately.
"Mrs. Scott, you're here," the nurse called out, spotting her lingering by the doorway.
Grant looked up, startled, meeting Marlowe's clear, bright eyes. She didn't miss the flash of self-consciousness that crossed his face.
Without comment, she entered and joined him beside their daughter. The nurse tactfully withdrew, leaving them in silence.
One focused on chatting with their baby; the other couldn't take his eyes off his wife and child.
Finally, Marlowe spoke quietly. "Grant, I'm not filing for divorce."
Grant didn't immediately respond, seemingly stunned.
Marlowe straightened up and met his gaze. "Or would you prefer to end this marriage?" she asked coolly.
In the next moment, he pulled her into a fierce embrace, holding her so tightly she could barely breathe.
"Grant, let go—you're hurting my back," she protested weakly, sighing against his chest.
He loosened his grip slightly but didn't release her.
"Marlowe, do you mean it? You're staying?" Grant asked, his eyes filled with emotion and intensity.
Uncomfortable with his fervor, Marlowe averted her gaze. "If you want a divorce instead, that's fine. I can't promise to be the obedient wife you've always wanted."
She would never again bend to his every whim. She had her own feelings and opinions.
"No divorce," Grant declared. "From now on, do whatever makes you happy. I won't interfere."
Marlowe hesitated before adding, "I can't guarantee I'll love you like I once did."
Her decision to stay was largely for Mina's sake. She couldn't selfishly deny her daughter a father's love.
His heart constricted painfully at her words, but nothing mattered except keeping her by his side.
"Then this time," he said, his deep voice resonating with sincerity, "I'll be the one who loves you."
His declaration sent a jolt through her body, leaving her frozen in place.
What did he just say?
Marlowe searched his face for any sign of deception but found none.
Grant's words haunted her for days. She'd never dared hope he might love her.
When she confided in her two best friends, they were initially surprised but quickly seemed to understand—sometimes outsiders saw more clearly what those directly involved missed through overthinking.
A month later, Marlowe was discharged, though Mina remained in her incubator. Seeing their daughter well-cared for, Finnegan and Katerina prepared to return to Stardust Valley, where they'd grown accustomed to life.
"Mom, Dad, please stay," Marlowe pleaded, fighting back tears.
Katerina squeezed her hand. "Darling, when Mina's stable, bring her to visit, or we'll come see our granddaughter. Either way, we'll be together again soon."
"But..." Marlowe began.
"Sweetheart," Finnegan interrupted, "your mother and I have adjusted to Stardust Valley. The city doesn't suit us anymore. Besides, you and Grant are married—we can't shadow you forever."
"Don't worry," Grant said, placing his arm around Marlowe's shoulders. "I'll take good care of them both. We'll visit when we can."
"Good. Be happy, all three of you," Finnegan said before climbing into the car.
"Mom, text me when you arrive," Marlowe called, accepting their decision.
"I will, dear. Go on home now—no need to wait."
As the car pulled away, Marlowe felt a pang of separation.
"Kevin will get them home safely," Grant reassured her.
Remembering Dwayne, Marlowe worried he might harass her parents after they returned.
"What about the man who abducted me?" she began.
"Don't worry," Grant said. "He'll never trouble your parents again."
"Never? Is he dead?" she asked.
"Not dead, but he'll spend the rest of his life behind bars."
Marlowe pressed her lips together, saying nothing. She wasn't so compassionate as to pity someone who had nearly cost her child's life.
Sometimes, the most effective punishment wasn't death.
Later that week, Victoria was awakened by her persistent ringtone. Squinting at the caller ID, she answered groggily, "Lila, what is it?"
Hearing Victoria's husky, sleep-laden voice, Lila immediately knew she'd woken her friend.
"Seriously, how demanding is that man of yours?" Lila teased. "You're constantly exhausted."
Before Victoria could explain it wasn't what Lila thought, her friend continued, "Get up! Mina's being discharged today. We promised Marlowe we'd be there for the welcome-home party!"
Victoria's foggy mind cleared instantly. How could she have forgotten? Her goddaughter was coming home, and she—the godmother—was sleeping in.
She'd specifically reminded Alexander to wake her. Why hadn't he?
Her increasing drowsiness lately concerned her. Perhaps she should schedule a medical check-up.
After collecting Mina from the hospital, they proceeded to the Scott Villa. When Caspian and others had learned about the baby, they'd all clamored to visit, but Grant had firmly refused them entry, insisting his daughter needed peace and quiet.
Now, at Mina's homecoming celebration, only close family and friends like Caleb and Garrett were invited.
After six weeks of care, the baby had filled out beautifully—pink-cheeked with large eyes like her mother's. Everyone took turns holding her, delighted that she remained cheerful, gurgling happily at whoever entertained her.
Eventually, Grant reclaimed his daughter, cradling her possessively.
"Grant, let me hold her," Lila approached with a grin. "Everyone else has had a turn except me."
She was amazed at how the wrinkled little creature had transformed into such an adorable baby in just over a month.
"If you want to hold a baby, have your own," Grant replied flatly.
"Don't be stingy! I'm her cousin—she'll want to play with me someday," Lila protested.
Grant gave her a dismissive glance. "That's quite an age gap. I'll play with my daughter myself, thank you."
The generation gap was indeed significant—Lila at twenty-five and Mina just born meant twenty-four years between them.
"Then maybe I should give Mina a niece or nephew to play with," Lila suggested breezily.
"We'll discuss that when it happens," Grant replied.
Caleb and the others watched in amazement as Grant, now completely transformed into a daughter-obsessed father, doted on Mina. They found it hard to comprehend yet completely understandable—the baby was irresistibly cute.
"Alexander, when are you having kids?" Caleb nudged his friend, genuinely curious to see him similarly transformed by fatherhood.
Alexander glared and shifted away from Caleb's foot.
"Mind your own business," he replied coolly. "Focus on your own marriage prospects. Don't still be single when our children are getting married."
When Garrett chuckled, Alexander added without missing a beat, "That applies to you too."
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