Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 44: A Pawsome Surprise

Delphinia leaned against the doorframe of the living room, watching Ashton with a soft smile. The boy was on the floor, laughing as he played tug-of-war with Goldie, the golden retriever puppy they had brought home earlier. Goldie, with his bright fur and wagging tail, was tugging at a knotted rope, his small body braced firmly against Ashton’s playful strength.

Ashton’s laughter filled the room, light and carefree, a sound that warmed Delphinia’s heart. "Goldie," Ashton said cheerfully, pulling the rope gently and then letting Goldie yank it out of his hands, "you’re strong for a puppy! But don’t think I’m giving up."

Delphinia chuckled softly, folding her arms as she leaned more comfortably against the frame. She might have looked calm, but inside, her thoughts were all over the place. What is Evander going to say about this? she wondered, her stomach twisting into knots.

Ashton, noticing her watching, looked up with wide, innocent eyes. "Delphinia," he asked between playful tugs with the puppy, "are you really sure Dad won’t be mad?"

Her smile didn’t falter, though inside she felt anything but confident. "Of course not," she said casually, making sure to sound confident. "Relax, Ashton. It’s fine."

Ashton tilted his head, skeptical but still trusting her words. "You really think he won’t mind?"

Delphinia forced a bigger smile, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she stepped closer to him. "Well... let’s just say that if he knows it was your idea, he might not be mad. I mean, how could anyone be upset with you?"

Her words seemed to work. Ashton grinned and turned back to Goldie, who barked happily as if agreeing. Delphinia stayed standing there for a moment, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She didn’t let the dread she felt show on her face. Please don’t be mad, Evander, she thought desperately. Just smile and say everything’s fine. That’s all I ask.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. Her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately straightened at the sound of Evander moving through the house.

"Dad!" Ashton shouted excitedly, immediately dropping the rope and scrambling to his feet. Goldie barked again, his little tail wagging furiously as he trotted after Ashton.

Delphinia followed more slowly, her steps hesitant. Her pulse quickened when she saw Evander step into the living room, his tall figure framed by the doorway. He was loosening the tie of his suit, a small smile on his face as Ashton ran up to him.

"Hey, buddy," Evander greeted warmly, ruffling Ashton’s hair. But as his gaze dropped, his smile faltered. He blinked in surprise at Goldie, who had settled beside Ashton with his tongue hanging out.

Evander’s brows knit together, and he pointed at the dog, his voice sharp but still controlled. "What is this?"

Ashton tilted his head, confused by the question. "A dog," he said simply, as if the answer were obvious. "His name is Goldie, but I’m thinking of a better name for him."

Evander sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I know it’s a dog, Ashton. I mean, where did it come from?"

"Oh!" Ashton’s face lit up as he launched into an excited explanation. "Delphinia took me to the adoption center! There were so many dogs there, Dad. Big ones, small ones, loud ones, quiet ones. But Goldie was the best. He wagged his tail at me the whole time, and I knew he was the one."

Delphinia bit her lip to stifle a laugh. Ashton’s innocent enthusiasm was infectious, but she couldn’t ignore the tension building in Evander’s expression. She stayed rooted to the spot, her hands clasped tightly behind her back.

Evander’s eyes shifted from Ashton to Delphinia, narrowing slightly. "So, you decided to adopt a dog?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with a dangerous edge.

Ashton, not noticing the tension, happily grabbed his father’s hand and guided him toward Goldie. "You’re not mad, are you, Dad?" he asked, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes. "We’re going to have Goldie as a pet! Isn’t that great?"

He stopped for a moment, his expression softening as he glanced at Ashton. "Why would I be upset?"

Ashton beamed, clearly taking that as approval. He crouched down and hugged Goldie, who barked happily in response. "See, Goldie? I told you Dad would like you!"

Evander’s attention shifted back to Delphinia, who was now biting the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing outright. Her attempt at feigned innocence was far from convincing.

Delphinia cleared her throat, still smiling. "Isn’t it great? Ashton has a friend now, and dogs are very useful. They can protect the house, and—"

"Protect the house," Evander repeated, his tone dry as he folded his arms. "Of course."

Delphinia’s smile wavered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Absolutely. Goldie’s going to be a wonderful addition to the family." She nodded, as if trying to convince herself as much as him.

His expression didn’t change as he stared at her, the quiet making her shift awkwardly. "You do realize," he began, his voice low and deliberate, "that dogs require care, training, and attention?"

Delphinia laughed awkwardly, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, I’m sure we’ll manage. Besides, Ashton already loves him. Look how happy they are!"

Evander glanced at Ashton, who was now rolling on the floor with Goldie, laughing as the puppy licked his face. The sight softened his expression, but when he turned back to Delphinia, the stern look returned.

Delphinia took a step back, raising her hands defensively. "Okay, okay, I get it. Maybe I should’ve talked to you first, but..." She trailed off, searching for an escape. "You know what? I just remembered—I need to start dinner!"

Before Evander could respond, she spun on her heel and practically bolted for the kitchen. "You two enjoy your bonding time with Goldie!" she called over her shoulder, her voice a little too cheerful.

Arrived at the kitchen, Delphinia leaned against the counter, pressing a hand to her chest as she tried to calm her racing heart. She let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head.

"That could’ve gone worse," she murmured to herself, though the lingering tension in her shoulders suggested she wasn’t entirely convinced.

As the sound of Ashton’s laughter echoed through the house, Delphinia allowed herself a small smile. Whatever trouble she might have gotten herself into, it was worth it to see Ashton so happy.