Page 40 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

"Let's dig in," I suggested, feeling a warmth spread through me as I watched him eagerly fill our plates with the delicious food.

As we ate, laughter and playful banter filled the air, punctuated by soft glances and gentle touches. This was the beginning of our life together – a life we were both ready to embrace wholeheartedly.

"Here's to us," Hugo raised his glass of orange juice in a toast, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Here's to us," I echoed, clinking my glass against his before taking a sip of the sweet nectar.

The happiness that enveloped us seemed to radiate from our very beings, filling the room with an atmosphere of love and contentment. We savored each bite, each moment, knowing that our journey had only just begun.

Chapter 16

Hugo

As Simone and I pulled up to my family's home, the imposing facade seemed to exude an air of tension.

"Home sweet home," Simone said, her smile lighting up her face despite the uncertainty in her eyes.

As we entered the house and settled into the living room, the sound of my mother's footsteps echoed ominously through the halls.

"Ah, Hugo, darling. Simone," she cooed, feigning delight and addressing Simone rather coldly. "Would you care to join me for a private conversation?"

"Of course, Mom," I responded, trying to keep my voice steady. Turning to Simone, I whispered, "You don't have to worry about anything, okay? I've got this."

Her soft touch on my arm and the reassuring nod that followed gave me the strength I needed as I made my way tothe formal living room. Despite the fear simmering under the surface, I was determined not to let my mother dictate the course of my life any longer. Simone deserved happiness, and so did I – regardless of what the family legacy demanded.

As I walked away, I could feel the weight of Simone's loving gaze on my back, a reminder that I was no longer alone in this fight. And as my mother and I sat down to discuss our futures, I couldn't help but think of the day when Simone and I would be free from the suffocating expectations of the family name and able to live our lives on our own terms.

Reluctantly, I followed my mother to the formal living room, each step weighed down by the knowledge of the impending confrontation. The familiar scent of antique wood and aged leather filled the air as we entered the room, its grandeur a constant reminder of the family's legacy.

"Please, Hugo, have a seat," Mom gestured toward the plush sofa, her voice dripping with false warmth. I swallowed hard and took my place on the edge of the cushion, feeling the cold gaze of my father's eyes from his oil painting above the fireplace.

"Mamma, what is it that you want to discuss?" I asked, trying to maintain an air of composure despite the tension coursing through me.

"Ah, straight to the point as always," she replied, taking her own seat across from me. Her eyes narrowed as they flicked between my face and the painting behind me, as if comparing us. "I couldn't help but notice Simone's ring the other night. It's quite ostentatious, wouldn't you say?"

Her words felt like a slap in the face, but I refused to let her see how much they stung. "Simone deserves every bit of happiness that ring represents, Mother."

"Of course, darling," she said, her voice saccharine sweet. "But don't you think it's time to consider your responsibilities to this family? To our name?"

The words hung heavily in the air between us, and for a moment, I was lost in thought. How many times had I heard those same sentiments throughout my life? And yet, now that I had tasted true happiness with Simone, I could no longer ignore the suffocating weight of my family's expectations.

"Mamma," I began, my voice firm and resolute, "I will not be swayed by your hopes for me. My life is mine to live, and I will not sacrifice my happiness for the sake of a legacy that I do not believe in."

Her eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly masked it behind a veneer of icy calm. "Hugo, you know your father and I only want what's best for you."

"Best for me, or best for the family name?" I interrupted, unable to contain my frustration any longer.

"Is there really a difference?" she asked, arching a perfectly manicured eyebrow.

"Simone has shown me that there is," I replied, my voice filled with determination. "I will live my life on my own terms, and if that means defying our family's expectations, then so be it."

For a moment, we sat in silence, the tension between us as tangible as the antique furniture surrounding us. The weight of my father's gaze bore down upon us from his portrait, a silent witness to the battle of wills unfolding beneath him.

Mamma's eyes narrowed as she studied me, her gaze sharp and calculating.

"You truly believe that staying in America and marrying Simone is the best choice for you?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Simone makes me happy," I replied firmly, my love for her shining through in every word. "She has shown me what it means to live a life with meaning and purpose."

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