Unlike Josh''s cousin, Serenity''s inws weren''t as strict. But even Josh''s cousin had eased up on Jasmine. Jasmine was over a month further along than Serenity, and her belly showed it. Josh''s cousin had reasoned that since the baby was already well-developed, there was no need for special nutritious meals anymore. Jasmine could eat regr food, as long as she avoided junk food and anything risky for pregnant women, which Jasmine was careful about anyway. She now instinctively checked if her food was safe for her pregnancy. People with experience always say that the first child is raised by the book, and the second one... not so much.


    "Alright, let Jasmine help you eat some when the timees," Zachary said while clearing the table. "If you can''t eat, I won''t push you, so don''t worry."


    When Zachary cooked at home, he preferred to handle the dishes and chopsticks himself instead of leaving it to the servants. Everyone at Wildridge Manor knew that Zachary liked to live like an ordinary couple when he was alone with Serenity. Despite being the eldest son of a wealthy family, he wanted a simple, down-to-earth lifestyle. For him, this ordinary life, although in, brought a unique happiness.


    The staff at Wildridge Manor had noticed a change in Zachary ever since Serenity became part of the household. While he remained stern in front of them, they all recognized that Serenity had softened his heart. She was his vulnerability, his tender side.


    Serenity''s growing influence hadn''tN?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    gone unnoticed. The staff found her more approachable and felt morefortable speaking to her about problems. They knew that if Serenity couldn''t solve an issue, she would bring to Zachary, and that was more effective than approaching him directly. Everyone understood that Serenity held Zachary''s heart, and being loyal to her meant securing a bright future under her leadership as the future mistress of the house.


    "Seren," Zachary said, concerned, "don''t take what Grandma said to heart. I don''t prefer sons over daughters. I''ll love our children ho matter if they''re boys or girls''


    Zachary was worried his wife might feel pressured to have a daughter.


    "I''m not upset," Serenity reassured him. "Grandma''s just disappointed. If I were in her shoes, I''d be dreaming of a great-granddaughter too." She understood Grandma''s longing if she were a grandmother with three sons but no daughters, she would feel the same way. Imagine having nine grandsons and no granddaughters! And if those grandsons went on to have all sons, leaving her with eighteen great-grandsons and not a single greatgranddaughter... Serenity


    shuddered at the thought.


    That''s just how life is. Those who wish for daughters often have sons, and those who wish for sons have daughters.


    Serenity wanted both a son and a daughter, not because of any preference, but simply because it felt like the ideal bnce. She thought that having both would be perfect.