The Abandoned Wife Dumped Him First (Victoria and Elias) novel Chapter 308

Victoria hadn't intended to cry.

Perhaps it was the pregnancy hormones, but the tears came without warning.

Tobias held her and spoke for a long time. Victoria listened in silence, and in that moment, she truly understood the depth of his feelings for her.

She had loved Elias for twelve years.

And for twelve years, Tobias had stood behind her, watching her love another man.

"Tobias, please stop liking me. I can't return your feelings," she said, her voice hoarse, her eyes downcast.

"I'm not asking you to." Tobias knelt to be at eye level with her. He wanted to reach out and wipe away her tears but worried he might scare her again. Instead, he simply handed her a tissue. His tone was gentle. "Victoria, I know it's hard for you to accept this all at once. I was planning to wait longer before telling you, but plans don't always work out. Now that you know, if you want to avoid me or reject me, that's fine. But I'm not going to back down."

"From now on, for every step you take back, I'll take one forward, until you're willing to stop."

"Victoria, starting today, please stop seeing me as another Grady, alright? See me as a man who loves you. And don't feel pressured. I can wait. I'll wait until you're ready to open your heart and accept a new relationship."

"Tobias…"

If it had been any other suitor today, Victoria might not have felt such strong resistance. But because it was Tobias, someone who held a place in her heart as important as Grady's, she was unwilling to give him even the slightest chance.

Tobias looked at her earnestly, as if guessing her thoughts. "Victoria, be fair to me."

Victoria met his gaze, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She remained silent.

Tobias didn't press for an answer. Seeing that she was still crying, he got up, found a piece of candy, unwrapped it, and offered it to her, patting her head affectionately.

"You're about to be a mother. You can't be such a crybaby."

Victoria nodded, subconsciously placing a hand on her stomach.

In truth, Tobias had guessed who the father was the moment he learned of her pregnancy. He should have been prepared, but hearing her confirm it still sent a sharp, unavoidable sting through his heart.

"So you've decided to have the baby?"

His tone wasn't a question, but rather a statement, as if he had already seen into her heart.

Victoria's eyelashes fluttered, and her fingertips tightened slightly. After a moment of silence, she said with firm resolve, "Yes. I'm going to have this child and raise him."

As the words left her lips, Victoria felt a faint flutter beneath her palm, as if in response.

"And what about him? Do you plan on telling him?" Tobias asked.