The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson
Chapter 78

Chapter 78

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Since the meeting with Nicholas and George, a week had passed. Things got more complicated as Christian and Caroline formulated a new plan against the Andersons.

'Why does everything have to be so complicated?' Deborah thought, letting out a sigh as she stood up to stretch a bit after working on her computer.

Everyone had been busy with paperwork, silently reclaiming all her family's properties and putting them under James's name. The plan was to attack Frederick and his family legally later on. While the plan made sense to her, it also filled her with fear. Putting everything in her son's name was risky, just like Alexandra did with her. Coupled with Frederick's greed, her mother ended up dead.

What if Deborah suffered the same fate as her mother? What would happen to her baby? Would James be handed over to Frederick with the pathetic excuse of being his grandfather? Would they give him to Vanessa to raise?

Deborah doubted Vanessa would ever care for the baby with love and tenderness... The thought terrified her. She feared that little James would suffer the same abuse she er ed at the hands of those greedy people. James might not survive long as a newborn. The idea sent Deborah into a panic attack and she fell to her knees, struggling to breathe. She didn't want history to repeat itself or for her death to be caused by cursed money.

Deborah continued to gasp for air. She tried to calm down but couldn't because the trauma was too intense. She needed to calm down or she might harm her baby. Just then, she felt something that made her react-she looked down at her belly in amazement "James..." she thought, placing both hands on her belly and feeling the tiny kicks that filled her with a profound sense of emotion, erasing her fears. "You're right, son. History won't repeat itself because we're not alone, and we have many people who love and protect us,' Deborah thought. She immediately calmed down as she gently stroked her belly. Her breathing returned to normal with every little kick from James.

At that moment, she heard the front door open.

"My love, your handsome messenger is here with your delicious vanilla ice cream with choc-Deborah!" Jayden had just entered the house with a plastic bag to satisfy his partner's craving when he noticed Deborah on the floor. Alarmed, he dropped the bag and ran over to help her up, completely forgetting about the ice cream. "My love, what happened?" he asked, lifting her princess-style to place her on the sofa and check her for bruises.

[It's okay, Jayden. I just... I had a moment of panic.] Deborah was still trembling but she was feeling much calmer now.

"A moment of panic? About what?" he asked, gently holding her hand.

Deborah took a deep breath. [I was just thinking about everything... about how we're putting everything in James's name, and what if something happens to me like my mother? What if Frederick tries to take him?] Jayden squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Nothing's going to happen to you or James. We're here for you. Christian, Caroline, Nicholas, George... We're here to protect you and James. You're not alone in this." Tears welled up in Deborah's eyes as she nodded. [I know. It's just... sometimes the fear is overwhelming.]

Chapter 78

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"I understand, but remember, we're stronger together," Jayden said, brushing a tear from her cheek. "And I'm here with your favorite vanilla ice cream with chocolate, just to make things a bit better." Deborah managed a small laugh. [Thank you, Jayden. I needed that.]

He smiled, kissing her forehead. "Anytime, my love. Now, let's get you some ice cream so you can relax. Everything will be alright."

[I'm okay.]

"Deborah... you need to be careful."

I know, James reminded me that I need to stay calm.]

*James?" Jayden asked, confused. Then he felt Deborah take his hands and place them on her belly. At first, he was puzzled, but then he felt a slight movement beneath his hands, making his eyes light up with excitement. "Did it move?" he asked, astonished, a broad smile spreading across his face.

Deborah nodded, smiling as well. They both felt the baby moving, which excited them because it was the first time they ever experienced it.

"Thank you for taking care of your mommy while I was away," Jayden said, moving his hands gently over her belly "See, my love? Our son is showing that he's the little man of the house, taking care of his mommy while Daddy is out," he said happily.

[You're right, my love. I have you and James looking after me.] Deborah smiled. Then she remembered something important. [By the way, Jayden, what about the ice cream?]

"Ice cream?" Jayden suddenly remembered the purchase and turned to see the forgotten bag on the floor. He quickly got up to retrieve it. "Phew... it's still okay, it's still in its container."

[You're in luck]

"Well, you scared me."

[I'm sorry, my love.]

Jayden kissed her on the lips before heading to the kitchen to serve the ice cream for both of them.

"With strawberries?"

[Yes]

"By the way, Christian called earlier."

[Did something happen?]

"Don't worry, it's not related to the plan. It's great news.

[Oh, what is it?]

"He asked for help with Caroline's birthday party."

'll help. I was planning to take her out for a meal and shopping that day.]

www

"He knows and that's why he plans to throw a party in the evening with everyone."

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Chapter 76

[So I'll be the distraction?]

"Yes and no. He asked for help decorating the new house," Jayden said, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket.

[New house?]

"Yeah, remember the new store they're building across the street?"

[Yes, it's going to be a beauty salon and...] Deborah then saw her partner's mischievous smile. [Wait... you mean they'll be living across the street?]

"Exactly. But that's why he asked for help decorating, as the plan is to have everyone celebrate there after the outing."

[Wow... that's great! Of course, I want to help.]

"And you know, Christian's dedication to this inspired me-I also want to give you something as valuable and precious."

[Jayden, that's not necessary. I'm happy just having you by my sid

"Even so, I want to give you something."

[Well, I'm looking forward to that special gift.] Deborah kissed him on the cheek.

"By the way, I'm going to talk to one of my best decorators tomorrow to get a catalog so we can start looking at decorations for James's room. I also wanted to ask you about that." [What about?]

"Well, my love, tell me. Do you want us to live here, or should we move to the Cooper mansion?"

[I think it doesn't matter where we live as long as we're together.]

"Aww... my girlfriend is so romantic," he said, hugging her and getting a bit affectionate as he stroked her body and kissed her lips.

Deborah smiled and let herself be pampered by him.

[Actually, I have something special for you.] Deborah pulled away slightly to stand up and head to the

cabinet.

"Ooh... what is it?" Jayden asked, acting like a little kid as he watched her carefully.

[Close your eyes and extend your hands.]

Jayden grinned and obeyed, closing his eyes and extending his hands. After a few minutes, he felt something heavy in his hands. When he opened his eyes, he saw a black leather box. "Deborah, is this what I think it is...?" he asked, blushing slightly and feeling a bit sad because he wanted to be the one-to propose to her.

Jayden Cooper, would you like to be James's dad?] Deborah asked before opening the box to reveal a pin that read, "New Dad." Chapter