Too Late, Mr. Cooper: Your Bride Ran with Your Baby novel Chapter 238

She was giving him one, and only one, chance to explain. But how could he let her stand here, pregnant, in the freezing snow? He could take the pain, the cold. His knees could be ruined from kneeling; it didn't matter. He was worthless. But Liliana was different. He couldn't bear it.

His eyes red, his lips trembling, he said hoarsely, "Liliana, let me take you home first, okay?"

Suddenly, Liliana laughed. "Linton. Congratulations. You just lost your chance."

...

When Liliana got home, Mrs. Hart was busy cooking. Christmas was just around the corner. The two of them were treating their time in the foreign country like an extended vacation and decided to join in the festive spirit. Mrs. Hart had decorated the apartment with Christmas ornaments and even bought a small Christmas tree, filling the space with holiday cheer.

She was in the kitchen simmering soup when she heard the front door open. "Liliana..." she called out, stepping out with a spatula in her hand.

Her words died in her throat. Mrs. Hart stared, her mouth slightly agape, at the tall, lean man following closely behind Liliana, carefully shielding her as she walked.

Liliana's face was a mask of indifference. The man trailing her had already gently brushed all the snow from her hair. Linton followed her like an eager puppy, a Christmas balloon he'd bought from somewhere in his hand. He looked up and saw Mrs. Hart's surprised expression, offering a polite smile.

"Mrs. Hart, it's been a while. Thank you for taking care of everything."

Mrs. Hart was flustered. "Ah... oh, it's no trouble at all. I'm just looking after my own daughter, as I should."

She hesitated, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. Without thinking, she fell back on old habits and blurted out, "Linton, why don't you come in and sit for a bit?"

Her voice was laced with venom. "Don't be ridiculous. Squatting by someone's door on Christmas? What are you, a lawn gnome? Just looking at you is bad luck!"

"..." Linton's smile faltered for a second, but he didn't get angry. Instead, he grinned foolishly at her insults. He leaned in quickly, planted a soft kiss on the corner of her lips, and then patted her fluffy hair. "Alright, I'll get out then," he coaxed. "You go eat. I won't bother you."

True to his word, he seemed to know she couldn't stand the sight of him. He turned and limped away. The time he had spent kneeling in the snow had left his knees aching, making it hard for him to even walk straight.

Liliana glanced down at the Christmas balloon in her hand. Without a moment's hesitation, she went inside, found a needle, and jabbed it into the balloon with a sharp *pop*. As the balloon deflated with a sad hiss, she tossed its remains into the trash. Then, she linked arms with Mrs. Hart, smiling brightly. "Mom, let's eat."

Throughout it all, she never once looked back at the man limping away.