Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 41: A New Companion

The center was alive with soft noises—animals moving and barking faintly in the background. Delphinia walked in with Ashton, the smell of fur and cleaner hitting her immediately. She glanced down at the boy holding her hand, his eyes wide with curiosity as they took in their surroundings.

"Why didn’t we just go to a pet shop?" Ashton asked, his tone innocent.

Delphinia crouched slightly so they were at eye level, offering him a soft smile. "Because, Ashton, there are so many animals here that need a home. They’ve been abandoned or hurt, and they deserve a second chance. I want to teach you that love isn’t something we buy—it’s something we give."

Ashton nodded slowly, as if weighing her words. "Oh, okay. That makes sense."

Delphinia gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Her decision felt impulsive, yes, but it also felt right. She had double-checked with Ashton that no one in the house was allergic to animal fur, and the way he shook his head so firmly sealed her decision. A pet wouldn’t harm anyone, and it might even help her bond with Ashton.

Besides, she thought with a faint smirk, I’ve always wanted one myself. Too bad Helena thought animals were filthy. Tch, she should’ve looked in a mirror first.

A cheerful woman in a green uniform approached them, her name tag reading Amelia. "Welcome! Are you looking for a dog, a cat, or both?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"We’re not sure yet," Delphinia replied, straightening up.

Amelia smiled warmly and gestured for them to follow. "No problem! Let me show you around. We’ll start with the dogs, and if you change your mind, we can check out the cats too."

As they walked down a hallway lined with glass-enclosed pens, Delphinia turned to Ashton. "So, what do you think? Dog or cat?"

"A dog," Ashton said immediately, but then he hesitated. "But... a cat would be cute too."

Delphinia chuckled softly, patting his head. "It’s hard to decide, isn’t it? They’re all so adorable."

They stopped in front of a pen where a small terrier wagged its tail furiously, bouncing against the glass. Ashton giggled, pressing his face close to the window. "Look at him! He’s so happy!"

Delphinia smiled but felt a pang in her chest as she read the dog’s story on the card posted beside the pen: Abandoned due to illness. Fully recovered and ready for a loving home.

Amelia noticed her expression. "It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? Some of these animals have been through a lot. But they’re tougher than they seem, and they deserve a chance to find happiness again."

Delphinia nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yes, they do."

After checking out a few pens, Amelia came to a stop in front of a golden retriever chilling in his corner.. The dog perked up as they approached, his tail wagging slowly. He got up and slowly made his way over, his warm brown eyes locking onto theirs through the glass.

"This is Goldie," Amelia said with a fond smile. "He’s just over a year old. His previous owners surrendered him because he wasn’t small and cute anymore."

Delphinia’s stomach twisted at the thought. "That’s awful. How could anyone give up such a sweet dog?"

Amelia sighed. "It happens more often than you’d think. But Goldie’s a wonderful boy—obedient, friendly, and great with kids."

Ashton crouched to the dog’s eye level, his face lighting up. "Hi, Goldie," he said softly. The dog tilted his head, then gave a small bark, as if responding.

Delphinia smiled. "What do you think, Ashton? Should we take him home?"

Ashton jumped to his feet and nodded excitedly. "Yes! I like him."

Goldie stepped out of the pen as Amelia opened it, his tail swaying back and forth in a happy rhythm.. He nudged Ashton’s hand with his nose, earning a delighted laugh from the boy. Delphinia knelt to pet the dog, her fingers sinking into his soft fur.

"You’re a good boy, aren’t you?" she murmured. Goldie responded with a happy lick to her hand.

After signing the paperwork, Amelia handed them a leash and a small toy for Goldie. "Here you go. Thank you for giving him a home."

"We’re the lucky ones," Delphinia said sincerely.

Their next stop was the pet store, where Goldie accompanied them inside. Delphinia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Ashton holding the leash, walking proudly beside his new companion.

They browsed the aisles, picking out a bed, food, bowls, and more toys. Goldie sniffed curiously at the shelves, occasionally wagging his tail at other customers.

At the checkout counter, Ashton turned to Delphinia with a worried expression. "Do you think Dad will be mad we got a dog?"

Delphinia’s smile faltered for just a second before she recovered. "Of course not," she said reassuringly. "How could anyone be mad at such a good boy?" She ruffled Goldie’s ears, earning a happy bark.

I hope not, she thought, biting the inside of her cheek. If Evander can put up with a sad, broke widower like me, a cute little dog should be no problem.

By the time they finished shopping, the sun was beginning to set. Their driver loaded the supplies into the trunk as Delphinia and Ashton stood by the car.

"What do you want to do now?" Delphinia asked, turning to Ashton. "Should we go home or somewhere else?"

Ashton looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "Let’s go home. I want to play with..." He paused, frowning as he stared at Goldie.

"With?" Delphinia prompted, raising an eyebrow.

"The dog," Ashton said finally, his expression serious.

Delphinia laughed, shaking her head. "Isn’t his name Goldie?"

Ashton shook his head. "I want to give him a new name. He’s going to have a new life with us, so he should have a new name too."

Her smile softened as she reached out to touch his head. "That’s very thoughtful of you, Ashton."

Just as they were about to get into the car, Delphinia’s smile froze. A woman walking toward them caught her attention, her confident steps slowing as she recognized Delphinia.

The woman stopped, her eyes narrowing before they widened in recognition. "Delphie?"

Delphinia’s breath caught in her throat. Lyvia.

She hadn’t seen her in years, but the sight of her brought a flood of memories rushing back. Delphinia wasn’t surprised to see Lyvia looking picture-perfect, her expensive wardrobe and styled hair as polished as ever.

"Lyvia," Delphinia said calmly, though her chest felt tight.

The two women stared at each other, neither willing to look away. Goldie barked once, breaking the silence, but even that couldn’t dispel the unease that had settled between them.