Trash Husband, I'm the Top novel Chapter 204

Dan really did like kids.

Hans frowned and called out to Monica, “Let’s go.”

Eleanor bit her lip, summoning her courage. “Hans, let me walk you out.”

Their breakup had been messy, anything but dignified.

But just this once, she was willing to swallow her pride.

Monica looped her arm through Eleanor’s, nudging her toward Hans. “Eleanor has something she wants to say to you.”

A blush crept up Eleanor’s cheeks; her eyes flickered with hesitation, words caught in her throat.

Hans, cigarette in hand, barely glanced at her. “Today’s my grandmother’s funeral. Some other time.”

All the color drained from Eleanor’s face.

Without another word, Hans pulled Monica away, dragging her along.

Tears welled in Eleanor’s eyes. She knew, deep down, Hans hadn’t forgiven her.

On the drive back to North Manor, Payne gazed out the windows, curiosity brimming in his eyes.

Daniel was patient with him, steadying the boy whenever he nearly toppled over in his seat.

He also reminded Payne to be careful around Nora—because Mommy was carrying a little baby.

Payne immediately sat up straight and still, staring at Nora’s stomach with utter seriousness before announcing, “I like baby sisters.”

“I want a baby sister.”

“Mommy, I want a little sister.”

He just wanted someone to play with.

Nora’s heart twisted at how earnest he was; she pinched Payne’s chubby cheek. “Why do you want a little sister, Payne?”

Without missing a beat, Payne replied, “Because I’ll like her. And I’ll protect her.”

He didn’t want to be the one always protected. He wanted to be a little man—someone who could take care of everyone.

Daniel couldn’t help but reach out, ruffling Payne’s hair.

Maybe he didn’t dislike this little rascal as much as he thought.

Nora pressed a kiss to her son’s face. With a child like this, how could anyone not adore him?

Back at North Manor, Will had already instructed the staff to prepare toys and snacks.

But Payne wasn’t interested.

Daniel felt wretched too. He knelt before her, taking her cold hands in his.

“Aurora, your grandmother wouldn’t want to see you like this. She did so much for you because she wanted you to live well.”

Nora pulled her hands back, done pretending in front of Daniel.

“There’s no point in us continuing like this,” she said, her voice icy calm.

“There are plenty of women willing to have your children. If you don’t want this baby, I’ll terminate the pregnancy—he or she won’t become your illegitimate child.”

“If you insist, then we stick to the deal: you saved Payne, I’ll have the baby, and after that, we go our separate ways.”

Every word was cold and precise.

Cold enough to treat the child inside her as nothing more than a bargaining chip.

Daniel tightened his grip, refusing to let her pull away.

A chill cut through his chest.

She had loved Louis—so she’d loved Payne with her whole heart.

But she had never loved him. And she didn’t want the baby she carried now, either.