CEO Ex-Husband, Don't Bother Me

Chapter 238 - 184: A Couple for a Lifetime

A whirlwind of emotions crossed his face. In the end, he still couldn’t quite believe it and asked, "But nothing about your behavior suggested you would choose me!"

"Walter Jennings, your emotional intelligence is unbelievably low! What woman would willingly endure ten months of suffering to bear children for a man if she didn’t love him deeply? Do I have to wait until you get hurt like Julian Donovan and drop everything to take care of you just to prove you’re the most important person in my heart?"

She sounded aggrieved, and he couldn’t find a single word to refute her. A warmth spread through his chest, and the knot of frustration he’d been holding onto completely dissolved. He quickly pulled her into his arms, coaxing her, "I’m sorry. It’s just because I love you so much that I wanted to be loved by you just as much!"

"Hey, Walter Jennings. You’re the one who started this cold war, and now you’re the one who wants to make up. Do you really think the world revolves around you?"

She huffed, pushed him away, and headed upstairs. He chased after her, calling out, "I’m sorry! I’ll never give you the cold shoulder again!"

After a week in the hospital, Julian Donovan insisted on being discharged. Since he had an expert nurse by his side, he would be much more comfortable at home. Naomi Shaw had also resigned from the hospital to take care of him full-time. He took this opportunity to completely divest himself of certain responsibilities—for instance, The Shaw Dominion in Thailos, which he decided to hand over entirely to Arnold.

When he asked for her opinion, she was all for it. "I think Arnold is more than capable of handling it. You should use this time to get some proper rest. You’ve worked so hard for so many years, and I don’t think you’ve ever taken a real vacation!"

"Mm-hmm."

He nodded. "After I recover a little more, we’ll go on a trip abroad with the two kids. This time, I’ll make sure you all have a great time!"

"Why go abroad? Just staying at home like this every day is wonderful enough..."

He was sitting on the spacious, sunlit balcony. She wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, leaning against him with a gentle smile. "As long as you’re with us, we’d be happy even if we just stayed home every day!"

"Then we’ll stay home every day..."

Later, Leah Monroe called and advised Julian Donovan to take a light walk every day, as it would be very beneficial for his recovery. So, Naomi Shaw would accompany him for a walk outside each day. Their mornings fell into a routine: Naomi would wake up early to make breakfast, then get the two children washed and dressed. The family of four would eat together before she and Julian walked the kids to the neighborhood square to wait for the school bus.

Dylan and Joy Donovan had been transferred to a school and kindergarten run by Felix Draper, ensuring they would be well looked after—especially the quiet and withdrawn little Joy.

Every morning, a crowd of parents would gather in the square to see their children off on the bus. Julian and Naomi would stand there, he with his hands tucked in his overcoat pockets and she holding his arm affectionately. The man, handsome and distinguished; the woman, gentle and beautiful; and their two children, adorable and bright—they always drew the envious gazes of the other parents.

After seeing the children off on the bus, the two would walk hand-in-hand to the nearby morning market, where he would accompany her as she selected ingredients for the day. Watching her carefully pick out produce and haggle with the vendors filled his heart with warmth. Occasionally, when the mood struck, he would even help her bargain a little.

In the afternoon, they would go out for another walk. Since Julian’s villa was by the sea, they often strolled along the coastal boardwalk. Keeping an eye on the time, they would then head back to the square to wait for their children after school, before walking home together, each holding a little one by the hand.

Whenever the family of four departed, the remaining parents in the square would gather and speak with envy of the beautiful family. They could only see the happiness the Donovans had now, but they knew nothing of the hardships and pain they had endured to get there.

Eileen Zimmers once said: "Those who have traversed misty lakes and weathered the mountains and rivers of time, who have endured every trial and tasted all of life’s flavors, emerge more vibrant and pure. Time is forever a bystander; we alone must bear the entire process and its final result."

And they were such people—vibrant and pure.

That Saturday, there was a parent-teacher conference for Dylan’s class. Since Julian Donovan wasn’t well enough to go out, Naomi Shaw went on Dylan’s behalf. The conference ended late that afternoon. As she was driving Dylan home, she passed by the neighborhood square and saw Julian standing there, apparently waiting for them.