Marrying
Chapter 60

Chapter 60

“Julian, Ashley, this is…” Valerie began, but she almost slipped and called him “Mr. Grant.”

Matthew, sensing her hesitation, smoothly stepped in. “Just call me Matthew. Please come on in.” He moved aside, his expression cool yet not unfriendly, carrying an air of refined grace.

Julian’s expression softened a bit at his welcoming gesture. However, Aiden, shy by nature, was intimidated. The unfamiliar setting and the presence of a stranger overwhelmed him. He clung to Julian, peeking out cautiously at Matthew.

Julian gently encouraged Aiden, “Aiden, this is your uncle Matthew. Say hello to him.”

Valerie squatted down, opening her arms. “Aiden, you were excited to see me today, right? Come give me a hug, okay?”

Despite their attempts to reassure him, Aiden grew more anxious, gripping Julian’s pants tightly. Just as tears seemed imminent, Matthew produced two large toy boxes from behind him.

Aiden’s eyes widened in surprise.

One box contained a complete set of Transformers model kits, and the other a deluxe train building block set–irresistible treasures for any child.

Valerie looked at Matthew, puzzled. ‘When did he get these?‘

Before she could dwell on it, she sensed Aiden’s hesitation and quickly encouraged him, “Look, Aiden. These are from Uncle Matthew. If you say ‘thank you‘ to him, they’re yours.”

Aiden, still nervously holding onto Julian, glanced at Valerie and then warily at Matthew. The toys were too tempting, and after a moment of indecision, he cautiously approached Matthew and timidly said, “Thank you, Uncle Matthew.”

“You’re welcome,” Matthew replied, handing over the toys. He then allowed a gentle smile to cross his face, trying to make himself seem more approachable.

Aiden was completely absorbed with his new toys, barely noticing Matthew as he struggled to hold the large boxes. Valerie stepped in to help him balance them. Once Aiden had a firm grip, his face broke into a delighted grin as he inspected his gifts, warming up to Matthew in the process.

Valerie let out a relieved breath and shot Matthew a thankful glance. “I told you there was no need to buy fruits; Julian always brings plenty. But then again, Julian, you’ve brought too much; I wonder if we can finish them before they spoil.”

Matthew joined the conversation. “Thank you for the fruits, Julian.”

Julian waved off the thanks with a smile. “Don’t mention it, Valerie. You love these. I made sure

to get the freshest ones.”

As Julian began hauling the fruit boxes inside, Matthew stepped up to lend a hand. “Let me help with that, Julian.”

Julian, already weary from lugging the heavy boxes up several floors, appreciated the offer.

Matthew’s willingness to help shifted Julian’s view of him slightly. Before his visit, Julian had braced himself for the worst, imagining a man with a foul temper and dubious morals. He had even brought a brass knuckle as a precaution, planning to use it as a weapon if this new family member dared mistreat Valerie. Valerie had faced enough hardships, and Julian was determined to protect her.

However, meeting Matthew somewhat changed Julian’s attitude toward her. Matthew might have stern exterior, but his actions spoke volumes- he shared in household duties, thoughtfully purchased toys to comfort Aiden, and didn’t hesitate to help with heavy lifting.

Julian’s respect for Matthew increased incrementally. However, Julian couldn’t completely let go of his reservations.

After all, Matthew got Valerie pregnant without even a proper wedding. Julian remained wary, not fully ready to embrace Matthew as family.

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