?Chapter 909:


    In the morning, Brian went toplete the registration for their baby’s birth. As he was about to head back to the room, he overheard a conversation that made him stop in his tracks.


    “Rachel, now that you and Brian have a child, have you considered marriage?” Yvonne’s voice was gentle, probing.


    “No,” Rachel responded firmly, the words unyielding. “Marriage isn’t something I’m contemting. I made it clear to him before the baby came that we are just parents to this child. Nothing more.”


    Yvonne sighed deeply, her voiceced with a hint of resignation. She didn’t press the matter further.


    Brian stood motionless by the door, his hand on the handle. His chest tightened with the weight of Rachel’s words. He understood, even if it hurt. If she wasn’t ready, there was nothing he could do to change that.


    He released the handle and turned away, walking into the hallway. As he reached for a cigarette, he hesitated. ncing back toward the room where his newborn daughtery, he put the cigarette back. Since Rachel’s pregnancy, he had tried to cut back on smoking, indulging only asionally during moments of overwhelming stress, typicallyte at night.


    Before Brian could retreat into his thoughts, his phone rang, breaking the silence. It was Ronald, his voice filled with excitement. “I’ve arranged everything for the proposal—flowers, the rings, the setup. You just need to bring Rachel.”


    Brian lifted his gaze, his fingers pressing against his temple, attempting to quell the storm of thoughts racing through his mind. “There’s no need,” he said, his voice steady but resolute.


    Ronald, caught off guard, paused before responding, unsure if he had heard him correctly. “But you…”


    “I said no,” Brian interrupted firmly. “I’m not proposing.” With that, he ended the call abruptly. If Rachel wasn’t ready, how could he possibly add to her burden?


    Over the next three years, Brian and Rachel embraced their roles as Dora’s parents. While Rachel lived with their daughter, Brian stayed in his own home, but he was a constant presence in their lives, visiting regrly and ying an integral part in Dora’s upbringing.


    Those three years flew by in the blink of an eye. Brian became the epitome of a dedicated father. Every key moment in Dora’s life was marked by his involvement—her first word, her first steps, and the moment she called him “Daddy” for the first time. He cherished her with all his heart, ensuring that, aside from work, his time was spent with her and her mom.


    Throughout these years, Brian never missed a birthday—neither Dora’s nor Rachel’s. Dora, born prematurely and often fragile, was prone to illness. Yet, no matter the time or situation, Brian was always there by her side. His presence,posed and steady, provided Rachel with the support and reassurance she needed. Whenever Dora fell ill, a single call to Brian seemed to make everything better.


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    For Rachel, it often felt like a quiet voice within her whispered, “As long as Brian is here, nothing is a problem.” And indeed, this had proven true time and time again.


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