The Attention 384 Summary
In Chapter 384 of “The Attention 384,” the protagonist grapples with feelings of inadequacy as a mother. She reflects on her struggles, particularly her desire to connect with her newborn daughter, Minnie. Despite her shortcomings, she is determined to improve her parenting. This determination is met with a mix of emotions as she interacts with her son, Mickey, who offers her comfort and warmth amidst her self-doubt.
The arrival of Ashton, her partner, with Minnie in his arms triggers a complex emotional response in her. While she longs to hold her daughter, Minnie’s immediate preference for Ashton leads to feelings of rejection and jealousy. The protagonist’s heart sinks as she watches Minnie calm down in Ashton’s embrace, intensifying her sense of exclusion. In a moment of vulnerability, she chooses to focus on Mickey, seeking solace in their bond while grappling with her feelings of inadequacy as a mother.
As the chapter progresses, the protagonist’s jealousy towards Ashton’s affection for Minnie deepens. She observes Ashton effortlessly caring for their daughter, which stirs feelings of bitterness within her. The protagonist struggles to understand why Minnie seems to favor Ashton over her, leading to a painful realization of her perceived failure as a mother. This emotional turmoil is compounded by Ashton’s apparent oblivion to her feelings, further isolating her in her thoughts.
When Ashton returns home, he attempts to bridge the emotional gap by pulling her into his arms and acknowledging her jealousy. This moment of intimacy offers a brief reprieve from her feelings of inadequacy, but the protagonist’s playful teasing hints at her lingering uncertainty about their relationship. As they share this connection, the tension shifts from jealousy to flirtation, suggesting a deeper bond that transcends their parenting struggles. The chapter concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, leaving the protagonist contemplating the complexities of love, jealousy, and intimacy in their evolving family dynamic.
Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below
**TITLE: The Attention 384**
**CONTENT: Chapter 384 Spoiled**
With a heavy sigh escaping my lips, I felt my shoulders sag under the weight of my thoughts. “Forget it,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head in frustration. “Why am I even bothering to ask you?” I glanced at Mickey, my heart aching with the realization that, despite my shortcomings as a mother, I was determined to improve. “Still, even if I’m not a great mum right now, I’ll work on it.”
Mickey, however, remained as serene as ever, his gaze fixed on me with an expression that seemed to hold a world of understanding. His calmness was both comforting and unsettling.
I couldn’t help but smile, a flicker of warmth igniting within me. I reached down, scooping him up into my arms, and enveloped him in a gentle cuddle. His small body fit perfectly against mine, and for a moment, the chaos of my emotions faded away.
Just then, the bedroom door creaked open, and in walked Ashton, cradling a freshly changed Minnie in his arms. The sight of them together brought a rush of conflicting feelings—love, pride, and an undeniable pang of jealousy.
I set Mickey down reluctantly, turning my attention to Ashton. “Let me hold her too,” I said, my voice tinged with a mixture of eagerness and apprehension.
Ashton hesitated for a fleeting moment, his eyes narrowing as he assessed my expression. But he remained silent, stepping forward and gently transferring the baby into my waiting arms.
“Minnie, it’s Mummy,” I cooed softly, my heart swelling with affection as I cradled her tiny form.
But in an instant, my joy was shattered by a piercing wail.
My heart sank, and I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. “Minnie, I’m your mum! I gave birth to you. How can you not let me hold you?” I pleaded, my voice tinged with desperation.
“Waaah!” she cried, her tiny face scrunching up in distress.
I stared down at her, taken aback by her rejection.
“Better let me take her,” Ashton said with a resigned sigh. He reached over, effortlessly lifting her from my arms, and began to pat her back soothingly. To my utter disbelief, she quieted almost immediately, her tears still glistening on her lashes. Within seconds, she broke into a wide, gummy grin, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her handsome dad.
Watching them together, a sharp pang of disappointment pierced through me. My eyes stung with unshed tears as I felt an overwhelming sense of exclusion.
“Forget it,” I murmured, forcing a smile as I turned away. “I’ll stick to holding my son.”
I scooped Mickey back into my arms, seeking solace in the fact that at least one of my children didn’t seem to reject me. He looked up at me with a calm expression before returning his attention to his tiny hands, blissfully content in my embrace.
***
Ashton’s affection for Minnie had blossomed into something that, even to me, felt excessive. I couldn’t believe he had started taking her to the office with him.
When he came home that day, the driver opened the car door, and Ashton stepped out, cradling Minnie as he made his way upstairs with purpose.
Babies have a knack for falling asleep easily, and by the time he reached the bedroom, she was already nestled in the land of dreams once more.
I was perched on the edge of the bed, flipping through a magazine, when I heard him enter. I glanced up, taking in the sight of him with the baby in his arms, and couldn’t help but let a hint of bitterness seep into my tone. “You carry her around all day long. Don’t you ever get tired?”
Not that I would ever admit to feeling a twinge of jealousy.
