CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 72: I Am Now Valentine Anderson

Mrs. Anderson was overwhelmed with words she had longed to express to the son she had given up so many years ago, but when faced with him, she found herself speechless. "Hahaha, mom, I knew it, you've never really seen me as your son," Lucas Anderson said with a smile that failed to mask his deep sadness. Mrs. Anderson's grip tightened on her dress, a wave of panic setting in. Without hesitation, she replied, "I care about you, you are my son, I've never loved you any less." Lucas Anderson's lips twisted into a sardonic smile as he fixed a piercing gaze on Mrs. Anderson, who became even more unsettled. Shaking his head, he sighed, "You say you love me, but it seems money has always meant more to you than I ever did." Before he could finish, Mrs. Anderson cut in, "No, I do love you. I sold you to that wealthy couple because I was desperate. I couldn't afford your medical bills; you were so ill." Tears began to well in her eyes as she defended herself, memories flooding back of the day she learned she would be having twins. Her spirit had sunk; the father of her unborn twins had abandoned her, and she had no job or skills to rely on. After giving birth, she had to sell everything she owned to pay off the hospital bills. Hearing of Lucas's health issues had left her hopeless, leading her to the agonizing decision to sell him to a childless rich couple. Over time, she had let memories of Lucas fade, focusing solely on her other children, Valentine Anderson and Benita. "And after all these years, why didn't you try to find me if you cared?" Lucas asked, his smile tinged with bitterness. Mrs. Anderson's heart raced, but no answer came. After taking the money, she never sought to reclaim Lucas, overwhelmed by his health issues and her own life's demands, she had allowed herself to forget him. Lucas's smile remained, even as he received no response. With a light-hearted chuckle, he said, "I guess I was never the favorite son." Shouldering off the silence, he declared, "From today, I'll be taking Valentine's place. Mom, you wouldn't want to lose a daughter-in-law like Andrea Singers. Not only is she stunning, but she's also the sole heiress of Singers Group and the mother of your grandson." Having said his piece, Lucas grinned at Mrs. Anderson, who was drowned in her own guilt, tears streaming down her face, unable to speak or justify herself. "Tsk! It's time for me to go, mom," Lucas said before turning to leave. Mrs. Anderson reached out, her lips trembling as if to call him back, but ultimately, no words came out. Once Lucas had left Mrs. Anderson behind, he made his way to the garden. There, he found Pete playing on the swing under the tree. "Pete, it's time to go home," Lucas called out to him. "Okay, Daddy," Pete cheerfully replied, running towards him. Together, they walked hand in hand back to the car and drove home, leaving the painful confrontation behind them. Andrea, who had been lying on the bed, was oblivious to Lucas Anderson's presence at the Anderson residence. Her peaceful expression suddenly shifted to one of distress as she murmured "Valentine" under her breath. With a start, her eyes snapped open, and her heart hammered in her chest. Scanning the room frantically, she realized she was in her own bedroom, still donned in her wedding gown. For a moment, she wondered if the memories from a few hours ago were nothing but a dream, and a wave of nervousness washed over her as she climbed out of bed. Just as she was about to leave the room, a burst of laughter from outside her window caught her attention. Curiosity piqued, Andrea approached the window and peered out to see Pete and Lucas Anderson engaged in a playful game of football. "Pete, kick it harder!" Lucas encouraged. "Goal! Good boy!" he praised as Pete's kick sent the ball soaring ten meters away. Watching them from above, a smile crept over Andrea's lips. She had always been concerned that Pete and Valentine Anderson might struggle to bond, given his absence during Pete's early years. Lucas then turned his gaze toward the window, catching sight of Andrea. The setting sun cast a warm glow over her, enhancing her beauty and leaving Lucas momentarily transfixed. "Daddy, mommy is so beautiful," Pete remarked, noticing Lucas's admiration. Snapping out of his reverie, Lucas tousled Pete's hair and replied playfully, "You're still young; what do you know about beauty?" Internally, however, Lucas was struck by Andrea's allure. "Let's head inside. It's time for your bath and dinner," he said, picking up Pete and heading back into the mansion. After entrusting Pete to Housekeeper Win, Lucas made his way to Andrea's bedroom. He paused at the door and knocked. Moments later, Andrea opened it and, with a hint of amusement, said, "We're married, Val. Is knocking really necessary?" Lucas sheepishly ran a hand through his hair. "Well, I didn't want to... intrude," he said. Andrea laughed, assuming he was teasing. "Where are you off to?" Lucas inquired, noting that she had changed out of her wedding gown into a more casual, yet elegant dress. Andrea faced him, her initial amusement fading when she realized he was genuinely puzzled. Calmly, she explained, "We need to address the aftermath of the bomb blast and offer our condolences to the victims' families. I've scheduled a press conference to discuss these matters so we can maintain morale among our staff..." She trailed off, noticing Lucas's lack of interest. With a frown, she asked, "Val, what are your thoughts on this?"