Chapter 376 True Happiness
Alaric suddenly threw his arm around my shoulder.
His grip was strong but gentle, like he was holding something delicate. He pulled me close, and I could feel his warm breath on my skin, seeping into my heart. Then, his lips brushed my cheek, soft but burning with warmth.
I was totally caught off guard. My body went stiff, my muscles tensed, and my mind went blank. Without thinking, I turned my head away, like that gentle kiss was too much to handle.
For a moment, it felt like the world around us froze. Alaric's hand on my shoulder stopped mid-air, like time had paused. The bright smile on his face disappeared, replaced by awkwardness and helplessness. His eyes darted around before finally meeting mine.
A few seconds later, he checked his watch and started talking fast. "Oh no, Lucas might not be able to handle the project planning on his own. I need to go back and help him. If I don't leave now, it'll be too late."
I watched Alaric try to stay calm while hiding his panic, feeling a bit relieved.
I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. "Alright, you should go."
But Alaric didn't leave right away. Instead, he walked into Skylar's room. She was still asleep, her little face flushed from the fever. Alaric gently placed his hand on her forehead and said, "Good, the fever's broken."
He leaned down and whispered softly in her ear, "Skylar, be good and listen to Mommy. Get well soon."
Seeing him care so much for Skylar filled me with warmth.
Since my divorce from Edward, Melissa and I have taken great care of Skylar, but I knew she always missed having a father figure. Otherwise, she wouldn't have asked me why the father's section was blank on her medical form.
Alaric's arrival was like a ray of light in our lives. His care for me and Skylar made me feel cherished again.
Coming out of the room, Alaric walked over to me, gently hugged me, and said softly, "Just focus on taking care of Skylar. She's sick; you must be exhausted. Lucas and I will handle the work with Theo; don't worry."
I nodded. Looking at him, I reminded him, "If there are any issues at the company that you can't resolve, don't try to handle it all alone. Make sure to communicate with me in a timely manner."
Alaric picked up his briefcase from the couch and looked at me again.
He said, "I'm leaving now. If Skylar needs to see a doctor, call me anytime."
His gaze lingered on my face for a moment, like he was trying to memorize it, then he turned and walked towards the door.
I silently followed Alaric to the door.
Leaning against the doorframe, I watched him closely. Even after he disappeared around the corner of the hallway, I stood there for a long time, lost in thought.
Reflecting on everything that had just happened, I was touched by Alaric's gentleness and thoughtfulness, yet I felt deeply conflicted.A failed marriage felt like an open wound, making me terrified of new relationships. I was scared of making the same mistakes, worried about hurting Skylar, and afraid of getting hurt again. Alaric was amazing, but I felt like a scared bird, unable to find the courage to take that leap, torn between wanting to embrace love and wanting to retreat.
Just then, Melissa walked out of the kitchen, holding a freshly heated glass of milk, clearly having seen the whole scene.
She came over, handed me the milk, and said softly, "Diana, you've been taking care of Skylar alone since she was born. It's really not easy. I can see that Alaric genuinely cares for you and Skylar."
Hearing this, I smiled bitterly and shook my head. "Melissa, I know he cares for us, but the shadow of my failed marriage looms too large. I'm really scared."
Melissa pulled me to sit on the couch, speaking earnestly, "I get it. Everyone has a past. But living in fear isn't the answer. Look at Alaric, he always helps take care of Skylar. He's genuinely invested in your family. If it were just a few times, it wouldn't matter, but he's been consistent for so long. This isn't an act. You can't live in the past forever; you have to look forward."
I sighed. "I want to look forward, and Alaric is indeed great. But when it comes to accepting a new relationship and adapting to life with someone else, especially the possibility of having another child, I'm filled with fear. If he treats Skylar poorly in the future, how would we cope?"
Melissa patted my hand. "You can't stay indoors just because you're afraid of rain. No relationship is risk-free. If you never try, how will you know it won't be happy? Skylar likes Alaric, too. Having a complete family would be great for her growth. If you keep rejecting, you might miss out on true happiness."
I fell silent. Melissa's words made sense, but my fears and worries weren't easily dispelled.
Noticing my silence, Melissa continued, "Diana, you're a great leader and a wonderful mom. You've always put the company and Skylar first. Now the company is stable, and Skylar is growing up. Maybe it's time to think about yourself. Give yourself a chance, and give Alaric a chance. You might be surprised."
Listening to Melissa's advice, I fell into deep thought. Maybe I should muster the courage to face my inner desire for happiness.
As I was lost in thought, I heard soft footsteps behind me, followed by a gentle, "Mommy." I quickly turned around to see Skylar standing at the room door, her hair a bit messy, her face still pale from the illness.
I hurriedly walked to her, squatted down, gently hugged her, and asked softly, "Sweetie, why aren't you resting in bed?"
Skylar leaned into my embrace, shook her head, and whispered, "Mommy, I woke up and couldn't see you. I was scared."
She tightly clutched my clothes with her small hands.
I gently stroked her back, comforting her, "I'm here; don't be scared."
Skylar looked around and asked curiously, "Where did Mr. Kingsley go?"
I replied, "He went to help me with work."
Skylar looked up, her eyes sparkling. "Mr. Kingsley is really nice to you, Mommy."
I smiled and tapped her little nose, saying, "Because he's my good friend. Good friends help each other. And he likes you too, hoping you'll get better soon."
Skylar nodded thoughtfully.
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