Divorce With Benefits: A Second Chance At Love
Chapter 148: Visiting Victoria

Chapter 148: Visiting Victoria

Jerica was taken aback by his candid request. She hadn’t realized how much Alfred genuinely wanted to be close to them. It warmed her heart. She was also surprised to learn he still lived at home with their parents.

Unlike many young adults his age, Alfred didn’t seem to feel the need to strike out on his own. His focus on academics and the comforts of home made him unique, and she admired that.

"You can come stay with us anytime you want," Jerica said, her tone encouraging. "Jared cooks well, as you know."

"Really? It wouldn’t be a bother?" Alfred’s eyes lit up, his excitement evident.

"Of course," Jared chimed in, his voice firm yet kind. "You’d be welcome anytime. I wouldn’t mind having you around."

Alfred’s smile faltered slightly, and his voice dropped. "Dad won’t let me. And besides, I don’t want to intrude on a married couple..." He trailed off, an almost sheepish look crossing his face.

Jerica chuckled softly. "You wouldn’t be intruding," she assured him. "This is your family too. The ranch house belongs to you too."

She didn’t mind having Alfred staying here once in a while. She was used to spending time with a lot of people and it was surprising her that she was returning to those simpler times mentally. Seeing her usually introverted husband getting along with her brother gave her a little more confidence.

"It’s already late. Why don’t you stay here tonight?" Jared offered.

Alfred hesitated but ultimately declined with a polite smile. "Thanks, but I should get back. I need to finish an assignment."

After hugging them both endearingly tighter, Alfred left.

Later, as Jerica leaned against Jared in bed, she couldn’t help but smile. "He’s a nice guy, don’t you think?" she asked softly.

Jared wrapped his arm around Jerica, letting her rest against him as they lay in bed. "He is," he agreed softly. "I didn’t expect to like him this much, but he’s sharp and genuine. I can see why Arthur and Lydia are proud of him."

Jerica smiled, nestling closer. "He’s so curious and full of energy. It’s nice to see that in someone. And I love how well you two got along. I was worried it might be awkward, but you handled it perfectly."

Jared chuckled. "It’s hard not to get along with him. He’s engaging without being overbearing. And, honestly, it’s refreshing to have someone who actually appreciates my book recommendations. That’s a rare find."

Jerica laughed, the sound light and airy. "I noticed. I was almost jealous of how deep your conversation went. It’s good, though—he needs more people in his life like you. People he can look up to."

Jared tilted his head, brushing a kiss against her forehead. Once again, she revealed how much she loved and respected him. For her he was above everyone else. Her love always mesmerized him. "And he clearly looks up to you, Jerica. Did you see the way his eyes lit up every time your name came up? He respects you, admires you even."

Jerica’s smile softened, her gaze distant. "I never thought I’d have another brother, let alone one like him. It’s... heartwarming. I want him to feel at home with us, to know that he’s always welcome."

Her brother might have died but she got another brother. He was entirely different, but it was not hard for her to accept him as family.

Jared nodded. "He’s young, but he’s got a good head on his shoulders. And the way he talks about your father’s moves against the Glovers? He’s paying attention, learning. That’s someone who’ll step up when it counts."

Jerica sighed, content. "I think our son will have a great uncle to look up to. That makes me happy. It’s like... everything is falling into place."

"It is," Jared said, his voice warm and steady. "Your family, our family—it’s all coming together. And it’s only going to get better from here."

"Speaking of your family, we need to meet Victoria." She said.

Jared hummed.

Jerica closed her eyes, letting the steady beat of Jared’s heart soothe her. In that moment, surrounded by love and the promise of a brighter future, she felt truly at peace.

-----

That weekend, Jared and Jerica decided to visit Victoria, a visit long overdue. Jerica, thoughtful as always, stopped by a florist to pick up Victoria’s favorites. She also made a stop at a gift shop, her eyes lighting up as she spotted a particular mug.

"Look at this!" Jerica held up the white ceramic mug, which read in bold, cheerful letters, Promoted to Grandmother.

"Is this too cheesy?" she asked, glancing at Jared with a mix of excitement and hesitation.

Jared froze for a moment, surprised. "I thought you didn’t want to share the news until the second trimester," he said, his brow furrowed.

Jerica smiled softly, her hands running over the mug’s glossy surface. "But she’s your mother," she replied. "My parents already know. It’s only fair. Besides, with everything she’s been through, I think she deserves some good news. It might lift her spirits." Happy people tend to live longer, she knew. She hoped Victoria lived long enough to see their children.

Jared’s chest tightened with emotion. Her kindness and thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze him. His eyes glistened as he pulled her into a firm hug. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice cracking slightly. "Thank you for being my wife."

Jerica chuckled softly, leaning into him. "Thank you for asking me to marry you," she murmured. "And for not letting me go when I thought I needed to leave."

She thought back to the dark moments in their relationship, the times she had doubted their future together. But Jared had fought for them, showing her the love and resilience she’d fallen for in the first place. She shuddered to think how close she had come to walking away from this happiness, from this life they were building together.

When they arrived at the new hospice where Victoria had been transferred, Jerica immediately noticed the improvement. The facility was brighter, quieter, with a sense of care and security that brought a small measure of comfort.

Victoria, however, looked frailer than before, her illness seeming to have aged her far beyond her years. Jared’s steps faltered as he saw her, his hand tightening around Jerica’s for strength.

Jerica offered Victoria the flowers and snacks she’d brought, her tone cheerful as she greeted her mother-in-law. But her heart ached when she saw the flicker of recognition in Victoria’s eyes, followed by a sadness that seemed to linger. She didn’t have much time left. Jared cleared his throat, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands.

He explained everything—the truth about Jerica’s birth, her connection to Lydia Sutherland, and the whirlwind of revelations that had turned their lives upside down. He braced himself for an outburst, for anger or blame, but Victoria remained silent, her gaze distant.