Ashton didn’t respond. Instead, he gently placed Minnie in her cot, removed his suit jacket, and disappeared into the bathroom.
I snapped the magazine shut, my gaze lingering on the cot where my daughter lay peacefully.
I honestly couldn’t wrap my head around what I had done wrong. My own daughter, my flesh and blood, wouldn’t allow me to hold her, and the most painful part was witnessing her infatuation with her father.
Jealousy gnawed at me—not just for Minnie’s preference for Ashton, but also for Ashton himself, who seemed to forget I existed the moment she was born. He didn’t even spare me a glance when I spoke.
Ten minutes later, the bathroom door swung open, and Ashton emerged, clad only in a towel that clung to his tall, solid frame. I stole a glance, then quickly averted my eyes, pretending his appearance didn’t affect me at all.
If he wasn’t going to acknowledge me, then I certainly wouldn’t acknowledge him either.
I felt the bed dip beside me as he settled down. I tried to maintain my composure, but curiosity got the better of me, and I glanced up. “What are you doing? Coming home in the middle of the day just to sleep?”
Ashton remained silent, his only response being to pull me into his arms and plant a gentle kiss on my forehead.
“You’ve been jealous because I’ve been holding our daughter all the time. So, I came back to hold you,” he said, his voice low and soothing.
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I pushed against his chest playfully. “Who asked you to? And I wasn’t jealous!”
My half-hearted struggle felt futile, like a gentle tickle against his firm resolve. I found myself unable to escape his embrace.
Pressed against him, I could feel the warmth radiating from his body, and for a moment, I froze, laughter bubbling up within me. “Serves you right,” I teased, a wicked grin spreading across my face.
Whatever thoughts were swirling in his mind, I decided he could keep them to himself for now.
An idea sparked in my mind, mischievous and daring.
I tossed the magazine aside, allowing my body to melt against him as I lifted a hand to caress his face. My fingers trailed down to his chest, feather-light, as I gazed up at him with a teasing smile. “Darling, are you feeling hot?”
Ashton’s entire body went rigid at my words. His eyes darkened, a smoldering intensity igniting within them as he focused on me, as if he could set me ablaze with just a glance. His arm tightened around me, pulling me even closer until there was barely a breath of space left between us.
I reveled in the sensation of his muscles beneath my hand, a thrill of satisfaction coursing through me.
I shot him a smug look, my voice cool and playful. “Shame, though. I can’t really help you. You’ll just have to deal with it.”
As I began to withdraw my hand, he caught it firmly, his grip unyielding.
“You can help me,” Ashton replied, his voice now rough and filled with intent, his eyes burning with a desire that sent shivers down my spine.
My heartbeat quickened, the teasing smile fading from my face as uncertainty washed over me.
“You’re not seriously thinking of…” I stammered, my voice trailing off as I realized the implications of his words.
Conclusion
In this chapter, the emotional arc culminates in a poignant realization of the complexities of motherhood and the longing for connection. The protagonist grapples with feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and the desire for validation from her children, particularly in the face of her daughter Minnie’s apparent preference for Ashton. Despite her frustrations and insecurities, there is a flicker of hope as she resolves to improve her role as a mother. The moment she holds Mickey, finding solace in their bond, underscores the deep-seated love she has for her children, even amidst her struggles. This duality of emotions—love intertwined with jealousy—paints a vivid picture of her internal conflict.
As the chapter progresses, the tension between her feelings of exclusion and the warmth of Ashton’s affection creates a dynamic tension that ultimately leads to a moment of playful intimacy. Ashton’s gentle acknowledgment of her jealousy and his desire to hold her close serves as a reminder that their relationship still holds potential for connection and understanding. The playful banter between them, culminating in a charged moment of desire, reveals the underlying love that persists despite the challenges of parenthood. This conclusion signifies a turning point for the protagonist, suggesting that while the path of motherhood may be fraught with difficulties, there remains a foundation of love and partnership that can help them navigate the tumultuous waters ahead.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect an emotional whirlwind as the tension between the characters escalates. The palpable jealousy that has been simmering beneath the surface will come to a head, forcing the protagonist to confront her feelings of inadequacy and exclusion. With Ashton’s affectionate bond with Minnie starkly contrasting her own tumultuous emotions, the stakes are raised as she grapples with her identity as a mother and a partner. Will she find a way to navigate this complicated landscape, or will her insecurities drive a wedge between her and Ashton?
As the chapter unfolds, the dynamic between Ashton and the protagonist is set to shift dramatically. With their playful banter hinting at deeper desires, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering whether their connection can withstand the pressures of parenthood and jealousy. The tension is ripe for a turning point, where vulnerability may lead to a breakthrough or further complications. Will they find common ground, or will the walls they’ve built around their hearts prove too formidable to break down? Anticipation hangs in the air as the next chapter promises to delve deeper into their relationship, revealing the raw truths that lie beneath the surface.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
