“What I mean is..." Erick paused for a moment, struggling to find the right words to clearly explain his thoughts. He wondered what their mother would say if she was there.

After a while, Eric sighed and said, “What you need is a partner who will be with you for the rest of your Life. Someone integral to your life and not just someone good to you and your children. Because being good to you and your children can be handled by us, your family. And we can do that indefinitely. So, when considering Stefan's confession, you need to set aside this factor and only focus on one thing. And that is whether this man is really someone you want."

Raegan had never thought about this. She had a giving personality, prioritizing the people she cared about the most, especially her family. Just like when considering a father for her children, she purely looked for the standard of a good father, not thinking if he would be a good partner for her.

Raegan remained silent, so Erick continued, "Raegan, although I don't know much about feelings, I don't think the dynamics between you and Stefan fall into that description. Stefan indeed treats you well. But I don't want you to have the mentality that since you can't repay his kindness, you might as well offer yourself to him wholeheartedly."

Raegan developed a pleaser personality because of her childhood experiences. If someone treated her well, she would treat them even better. But if she couldn't repay their kindness, she might sacrifice herself to satisfy them.

Erick didn't want Raegan to make decisions without understanding her feelings clearly. He added, “What I mean is, I don't want you to settle down. Don't let our opinions sway you. You should know that it's your life, so what you think is the most important."

Raegan looked at Erick in awe. She hadn't expected him to say such profound words. She felt like he had matured. She grasped his speech.

Rather than finding a standard good man to marry, Erick cared more about whether she felt a soul connection with her partner.

Raegan was suddenly enlightened, realizing she had fallen into a misconception before. Indeed, she shouldn't have measured a man by the idea of finding a great father for her three children. So, she nodded repeatedly. “Erick, I understand what you mean. I'll think it over carefully."

Erick desired for Raegan to prioritize her own feelings instead of always placing others over herself. He said gently, “Always remember that whatever decision you make, our dad and I will unconditionally support you. Whether you stay single or get married, we always have your back."

Raegan's eyes were slightly teary as she hugged Erick. "Erick, our family will be reunited."

"Yes. Definitely!" Erick was firm and determined.

The next day, Stefan came to see Raegan early in the morning and invited her for a walk.

Raegan readily agreed.

Stefan had always been considerate. Before Raegan could even bring up the topic, he said first, "Raegan, what I said that day was a bit premature and rushed. I didn't consider that you were still pregnant and that your emotions were a bit unstable. I know it will change in the future. So, let's talk about it again later."

Maybe because he lacked maternal care, Stefan had always been sensitive. He quickly detected even the slightest change in Raegan's emotions. Like right now, he felt she was wavering a bit. But he hadn't had the opportunity to demonstrate himself to her yet. So, he wanted to delay things for as long as possible and strive for more opportunities.

Such behavior might not be honorable. But when it came to matters of emotion, everyone could be selfish.

Stefan felt this was the only despicable thing he had ever done.

Raegan's weak spot was her inability to refuse those who were kind to her, especially when Stefan phrased his request so effectively.

To Raegan, after Stefan presented his case, any outright rejection from her would appear cold and unappreciative, so she simply nodded silently, implicitly accepting his suggestion.