Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 583

Imogen listened with her heart pounding. She was filled with trust and relief rather than suspicion. "Archie, how are your injuries now? Will there be any lingering effects?"

"They're almost fully healed. There's no need to worry," Archie replied, whispering next to her ear with a smile on his face. "I still have to take care of my wife and child, don't I? I wouldn't dare not recover."

Just that one sentence made Imogen's face flush a deep red.

The maids standing nearby exchanged glances, each seeing the same sentiment in the other's eyes—admiration for how deeply Imogen and Archie cared for each other.

But duty called. One maid stepped forward and reminded Imogen, "Ms. Russell, you're still barefoot. Let me help you put on your shoes."

Imogen was about to respond when Archie took the shoes from the maid's hands and knelt down, personally putting them on for her.

Then, without hesitation, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to the bedroom.

After gently placing her on the bed and tucking her in, Archie turned his attention to the cradle nearby.

Inside, the baby gazed up with wide, round eyes. The little one had a delicate, cherubic face—soft, fair, and irresistibly adorable. However, the child didn't resemble him. Instead, the baby looked almost identical to Imogen, as if a perfect copy.

Archie's initial excitement faded, though he forced himself to suppress his disappointment. Even knowing the child was biologically his, he felt no attachment.

Still, he maintained a flawless facade. His expression brimmed with joy and fatherly pride, every detail meticulously convincing.

"Can I… Can I hold him?" he asked with a hint of nervous excitement.

"Alright," Archie replied.

Once the housekeeper left and the door clicked shut, cutting off all outside gazes, the warm smile on Archie's face vanished. His expression grew cold and sharp.

"So noisy and annoying," he thought to himself.

His inner impatience was masked by a calm exterior. His voice, still soft and soothing, carried an ambiguous mix of sincerity and pretense, fooling everyone but himself.

"Imogen, you've been through so much. It's my fault as a husband and father for not being there for such a significant moment like your labor. I've let you down. But don't worry. From now on, I'll take good care of you and our child."