All Chapters of UGLY? No More!: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Vivienne lifted a hand, silencing him with the smallest flick of her fingers. “No, Julian. There is no more waiting. You’ve told me the truth, and I’ve listened. Now, it’s my turn. By hook or by crook, you will bring that child to the Cross estate in the morning.”Her eyes gleamed, sharp and bright, a mixture of maternal warmth and unshakable determination. “I will not sit idle, wondering and imagining. I want to see her. I want to meet my granddaughter, properly. I want her under this roof where she belongs.”Julian hesitated, searching her face for any trace of hesitation, but Vivienne was already several steps ahead.She turned toward the door, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor, every movement decisive.“And do not think to argue with me, Julian,” she continued over her shoulder, the silk of her blouse whispering as she moved. “I have already made up my mind. If you do not bring her to me, I will come myself. And believe me...” she paused, glancing back with a sm

Elara shook her head, the memory of Julian leaning in and pressing his lips to her forehead flooding back.She swallowed, voice trembling. “No. Not like that. But… he kissed my forehead. He told me to be safe.”Lydia’s teasing smile softened into something gentler, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “Oh, Elara.” She reached out and smoothed her daughter’s hair like she had when Elara was still a little girl. “That man is serious about you. A forehead kiss is no small thing, it is reverence, respect, care. Not just desire.”Elara’s throat tightened, and she whispered, “I know. That’s why I… I’m scared. But also… hopeful.”Before Lydia could respond, the sound of hurried little feet pounded down the hallway.The door swung open with dramatic flair, and Mira came bursting in, already dressed in a frilly dress Lydia must have helped her into.Her hair was only half brushed, one sock sliding down her leg, but her face was glowing with excitement.“Mommy!” Mira squealed, launching herself on

The sound of footsteps echoed faintly on the polished wood above, a soft rhythm that instantly made Julian’s head tilt toward the staircase.He didn’t even realize his breath had stilled, only that something instinctive told him this was the moment.Lydia, sharp as ever, noticed the way his posture shifted, the subtle tightening of his jaw, the anticipation that almost betrayed his usual composed demeanor.She smirked to herself but said nothing, at least not yet.Then came the first glimpse.Elara stepped into view at the top of the staircase, her hand resting lightly on the railing as though she were collecting herself.Her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, catching the sunlight streaming through the high windows.She wore something simple, a flowing ivory blouse tucked neatly into a soft blue skirt that swayed with each step, but on her, the simplicity only magnified her elegance.Julian didn’t move. Couldn’t. His eyes locked on her as though the house, the world, had di

The sleek black car rolled down the long, tree lined drive of the Cross estate, sunlight flickering through the canopy above like nature itself was preparing a spotlight for the moment.From the backseat, Mira practically bounced in her booster seat, her small hands clutching her doll, Eira, while her little feet kicked the air with uncontainable excitement.“Mommy, Mommy! Are we there yet? Daddy said Grandma Vivienne has chocolates and toys and...” she gasped dramatically, pressing her nose to the window as the gates swung open to reveal the sprawling mansion beyond. “It’s so big! Is this Daddy’s castle?”Julian chuckled from the driver’s seat, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror where he caught Elara’s tense expression. “It’s not a castle, Mira,” he said warmly, “but it is your grandmother’s home. And yes, it’s big because she has a big heart.”Mira squealed, clearly convinced. “A princess house for a princess grandma!”Elara, meanwhile, smoothed the skirt of her dress for what

While the adults exchanged their little convos, Mira had made her way into the toy room, her delighted squeals carrying back down the hall. “Mommy! Grandma Lydia! Grandma Vivienne! LOOK! There’s a crown! Eira says I’m a princess now!”She waddled back out with a glittery tiara sliding lopsided on her curls, chocolate already smeared on her chin. “Am I pretty?”Elara rushed forward, mortified. “Mira, your hands....”“There,” he said softly. “Now you’re the prettiest princess I’ve ever seen.”Mira beamed and flung her arms around his neck, nearly knocking the tiara off. “Thank you, Daddy.”Elara’s heart squeezed so tight she had to look away, but Vivienne was watching with sharp, glittering eyes.Mira twirled with her tiara, shouting at the top of her lungs, “Mommy is a QUEEN! Daddy is a KING! And I’m the princess!”Everyone laughed at once, even Vivienne. ..................The dining hall of the Cross Estate looked like it had been plucked straight out of a royal palace, high arched