Chapter 1453


    These were concerns for another day, for now, the most pressing matter was Eleanor’s impending


    delivery.


    Thus, Bernard returned from his trip to G country and went straight to Cedric’s ce to pick up his wife.


    During Bernard’s absence, Eleanor stayed with Hailey at her house, and helped taking care of the new


    born. And she had been fighting with Cedric for holding the babies.


    Fortunately for them, Cedric had a soft spot for girls and as long as Eleanor didn’t vie with him for his


    darling daughter, he was content.


    With the couple around, Hailey was free to rest and recuperate on her bed, indulging in the western


    tradition of postpartum care.


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    When Bernard entered the mansion, he heard Cedric’s voice.


    “Hey, Eleanor, I’ve given my kid a cute nickname, how about Ie up with one for yours too?”


    After getting the babyfortably settled in his arms, Cedric pointed at his own son, nicknamed “Boy,”


    and then at his daughter in Eleanor’s arms.


    “How about ‘Grass’ or ‘Flower’? What do you think?”


    “Not too fond of it.” Before Eleanor could respond, a crisp, authoritative voice that brooked no argument


    rang out from behind.


    They both turned to see a stunningly handsome man approaching in the warm winter sun. The man


    reached out with his long, pale hand, took the baby, and handed him back to Cedric.


    “The Laurence family has two ugly names; that’s quite enough.”


    Cedric gritted his teeth in frustration, “Bro, I’ve never seen someone so hypocritical.”


    Bernard ignored Cedric, bent down gracefully, and in a swift princess carry, lifted Eleanor from the


    couch, “Honey, let’s go home.”


    Eleanor was a bit reluctant to leave Cedric’s child but now that her husband was back from abroad, it


    was time to return home, “Okay.”


    With Eleanor securely in his arms, Bernard walked towards the door.


    “Grass!” Just a few steps out, Cedric’s resounding protest followed them, “I don’t care, I’m calling your


    kid Grass! Every time I see him, for a lifetime!” Even when he’s old!


    Bernard ced Eleanor in the car and carefully buckled her seatbelt, then, as was his custom, gently


    touched her waist. “Are your arms sore?”


    Eleanor shook her head. “Cedric hired so many nannies and maids that Hailey couldn’t possibly need


    them all. They’ve been giving me massages; I’m feeling much better these days.”


    Bernard’s eyes lowered to rest on Eleanor’s belly. “I haven’t been around to take care of you during


    your pregnancy. I want to be there before the baby is born. Afterwards, I’ll hire professionals, even


    more so than Cedric.”


    Eleanorughed. “How childish, alwayspeting with Cedric.”


    Bernard’s eyes softened. “I just don’t want you to feel slighted.”


    Eleanor leaned into his broad shoulder. “How could I feel slighted when you’re so good to me?”


    Bernard wrapped his arms around her petite frame. “It’s still not good enough. I’ll do better.”


    With a sweet smile, Eleanor expressed her contentment. “As long as you’re by my side, that’s more


    than enough.”


    Bernard’s eyes darkened briefly with emotion he didn’t want Eleanor to see, quickly changing the


    subject. “The prenatal appointment is set. Shall we stop by the hospital before heading home?”


    Since the news of her pregnancy, Eleanor had been wrapped up in a whirlwind of activity. Apart from


    initially finding out that she was pregnant, she hadn’t been able to make time for any prenatal check-


    ups amidst the hustle and bustle. However, after stepping out of the Area Opaca, she managed to


    squeeze in a couple of appointments. It was a sigh of relief when she confirmed that the baby was


    doing just fine.”


    Now, seven months in, she needed appointments every two to three weeks. It was time for another,


    and this would be Bernard’s first time apanying her.


    They were headed to the hospital Bernard had invested in, now under the capable management of Dr.


    Amelia. Walking through its halls, Eleanor couldn’t help but feel the absence of Liana, the previous


    director. Even though Dr. Amelia wasn’t Liana, Eleanor could still sense her spirit in the bustle of the


    hospital.


    “I’d like to take the baby to visit Liana once they’re a bit older,” Eleanor said to Bernard while Dr. Amelia


    performed the ultrasound.


    Bernard paused briefly, then nodded. “I’ll be there with you,” he said quietly. The topic of loss was a


    tender one; with Caleb and Liana gone, every mention was a reminder of regret.


    The new director, Dr. Amelia, respected the stories of Liana she had heard, knowing she was a


    significant figure in the hospital’s history. Curious about her story, but she wanted to be professional


    and didn’t want to pry, so she focused on the task at hand.


    When the baby’s image appeared on the screen, Dr. Amelia pointed. “Mr. Laurence, look, this is your


    baby.”


    Seeing the little one for the first time, Bernard’s icy gaze melted with each glimpse of the tiny hands


    and feet. A surge of emotion caught him unawares, and his eyes brimmed with unexpected tears.