Chapter 368 Strolling Together
When parents have a stable marriage, it seems like kids feel more secure.
If the kids need that sense of security, Elizabeth thought, and if Michael agreed, she wouldn't be opposed to it.
Sarah looked at her, shaking her head in disbelief. "Elizabeth, you really surprise me. Have you completely given up on love?"
Elizabeth gave a bitter smile. "Love has hurt me too deeply. I have a shadow over it now, so I think I'll take a break."
Sarah leaned in close to her ear. "Is Michael staying over tonight?"
Elizabeth didn't hide it from her and nodded. "Yeah."
She glanced at Michael, who was surrounded by David and Dean, drinking together, and then whispered to Sarah, "I talked to him about the custody issue."
Sarah's eyes widened. "He agreed? He agreed to give up custody?"
Elizabeth whispered, "Not just that, he also agreed to let the child take my last name."
Sarah's mouth dropped open. "No wonder he was my idol. He can endure what most people can't. Impressive."
She glanced over at Michael and then leaned back towards Elizabeth. "Well, if he's staying over, let him stay."
Elizabeth burst out laughing. "You sound like an old mom."
Sarah put on a serious face, touched Elizabeth's cheek, and pretended to be stern.
"I can't help it. My daughter is all grown up and has her own ideas now. I can't control her anymore."
The two of them laughed and joked together.
From a distance, Michael, Dean, and David watched them, feeling happy to see them so joyful.
As the night grew late, friends began to say their goodbyes and leave.
Michael and Elizabeth returned to her bedroom.
After getting ready for bed, Elizabeth lay down, her mind restless.
Outside, Michael lay on the couch, tossing and turning. The small couch was really too cramped for his body.
He could hear Elizabeth turning over and tentatively asked, "Elizabeth, are you asleep?"
The only response was the sound of steady breathing.
He asked again, "Elizabeth, I heard that pregnant women can get leg cramps from a lack of calcium. But if you massage them, it can help. Do your legs need a massage?"
Elizabeth continued to pretend to be asleep, ignoring him.
Michael got up from the couch and quietly walked towards the bedroom. "If you don't answer, I'll take it as a yes."
The bedroom was dimly lit by a single soft lamp.
Michael looked at the bed. Elizabeth was wearing a long-sleeved white nightgown, her long hair spread out on the pillow.
The scene looked like a painting of Sleeping Beauty.
He quietly climbed into bed, lay beside her, and gently held her in his arms, breathing in her familiar scent as he slowly fell asleep.
Elizabeth slept deeply and soundly.
She had been pretending to sleep at first, but then, feeling safe and peaceful in Michael's arms, she drifted off without realizing it.
When she woke up, she started jotting things down in her phone's notes.
Michael woke up and saw her with her phone, clearly working on something.
He reached out, wrapped his arm around her waist, and buried his head against her. "You're awake? Did you sleep well last night?"
Elizabeth's response was a bit perfunctory. "Pretty well."
Michael looked up, feeling a bit hurt. "What are you doing?"
Elizabeth continued typing. "The due date is coming up, and I haven't bought the things I need for the baby. I need to get them soon, or it'll be too late."
Michael immediately sat up. "What do you need to buy? I'll go with you. Let's go today!"
Elizabeth looked up from her phone and at him. "Of course, you have to go. You're the father. You need to be involved."
Michael smiled. "I want to start learning to be a good dad now. Otherwise, the baby might not like me when they grow up."
Elizabeth got out of bed to change clothes. "Good thinking."
She looked at him, puzzled. "Aren't you getting up?"
Michael pulled back the covers, looking helpless. "I don't have any clean clothes to change into."
Elizabeth saw him naked and quickly turned away, her face blushing.
"Michael! Do you have any shame? You were supposed to sleep on the couch! Who told you to come to my bed?"
Michael lay on his side, propping his head up with one hand, looking at her.
"You did. Last night, I asked if you wanted me to stay with you, and you agreed, so I came over."
Elizabeth frowned, trying to remember. 'Did he ask? Did I agree?'
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
Dean was outside. "Elizabeth, Michael's assistant brought his things. I left them at the door."
Footsteps faded away as Dean left.
Elizabeth opened the door, brought the bag inside, and tossed it to Michael. "Hurry up and change!"
Michael caught the bag and stood up, pulling back the covers.
Elizabeth quickly turned away again. "Your assistant is really dedicated, bringing your clothes over so early."
Michael fastened his belt. "I'll be just as dedicated when I'm with you."
They finished getting dressed, washed up, and had breakfast before heading out together.
Michael took Elizabeth to a baby store in the shopping district.
His assistant followed behind them, carrying bags.
Margaret heard about them shopping together and was furious.
She dialed a number. "It's time to put the plan into action."
A sinister voice on the other end replied, "Understood. Awaiting your orders."
Margaret hung up, glaring at the trending photos of Michael and Elizabeth shopping together, her eyes burning with rage.
She clenched her fists, her chest heaving.
She swore to herself, 'Elizabeth, if you don't know your place, I'll make sure you leave Michael!'
She called Anthony.
Anthony answered immediately. "Ms. Taylor, what can I do for you?"
Margaret spoke with an air of superiority. "You like Octavia, don't you? She's in the hospital, and you haven't even visited her."
Anthony sounded surprised. "What? Octavia hasn't recovered yet? Which hospital is she in?"
Margaret didn't want to waste words. "I'll send you the hospital details later. But first, I need you to do something for me."
Anthony asked, "What is it?"
Margaret tried to sound calm. "Invite Elizabeth out. It could be a restaurant or a café. I'll cover the expenses, and I'll also give you a sum of money, more than your company's annual bonus."
Anthony pretended to hesitate. "Invite Elizabeth for coffee? That's not something you need to pay for, Ms. Taylor."
Margaret's voice was sharp. "Do it quickly."
Anthony agreed. "Alright. Please tell me which hospital Octavia is in. Once I arrange the meeting with Elizabeth, I'll let you know."
Margaret had just hung up when Matthew walked in. "Margaret."
Margaret didn't want to face him. "What are you doing here?"
Matthew sat down across from her without waiting for an invitation. "I have something to ask you."
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