Divorce With Benefits: A Second Chance At Love-Chapter 142: Like Mother, Like Daughter

Jared chuckled lightly, the sound warm and familiar. She raised her head to look at him as his hand moved from her back to rest gently on her belly. His expression transformed—his smile softened, his eyes filled with wonder and tenderness that melted her resolve.

"Do you love our daughter?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

Her breath caught as his meaning struck her. She smiled despite herself, understanding the truth in his words. Love didn’t always require knowledge—it could transcend logic, especially the love between a parent and child. Yet even as the realization sank in, a flicker of doubt remained.

But then, why don’t I feel it? she thought, her heart aching at the question. Have I become that hardened?

"Daughter?" she asked, arching a playful brow as she lightly slapped his shoulder.

"Yes, we’re having a daughter," Jared said confidently, walking back toward the stove with a smug smile.

"But I want a son," Jerica teased, crossing her arms with mock defiance.

Jared didn’t miss a beat. "But you’re carrying a daughter."

"But—"

"I know because I put a daughter in you," he said, his tone light but sure.

Jerica exhaled deeply, giving up the banter with a laugh. If he was so sure he put a daughter in her, why did he break down thinking she was dying?

She couldn’t help but smile as she looked at him. It didn’t matter if their first child was a boy or girl. She wanted a big family either way. But Jared’s insistence intrigued her. He rarely had strong opinions on things like this. She watched him closely as he stirred the food, his focus momentarily shifting.

"You’ve never cared about this stuff before," she said, her voice laced with curiosity. "Why are you so sure?"

Jared paused and turned toward her, his expression softening again. He crossed the room, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her gently. "I’m sorry..." he murmured. "I just... I want a girl. Someone like you that I can spoil."

Jerica smiled, touched by his words. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. She understood now—he wanted a daughter because he wanted another version of her in his life. It made her heart swell with affection.

But there was something else, something unspoken lingering in his eyes.

As their kiss deepened, Jerica slipped her hand under his shirt, pressing her palm over his heart. She could feel its steady rhythm, but she could also sense his unease. Jared pulled back slightly, resting his forehead on her shoulder.

"I don’t think I’ll know how to raise a son," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Jerica’s heart ached at his honesty. She hugged him tightly, running her fingers through his hair. "That’s what you’re worried about?" she asked gently, her voice filled with understanding.

Jared nodded against her shoulder. "I was raised by my mother. I know how to be there for you, for a girl. But a boy... I’ve never shared space with another man like that. I don’t know if I’d know how to connect."

Jerica smiled softly, pressing a tender kiss to Jared’s temple. She loved him for being so open, for sharing his vulnerabilities with her. "You’d figure it out. You’re Jared. You’re amazing at everything you do."

Jared chuckled, his eyes meeting hers with a spark of affection. "You think so?"

"I know so," she replied, her voice resolute, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. "And honestly? It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl. My child will have you as their father, and he’ll be the luckiest kid in the world."

"She," Jared corrected, a playful glint in his eye.

Jerica could only smile, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Whatever floats your boat, Mr. Petrovski," she teased, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Then her expression softened, her tone dropping to a whisper as she leaned in close. "But please, be careful of those Sutherlands, Mea Amor." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Jared’s arms encircled her, holding her close. "I will," he murmured against her hair. He had already made up his mind—this was his family, his world. He would protect them with everything he had, no matter what.

-----

Meanwhile, in the living room, Arthur gently tugged Lydia back to her seat. She had been inching closer to the kitchen, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Lydia," Arthur said softly, his tone both amused and exasperated. "Give them some space. They’re still adjusting."

Lydia reluctantly sat back, her gaze lingering toward the doorway. "They’re so cute together," she said wistfully. Her voice carried a mix of admiration and melancholy. "You’re right, though. If we want to be in her life, we’ll need to win over her husband first."

Arthur nodded, his hand resting on hers. "I think we’re making progress. He’s willing to set aside his grievances with Brandon, for her sake. That speaks volumes about the kind of man he is."

Lydia’s lips curved into a bittersweet smile, though her eyes remained clouded with somber reflection. "Maybe he’ll forgive the Glover family. Maybe even his mother will. But she won’t," she murmured, her voice barely audible, tinged with a sadness that only a mother could feel.

Arthur rubbed her shoulders gently, his touch a quiet reassurance against the weight of her worries. He understood her fears well. Jerica’s unwavering loyalty to Jared shone in every word she spoke, every glance she gave. Her world revolved around him and their life together, and anyone outside of that circle was viewed with caution.

"She’s your daughter, Lydia," Arthur said softly, his voice tinged with both pride and understanding. He could see it so clearly—Jerica was Lydia’s reflection in more ways than one. "She’s strong, decisive, and loyal to the people she loves. Just like you."

Lydia’s gaze flickered toward the kitchen, a trace of wistful admiration in her eyes. "I only changed so much when I saw how you were treated by my father’s family," she admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "I chose you, Arthur. I knew what mattered, and I never looked back. How could our daughter choose differently? Like mother, like daughter."

Arthur’s hand stilled on her shoulder, his expression thoughtful. That realization was the very reason they had chosen to approach Jared with love and respect. It wasn’t just about impressing him—it was about showing him that they understood the bond he shared with Jerica and that they wanted to honor it.

"Jared’s a good man," Arthur said after a moment, his tone steady and sincere. "I truly like the person he is. And if we want a real chance with Jerica, we need to show him that we’re here for both of them, not just her."

Lydia nodded, her emotions a blend of gratitude and determination. "He’s making it easier," she said quietly. "He’s kind, understanding... and he wants her to have what we’re offering. That means everything."