Departure with a Belly (Alaric and Victoria) novel Chapter 597

Your Gift 

Meanwhile, Summer spent a long time shopping for gifts for Victoria and her children, and as she was shopping, Erik offered to pay for them on her behalf. 

However, she refused, “No need, I’m the one who wants to give them the gifts. I can’t let someone else for 

pay 

them.” 

After hearing this, he paused momentarily and realized she had a point, so he proposed, “Then, I’ll also give them a gift in my own name.” 

“Why? The gifts I’m giving them have a purpose, but what purpose could you have? Besides, you’re not close to 

them-” 

However, Erik looked at Summer intently and interrupted, “Well, I have my own purpose. What’s your relationship with the children?” 

וי 

guess… I’m like a godmother to them.” While saying this, she blushed as if she already knew what the man would say. 

“Well then, I’ll give them a gift in the name of my future role as a godfather.” 

After hearing this, her blush deepened, and she uttered, “I haven’t agreed to that yet.” 

“I know. I took the liberty.” 

Without giving her a chance to respond, Erik went to get the gifts, and Summer had to follow him and offer her input on what they should get. 

As soon as they had everything loaded into the cart, he swiped his card to make the payment. When the staff asked him to sign, he casually took a pen from his pocket and signed his name with flair. 

However, the staff noticed that his pen looked slightly worn out and couldn’t help but suggest, “Sir, your pen seems a bit old. We have some new pens in stock. Would you like to take a look?” 

Meanwhile, Summer, who had been looking at the gifts, couldn’t help but notice Erik’s pen when she heard the suggestion. Hence, she took a glance and was immediately frozen in place. That pen… Isn’t it the one I had given him? 

She recognized it right away because it was a discounted purchase she had made. After all, she couldn’t afford the pens designed by famous designers, and she thought that even if it was expensive, he wouldn’t necessarily appreciate it. In addition, she assumed that he wouldn’t even look at it and would simply throw it away, but she didn’t expect him to use it until the pen’s exterior showed significant signs of wear and tear. 

Suddenly, Summer felt her throat tighten, and she couldn’t find her voice. It’s been a long time since I gave him 

that 

pen. Previously, I may have questioned whether Erik’s visit to my home to propose to me was an act of impulsivity or insanity, but now I have no such doubts. After all, the age of that pen represents a multitude of things. Back then, he already felt something for me… 

As soon as he noticed her gaze, the steady and level–headed man suddenly realized what she was pondering, and he discreetly put the pen away. “No need. I have no plans to replace my pen for now.” 

Nonetheless, after seeing his determined expression, the staff didn’t know what to say. 

Biting her lip, Summer took the initiative to suggest, “Why don’t we get a new one? That pen is so worn out and a bit unsightly.” 

Erik glanced at her when he heard this. “It’s not unsightly. I like how it is now.” 

Her cheeks reddened, and she insisted, “Let’s buy a new one. You’ve been using that one all this time, and it’s embarrassing for me.” 

“Why?” 

“For no particular reason.” She turned her head away and continued, “I’ll get you a new one, so you don’t need this anymore.” This time, I will choose a pricey option rather than a discounted one. 

On the other hand, the nearby staff had been a little confused by their conversation, but upon hearing this, she finally realized why this tall and handsome man was using an old pen that didn’t match his status. She was good at reading the situation and immediately smiled, saying, “So, this pen was given to you by your beloved. No wonder you cherish it so much.” Since they have purchased so much from me today, I won’t mind flattering them a bit, even if they don’t buy a pen. Maybe I could even make a positive contribution to their relationship! 

Sure enough, Erik glanced at the staff, and this time, the look in his eyes was much friendlier. 

Then, the staff continued, looking at Summer. “Miss, you’re so lucky. It seems that this gentleman likes you.” 

In the meantime, Summer, already shy due to the flattery, felt even more embarrassed and awkward. “It’s not what you think.” While saying this, she turned to him. “Anyway, let me buy you a new one. Don’t use that. anymore.” After saying that, she looked at the staff. “Where are the pens? Can you show me?” 

“Of course.” The staff immediately nodded and led her to check them out. 

Hence, Summer followed her, leaving the man behind. 

Afterward, the staff showed her the new styles of pens that had come in, and just as she was picking one, Erik 

also came over. 

“There’s no need to pick a very good one,” he whispered in Summer’s ear, and as he spoke, his warm breath tickled her ear, making her tremble slightly. 

“Who said I wanted to pick a good one for you? I just thought the old one looks worn out, so I want to get you 

a new one.” 

He curled his lips and replied, “Yeah, thanks.” 

After much deliberation, Summer bought a new, more expensive, aesthetically pleasing pen. However, he did not mention paying for it; instead, he merely observed in silence as she made the payment, and she handed 

him the box after she had done so. 

“Here’s a new one. Don’t use the old one anymore; it doesn’t suit your status.” She couldn’t imagine how a man like him could go around signing things with that worn–out pen on various occasions. It is so incongruent with his elite image that the staff at the counter has suggested he get a new one. 

Then, Erik took the pen from her and said, “Thank you.” 

“No, don’t mention it. It’s just a pen, after all.” 

“As a return gift, I’ll give you a gift too.” 

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