The voices gradually subsided, just as the door opened again. Cersei walked in with her arm linked through Hurley’s. Her eyes bright with joy, she led him toward the counter, excitedly recommending her favorite flavor. “The cream puffs here are excellent! You should try them!”
Hurley ultimately yielded to Cersei’s enthusiasm, joining her in ordering cream puffs and coffee. As they were about to find seats, they met Louis’s gaze directly. This was Cersei’s first time seeing Louis in such a state. Dark coffee had soaked his hair, dripping from the ends onto his white shirt.
As their gazes locked, he looked flustered and tried to avoid hers. But seated directly across from them, he had nowhere to hide. “Cersei…” He forced a smile, preparing to greet them. But before he could even finish her name, she had already looked away, pretending she hadn’t seen him. She simply took Hurley’s arm and walked in the opposite direction.
The couple gradually moved away, disappearing into the crowd. A bitter taste spread on Louis’s tongue, and his vision blurred. He instinctively raised his hand to wipe his eyes, only to realize it was coffee that had gotten into them. He pulled at the corner of his lips in a self-mocking smile, laughing at his own foolishness, at his presumption.
Yes, Cersei had made it clear so many times that she disliked him and despised him. How could she possibly sit down and have a conversation with him now? Perhaps soon, even that momentary pause would disappear. He rose dispassionately and walked out of the coffee shop. Sunlight fell upon him, and he looked up, only to find his eyes couldn’t bear the brightness. The voices of the crowd echoed in his mind again, and Louis smiled bitterly once more. They were right, after all. He was the one who hadn’t known how to cherish what he had.
In the second year of Cersei and Hurley’s marriage, the two families arranged a family gathering. It wasn’t a large group, but the atmosphere around the dining table was warm and pleasant. Hurley thoughtfully ladled a bowl of soup and placed it before her. “Here, your favorite clam chowder.” The young couple’s affection made both sets of parents feel satisfied. Cersei still wasn’t used to being too affectionate in front of her elders, but she certainly appreciated his attentiveness.
As she picked up the soup bowl to drink, the aroma that usually smelled so good somehow carried a fishy odor this time. Her stomach churned, and her face changed as she quickly stood up and headed to the restroom. The sudden shift startled everyone present. Seeing her strong reaction, everyone grew concerned. “What’s happening? Hurley, go check on her. If she’s sick, take her to the hospital right away. Don’t let it drag on!”
Hurley was just as confused but quickly followed. When he reached the bathroom, Cersei was still vomiting. Her stomach was already empty, yet the nauseous feeling wouldn’t subside. Both families urgently took her to the hospital, where they were referred from gastroenterology to obstetrics, and finally received an answer.
Looking at the positive test result, Hurley could hardly believe it. After confirming multiple times, the doctor finally grew impatient and began shooing them away. “Yes, she’s definitely pregnant. Six weeks along. Morning sickness is normal, don’t worry. Just be careful with diet, keep calm, and don’t stress. Next, please!”
The group that had arrived full of worry departed bursting with joy. Cersei became the center of attention for both families. Surrounded by the doting care of three concerned elders, she felt somewhat helpless. She had only become pregnant, yet everyone acted as if facing a major crisis.
After another routine check-up, with her already visible baby bump, she raised her head and determined to maintain her freedom. “You heard the doctor, right?” she said with confidence. “As long as I don’t overindulge, my mood should be the priority. I want ice cream—go buy some for me!” She commanded with such conviction that Hurley could only nod. “Alright, alright, I’ll go buy it. But you promised—don’t overdo it.”
Seeing her nod in agreement, he left with a sense of relief. Cersei stood waiting, only to find someone had quietly appeared before her. She looked up to see Louis. His gaze fell on her slightly rounded belly, appearing somewhat stunned. “How many months?” His voice was hoarse.
Perhaps due to hormonal changes, Cersei found her emotions had mellowed since becoming pregnant. Now, seeing Louis, she could even converse with him civilly. She didn’t conceal anything. “Just over three months.” She gently placed her hand on her belly, a soft glow of motherhood in her eyes. Just as he was about to say something more, Hurley returned with an ice cream cone. Cersei lost any desire to continue their conversation and happily walked toward Hurley.
Behind them, Louis watched as they walked away shoulder to shoulder. He swallowed back the question, “Are you happy now?” She was happy. That was enough. Then his eyes grew hot with emotion as he remembered they had once had a child together, but he had been too inadequate as a father, so ultimately that child had left them. Perhaps it was fate. Destiny had determined they weren’t meant to be a perfect match.