The Doormat Wife’s Ultimate Glow-Up novel Chapter 74

The car barely stopped before Robbie bolted, practically flying out the door like a wildcat finally set free. He didn’t even look back, clearly desperate to put as much distance between himself and Reese as possible.

Reese didn’t pay him any mind. She stepped out calmly, greeted by a waiting housekeeper ready to guide her inside.

“Ma’am, Mr. Ratcliff is resting in the garden,” the housekeeper said as she led Reese through the old, familiar halls.

They walked into the courtyard, where grapevines tangled over a carved wooden trellis. Beneath the shade, a redwood lounge chair cradled Mr. Ratcliff, eyes closed as he tried to soak in some peace.

Reese softened her footsteps, drawing closer. Up close, she noticed the tired shadows under his eyes and how even his usually lively silver hair looked faded and thin. It was obvious the drama between her and Sebastian had been weighing on him.

A sharp ache twisted in her chest. She remembered all the kindness Mr. Ratcliff had shown her over the years, but it still hurt to know that, in the end, she was just the family’s surrogate—someone to carry on the legacy.

Mr. Ratcliff opened his eyes at the sound of her approach. When he saw Reese, he managed a faint, worn-out smile.

“Reese, here you are. Come, sit with me,” he said, gesturing to the chair next to him. He told the housekeeper to bring tea and some pine nut cake.

Reese sat down quietly. Mr. Ratcliff’s gaze slid to her stomach, and he frowned.

“How are you so thin? You’re five months along and still not showing?

“You’ve been to the doctor, right?”

Reese paused with the teacup in her hand, feeling the weight of his concern. He really cared about this baby.

She wanted to tell him the truth, but seeing how exhausted he looked, she could only say, “I have. The doctor said the baby’s fine. I’m just naturally skinny, so it isn’t obvious.”

Mr. Ratcliff turned the prayer beads in his hand, deep in thought. “Maybe you should quit your job and come home to rest. Just focus on the baby for now.”

“Don’t worry. When the baby’s born, boy or girl, I’ll personally transfer three percent of the shares to them. And I’ll give you two percent as well.”

She stayed a little longer, chatting with him just to keep his spirits up, then stood to leave.

He let out another sigh and waved her away. “Go ahead. But let Jane know before you leave, or she’ll complain you never say goodbye.”

Reese left the courtyard and walked toward the main hall.

From down the hallway, she could already hear Robbie’s cries. When she walked in, Robbie was curled up against Jane, his shoulders shaking with every sob.

This time, Reese didn’t go over to comfort him. She just said quietly to Jane, “Mom, I’ve got things to do. I won’t stay for dinner tonight.”

“You’re leaving already?” Jane’s hand paused as she wiped Robbie’s tears. “Ever since you got pregnant, this place really has become somewhere you come and go as you please.”

Jane’s words, sharp and a little bitter, made Reese’s heart clench.