C228 I Am Going Home

The following morning arrived with a calm sunrise, but beneath that peaceful morning, every heart carried a different burden. I woke up earlier than usual. For a few seconds, I simply lay there, staring at the ceiling. Yesterday's conversation with Grandpa Peter echoed repeatedly in my mind. "The Harrison family..." "Alicia's mother and aunt..." "They were murdered..." Even now, I could still see the tears in Alicia's eyes. I turned my head.

Beside me, Alicia was sleeping peacefully, one hand resting unconsciously over her stomach. A small smile appeared on my face. "My wife..." I whispered. "Our child..." No matter how dangerous the road ahead became... No matter how many enemies waited for us... I silently vowed to protect both of them. Carefully, I climbed out of bed without making a sound. After taking a warm shower and changing into my work clothes, I walked back into the bedroom.

Alicia was still asleep. I sat beside her and gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her face before softly rubbing her shoulder. "Wife..." "Hmm..." She slowly opened her sleepy eyes. For a brief moment she looked confused before yesterday's memories returned. Her expression immediately became firm. "I overslept." I smiled. "Not really. It's still early." She sat upright almost instantly. "We're going to work."

I couldn't help laughing. "The doctor only discharged you yesterday." She folded her arms. "And the company is already challenging me." "I can't let them think I'm weak." I sighed helplessly. "There she is..." "My terrifying wife." Alicia raised an eyebrow. "Scared?" "A little." She burst into laughter before lightly punching my shoulder. "You deserve it." After joking around for a while, she went to freshen up.

Nearly forty minutes later we walked downstairs together. The aroma of breakfast filled the entire Mooney residence. Georgia was already directing the maids. "Less oil." "That soup should stay warm." "Bring more fresh fruit." Peter sat comfortably reading the morning newspaper while Mark scrolled through documents on his tablet. The moment they saw Alicia, everyone smiled. "My granddaughter is awake," Peter said happily.

Georgia immediately stood up. "My child, come sit. Breakfast is ready." As soon as Alicia sat down, Georgia personally served her soft porridge, steamed vegetables, boiled eggs and warm milk. Alicia looked at the table before looking back at Georgia. "Grandma..." "Where is the bacon?" "No." "The sausages?" "No." "The fried chicken?" Georgia shook her head again. "No."

Peter laughed loudly. "Accept your fate." "Pregnant women don't always get what they want." Mark chuckled. "You've officially lost your freedom." Alicia looked toward me for support. "Husband..." I immediately lowered my head and continued eating. "I saw nothing." Everyone burst into laughter. Even Alicia couldn't help smiling. She sighed dramatically before picking up her spoon. "Fine..." "I surrender."

Georgia patted her shoulder lovingly. "Be good." "It isn't only about you anymore." Alicia subconsciously touched her stomach before quietly nodding. "I know." The cheerful breakfast continued. Halfway through the meal I finally cleared my throat. "Grandpa..." "father..." "Grandma..." "I won't be coming back tonight." Everyone looked toward me. Peter asked calmly, "Going home?"

I nodded. "I promised my parents I'd spend some time with them." "I've been staying here for quite a while." "They're probably missing me." Mary and Quinton were preparing to move into the Mooney residence soon, but until then, I still wanted to spend time with them. Alicia quietly lowered her spoon. She tried hiding it... But I immediately noticed the disappointment in her eyes. She forced out a smile. "Okay." "I understand."

I reached across the table and gently held her hand. "It'll only be tonight." "I'll come back tomorrow." She nodded softly. "I know..." "I'll miss you though." Her honest answer warmed everyone's hearts. Georgia smiled. "Look at you two." "You've only been apart a few hours these past weeks." Peter teased, "At this rate, when Mike sleeps at his parents' house, you'll probably call him every ten minutes." Everyone laughed.

Alicia blushed. "I won't." Mark smirked. "Five minutes?" Again everyone laughed. Alicia covered her face in embarrassment. "You all enjoy teasing me too much." Breakfast continued in a much lighter atmosphere. Soon everyone finished eating. Peter stood up. "Alright." "You all get moving." Mark grabbed his car keys. "I'm leaving first." He looked toward Alicia. "No unnecessary stress today."

She nodded obediently. "I'll behave." Peter laughed. "That's the biggest lie I've heard this morning." Even the maids couldn't hide their smiles. Outside the garage... The morning sunlight reflected beautifully against the parked vehicles. The blue Hyundai Grandpa Peter had given me yesterday remained parked nearby. But today... Standing beside it... Was the bright red Volkswagen Alicia had insisted on buying.

She walked directly toward it before placing the keys into my hand. "Husband." "This is yours." I looked between the keys and the car. "You really bought it..." She smiled proudly. "I told you I would." "I don't like accepting expensive gifts for free." Peter folded his arms. "My granddaughter transferred thirty thousand dollars before I could even stop her." Mark laughed. "My own daughter negotiates worse than business executives."

Georgia shook her head helplessly. "She inherited her grandfather's stubbornness." Peter immediately objected. "Excuse me." "She inherited her grandmother's." Georgia glared at him. "Oh really?" Everyone laughed again. I looked at Alicia. "Thank you." She smiled warmly. "Take good care of it." "And more importantly..." She pointed her finger seriously. "Drive safe." I saluted playfully. "Yes, Director Smith."

She laughed. "I mean it." "I don't want my husband racing around the city." "I still need you." I gently squeezed her hand. "I'll be careful." "You have my word." Only then did she finally smile with satisfaction. Soon everyone climbed into their respective vehicles. Mark drove ahead. I Slowly started the red Volkswagen. Beside me... Alicia started her black Maserati. The powerful engine roared to life.

I looked over. "Wife..." She smiled mischievously. "Don't worry." "I'll drive responsibly." Before I could answer... The Maserati smoothly pulled away, disappearing through the gates. I couldn't help laughing. "She says responsibly..." "...then leaves me behind." Shaking my head, I slowly followed toward Lucia Goods Headquarters. Peter and Georgia watched our cars moving out.