The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride
Chapter 570 Physical Examination

Nobody thought Shawn would say yes so fast.

Even Vera was caught off guard this time. She glanced at Patrick, looking for some kind of explanation. Patrick just smiled at her and gently placed his hand on hers.

Their silent understanding made Vera realize Patrick might've known all along how Shawn would react. Molly was confused, but there was this weird, sad feeling in her chest she couldn't shake off.

The first time the Chase family met the Olterans, it was to return Molly to them.

Now, this second meeting was to bring Molly into the Chase family.

The vibes were totally different this time around.

Sebastian watched Molly eating next to him and smiled quietly.

Molly looked up, saw the love in Sebastian's eyes, and blushed.

Under the table, Sebastian held Molly's left hand, his thumb gently rubbing the ring on her middle finger.

He'd worked hard to get that ring on her finger.

Late one night, he knocked on her door, asking her nicely to wear it. When she refused, he ended up pinning her against the table, kissing her, and slipping the ring on her finger.

After that night, Molly made sure to lock her door before going to bed.

Once the two families finished their meal, the Chase family left in the afternoon.

Randall, who was around Teddy's age, took Teddy to his room to video call Susan because she missed him.

Vera nudged Molly, "Go talk to Dad; he's not feeling well."

Then she quickly followed Patrick to the study for some answers.

Patrick was heading to the study, but seeing Vera trailing him and Theodore not around, he took Vera back to the bedroom instead.

By the time Vera realized it, she was already under Patrick.

"Dad's done everything he needed to. If he made a fuss today, it would've been disrespectful to the Chase family. Usually, the wedding date is set after both sides confirm the gifts and discuss everything. Accepting the gifts means he agrees to the marriage. If he caused trouble today, it would've been a disgrace to the Olteran family."

Vera nodded, "Got it."

Vera's curiosity cost her a day locked in the bedroom with the curtains drawn, having dinner there and not going downstairs.

Later, Patrick went to Randall's room to get Theodore, who was being looked after by Randall.

After picking up Theodore, Patrick found Cindy and informed her that he'd transferred some money to her account through the company's finance department. "Cindy, with Mom gone, Molly's matters will be tough on you. Besides the gifts Mom left, we need to prepare more for Molly."

"Vera's young and inexperienced; she can't handle this. She's also a new mom and needs to take care of the baby, so Molly's matters will need more of your attention. If the money's not enough, just call the finance department," Patrick said. Cindy chuckled, "You and Vincent were against it back then, but now you're all in, letting me handle Molly's wedding."

Vincent had also talked to Cindy about dipping into their savings to buy gifts for Molly.

But Patrick had a different angle.

He kept harping on how young and unreliable Vera was.

"Even if you didn't say anything, I'd still get things ready for Molly. You can't stand seeing Vera swamped, and neither can I," Cindy added.

Patrick thanked her and headed back to the bedroom with Theodore in one arm.

That night, Molly stayed up late talking with Shawn, eventually falling asleep with tears in her eyes, clutching Shawn's arm.

Shawn looked at his hand, feeling helpless, "I'm getting old; I can't even carry my own daughter."

The last time he carried Molly, she was five, in a white dress with red shoes. He still remembered the sparkly hairpin in her hair as she ran towards him, arms wide open. "Daddy's home, carry Molly!" she had shouted.

That memory had been Shawn's treasure for fifteen years.

Leaning against the sofa, Shawn let his sadness out only after Molly fell asleep.

Tears streamed down his face, and even after wiping them away, they kept coming.

In the end, afraid of waking Molly, he quietly suppressed his sorrow.

The "sleeping" Molly let her tears fall one by one onto Shawn's pajama sleeve.

Christmas was around the corner, and Theodore had a check-up at the hospital. The doctor, treating him like a toy, grabbed Theodore's limbs to examine him, lifting him by his hands. Vera watched nervously and reminded the doctor, "Doctor, Theodore may look sturdy, but please be gentle. I carried him for ten months; he's my only treasure.

The doctor brushed off Vera's worries and continued the exam with big movements, "Don't worry, he looks pretty sturdy."

Vera shot back, "No, he's just chubby and looks strong."

Theodore turned his face towards Vera, his eyes full of grievance, wanting her to hold him.

On the way to the check-up, Vera saw other kids, all small and thin. Only then did she realize how chubby Theodore was.

Other moms even came over to ask Vera how she raised her child, "How old is your baby? What formula does he drink? He looks so well-cared for; you're really good at this."

The compliments made Vera a bit embarrassed. Despite being a new mom, she was praised for taking good care of her child because Theodore was so chubby.

"He's two months old. Theodore has been exclusively breastfed; he doesn't drink formula. His dad tried several times, but he wouldn't take it," Vera explained. Someone enviously said, "Then you must have a good milk supply."

Vera nodded; that was true.

But Theodore's chubbiness also came with its own troubles.

For instance, Vera's arms would get sore after holding him for a while.

Except for paying the bills, Patrick was the one who held Theodore most of the time.