Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 437: Lame Jokes

Chapter 437: Lame Jokes

At Lamey Country

Rain wasn’t allowed to see her mother again after their last encounter. According to the doctors, it was for the best. Summer was still emotionally and mentally fragile, and too much stimulation could slow her recovery. Though it broke Rain’s heart, she and Alexander made the difficult decision to return to Nepthal Country for now and leave everything in her father’s care.

Besides, there was another reason to return... Father Rock and Aunt Vernice were getting married. Despite everything they had been through, the wedding offered a breath of fresh air and a rare moment of joy. It was a chance to celebrate love and family, even with the looming shadow of Tim Clayton still threatening to resurface.

Rain stared out the car window, her heart heavy. The road ahead was blurry through her unshed tears, but she kept quiet. Alexander sat beside her, watching her closely. He reached over and gently took her hand.

"She’ll be okay," he said softly. "Your mom is strong. And your father is with her."

Rain gave a weak nod, squeezing his hand. "I just hate leaving her like this. What if she wakes up again and asks for Carla? I want her to look for me instead. I guess I’m being too impatient to be with her."

Alexander’s thumb brushed over her knuckles. "Then we’ll give her time. And when she’s ready, when her mind is clear, you’ll be there. She’ll know who you are, Rain. You’re her real daughter. Nothing can change that."

A tear slid down Rain’s cheek, but this time, she didn’t wipe it away. "You always know what to say."

He smiled gently. "That’s because I’m always watching you. And right now, I know you need someone to remind you that this is just temporary. Your mom’s awake. That’s already a miracle."

The car slowed as they approached the hospital entrance.

"We’ll stop here for a few minutes," Alexander said. "You should see your dad before we go. He’s been holding everything together for all of us."

Rain nodded and followed Alexander out of the car, holding his hand firmly. She was so grateful that Alexander was with her, especially since she was too emotional. She hated hearing her mother calling Carla’s name with love and longing when that Carla was the reason she became sick. But then, she knew she must be patient...

They entered the hospital quietly, taking the private elevator to the floor where her mother was recovering.

When they reached the hallway, her father was already waiting outside the room. He looked tired but alert, like someone running on willpower alone.

"Rain," he greeted her softly, opening his arms.

Rain walked into her father’s embrace, resting her head on his shoulder. "I didn’t get to say goodbye properly. They wouldn’t let me in this morning."

"I know," Arlan said gently. "The doctors were worried she might get too overwhelmed. Her body’s healing, but her emotions..." He trailed off, not needing to finish.

Rain pulled back just enough to look at him.

"I promise," Arlan added, cupping her cheek. "When the time is right, I’ll tell her everything. And when she’s ready, I’ll bring her to you."

Rain nodded, her lips trembling. "Thank you, Dad."

"You don’t need to thank me. Just take care of yourself and the baby. That’s what your mom would want right now."

Alexander stepped forward and gave Arlan a firm nod. "We’ll keep you updated. And we’ll be back as soon as we can."

"I’ll be here," Arlan said, his voice full of quiet strength. "Just focus on what you need to do over there. I’ll handle things from this side."

Rain took one last glance at the door to her mother’s room. She wanted to rush in, to hold Summer’s hand, to call her "Mom" just one more time. But she knew she couldn’t... not yet.

So instead, she whispered under her breath, "Please wait for me. Just a little longer."

Alexander placed his hand on the small of her back. "Ready?"

Rain took a shaky breath and nodded. "Yeah. Let’s go."

As they walked back to the car, she didn’t look back but she carried the hope that the next time she returned, her mother would be waiting, fully awake, fully aware, and ready to recognize her ass her real daughter.

***

The car pulled up beside the waiting private jet, and Rain went straight to the bed in their private cabin, sitting with her head resting against the headboard.

Alexander settled next to her, then stretched a little and rubbed his hands together. "Okay. Long flight ahead. We should probably play a game."

Rain glanced at him, her brows raising slightly. "A game?"

He leaned back in his seat, already smirking. "Yeah. It’s called ’What Would You Rather Eat Right Now?’ I’ll start. Pancakes. With strawberries. And cream. And bacon. Together." Alexander grinned. "Your turn."

"I don’t know... I’m not really hungry."

"Rain," he said, shifting closer, "if you don’t play, I’ll be forced to describe something even worse. Like... anchovy ice cream."

She snorted, "Gross."

"Exactly. So pick something. Anything."

Rain smiled faintly and shook her head. "Okay, fine. Warm garlic bread. And maybe... spaghetti. With too much cheese."

Alexander tapped his chin, pretending to think hard. "Hmm... Ice cream. Cookies and cream. Maybe a donut. Or five."

Rain raised an eyebrow. "Five?"

He nodded seriously. "One for each mood I’ve had today. Sad, worried, tired, hungry... and just in case."

Rain let out a soft laugh.

Alexander smiled and nudged her gently. "There it is. I missed that."

Then Alexander leaned in and kissed her lips. Rain’s cheeks turned red as he gently caressed her small baby bump, it was just beginning to show now that she was four months pregnant.

"I’m sorry," Rain said softly, looking down. "I know my emotions are probably affecting the baby too. I’ll try to be more positive. Thank you for being so patient with me."

Alexander kissed her again and murmured against her lips, "The doctors already warned me about the mood swings, remember? That’s why I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stick to you like a leech, my love. I’ll make sure you’re not carrying all this alone."

She smiled as he added with a playful tone, "I may be boring, but I’ll try my best. I’m even ready to tell lame jokes if that’ll help cheer you up."

Rain chuckled. "Hmm, do you have a good one now?"

Alexander tapped his chin, pretending to think hard. "Okay, here’s one... What did the baby tomato say to the mama tomato?"

Rain tilted her head. "What?"

He grinned. "Catch up!"

Rain blinked and then laughed, covering her mouth. "That was so bad."

"But you laughed!" Alexander said proudly, raising both fists in victory. "Mission accomplished."

Rain shook her head, still smiling. He leaned in, kissing her forehead. "I’ll do anything just to see you smile like that."