Chapter 175
The next morning, Julius woke up and turned to see Victoria and Henry peacefully sleeping, in each other's arms.
He blinked, slowly sitting up to observe them.
He had never seen his parents like this before.
It felt fresh and inexplicably delightful, and he wanted to join them.
Jude crawled between Victoria and Henry, inching closer to them.
Suddenly, Julde felt a soft slap on his backside. His body went rigid, and when he looked up, he was met with Henry's cold stare.
Feeling bit embarrassed, Jude managed to greet him calmly, "Good morning, Dad."
"Jude, are you feeling better?" Victoria asked, checking his temperature. It seemed he was no longer feverish and looked significantly improved.
Jude nodded eagerly. "Yes, I'm fine."
"You need to get some exercise," Henry said, his voice hoarse and cold.
Victoria retorted, "Kids have weaker immune systems. It's normal for them to get sick."
Henry got out of bed and replied, "That's exactly why he needs to exercise more to boost his immunity."
Not wanting to engage in an argument, Victoria stood up.
Jude glanced between his parents and suddenly exclaimed, "Mom, Dad, I'm really happy right now."
Both Henry and Victoria were stunned.
Jude's eyes sparkled with hope. "Can it always be like this?"
Victoria responded, "You need to wash up. We're going to visit your great–grandmother today."
Henry gave her a sidelong glance, noting her cold expression.
He had slept well last night and had woken up early. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Victoria lying peacefully in his arms, her serene face beautiful in slumber.
At that moment, joy and satisfaction bubbled in Henry's chest.
He wanted to plant a kiss on her cheek, but just then, Jude woke up, leaving him unable to do anything.
Henry shrugged it off, thinking there would be more opportunities.
After they washed up, they sat down for breakfast.
After a day and night of heavy rain, the skies had cleared, revealing a bright blue expanse. The sunlight streamed down, making the summer heat feel pleasantly mild.
Henry changed his clothes and was adjusting his tie when Victoria took Jude by the hand, preparing to leave.
Henry's voice rang out, deep and commanding, "Stop."
Victoria turned to him, confused. "What is it?"
Henry stepped closer and said, "I haven't met Ava."
"You don't need to see her," Victoria replied.
Henry's expression darkened. "Say that again!"
"I'll say it a hundred times if I have to." Victoria's tone was icy. "Henry, there's no need for that. We're cutting ties completely." With that, she turned and walked away.
Henry's face grew even colder as he stared after her.
She kept rejecting him, and it frustrated him. "Does she really think I won't do anything about it? Is she just testing my limits?" he thought.
Henry tugged at his tie, watching, as she stepped into the elevator, a sly smile creeping onto his lips.
"Victoria, you'll come back to beg me," he said as he made a phone call.
Victoria felt a wave of unease at his words. What was he planning?
But the elevator doors had already closed, leaving her inquiring gaze only to fall on the door. She couldn't help but lighten her grip on Jude's hand.
"Mom," Jude said softly.
She looked down at him, "What's wrong?"
"Do you really have to divorce Dad?" Jude asked.
Victoria nodded. "Yes, your father and I are no longer suited to live together."
Jude mused before asking, "Why? I remember you two seemed happy together before."
Victoria questioned him, "What happy moments did you see?"
Jude pondered for a moment, then replied, "You took care of him, cooked for him, tied his tie, smiling greeted him when he came home, tended to the flowers at Rose Villa, and... you kissed Dad ... hihi I saw that...."
His voice trailed off.
Victoria regarded him seriously.
"And what about your Dad? What did he do?"
"He..." Jude struggled to find the words.
What did his father do? Jude tried to recall but couldn't think of anything substantial Henry had done.
His mother always wore a smile for his father, but his father was always cold, sometimes even impatient towards her.
While Victoria was an excellent cook, Henry never offered her any praise.
She nutured the garden with care, yet he rarely acknowledged it.
In the quiet elevator, Victoria gently stroked Jude's head, speaking softly. "Jude, love is a two-way street. Just like with you, when you regconize my kindness and treat me gently, it opens my heart to you. Even if you messed up, I'm willing to forgive you and give us another chance".
Seeing his serious expression, Victoria smiled and continued, "I used to love your dad very much. I gave everything, hope he would love me back. But you've seen it to, he doesn't love me. So now, it's time for me to reclaim my love".
Jude was so young to fully grasp the concept of love, but if what his mother said was true, then his father was definitely in the wrong here.
At the same time, he couldn't help but admire his mother.
It was impressive how she had loved his father so intensely for five years. He doubted he could have held out for even one.
"Mom, if Dad realizes he's wrong and wants to apologize, will you forgive him?" Jude asked.
He was worried about whether his future family would be complete. If it wasn't, he would need to think about it carefully.
Victoria shook her head. "You're different. You're my son and you're still young. You're allowed to make mistakes and be forgiven".
"So, Dad has no chance at forgiveness? Poor Dad". Jude thought.
Yet, he didn't sympathize with Henry; in fact, he thought Henry deserved it".
But Jude kept his thoughts to himself; he knew his dad was petty and would get angry if he heard them, and it could lead to trouble.
The elevator doors opened, interrupting their conversation.
Victoria found Pete waiting by a car in front of the hotel. She was surprised to see him.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, puzzled.
Pete yawned, replying, "I was worried about you. I didn't want you to go out alone like last time. It wasn't safe in that downpour."
So he had spent the night waiting for her.
Victoria smiled, "I would've called you if anything went wrong."
Pete opened the car door and said,
"Are you heading to the hospital? Get in."
Victoria turned to Jude. "Jude, this is my friend, Pete Helberg. Say hello."
Upon seeing the stranger, Jude quickly returned to his cool demeanor, greeting him with a touch of nobility, "Hello, Mr. Helberg."
Pete smiled, "Hello, Jude."
Once they were in the car, Victoria asked, "How is my grandma?"
Pete responded as he drove, "Ava is doing well. Don't worry."
Ava was in great spirits, and even Victoria couldn't compete with that.