Chapter 38%
“I was thinking I’d love to make you your favorite corn soup every morning, help you sort through all those files for the sponsored children and even team up to buy Pax, that bath shampoo she hates so much.“}
His voice softened even more, “Of course, if you’d rather not … “>
I gently tapped his forehead with a pebble. “I promise.“}
I never imagined anyone would wait for me this long.}
Maybe it was the beautiful seaside atmosphere; I couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss the corner of his lips.
His arms wrapped around my waist and we swayed before collapsing onto the sand in a tangle.
Pax strolled back with her elegant cat steps, curiously sniffing our clasped hands.}
Julian chuckled, scratching her chin. “From now on, you need Papa’s permission to sneak any canned food.“}
No rush to get married, no rush to make any promises.}
We’ll take our time.
Unbeknownst to me, Jonathan had gotten another woman pregnant.}
In the hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology department, the smell of disinfectant mingled with the stuffy warmth of the hallway. Jonathan leaned against the wall, waiting anxiously.
He hadn’t expected that it had been barely any time since Wendy lost her baby and Yvonne was already pregnant.}
She walked out of the exam room with an ultrasound printout in hand, a subtle smile tugging at her lips.
“How did it go?” Dean asked anxiously from his wheelchair. His health had been declining and he hadn’t fully recovered since his last serious illness.
Yvonne sweetly knelt beside him and unfolded the paper on his lap. “The doctor said the baby’s very healthy. Already six weeks along.“} She lightly tapped the fuzzy shape on the image. “Look here, these are the tiny arms and legs … ”
You couldn’t see anything clearly at this stage.”
Still, Dean gently stroked the ultrasound image, utterly thrilled. “Good, good!”
He never thought he’d have another grandchild at his age. “Jonathan, come see your little brother.” Jonathan’s Adam’s apple bobbed.}
He bent over stiffly and glanced at the blurry black–and–white image.}
The blurry shadow felt like an ominous sign, making the hairs on his neck stand on end.§
Was this child even his or his father’s?!
“Don’t get too excited,” Yvonne said considerately, patting Dean’s back. “The doctor said you need to rest.“} She looked up at Jonathan, her eyes gentle as water. “Jonathan wili take good care of us, won’t he?”
Jonathan’s temples throbbed.
“Yeah.” His voice was dry, almost hoarse. “I’ll … take good care of you.“>
No, the child couldn’t be his.
That night, Jonathan sat in his room again, staring at his phone screen, secretly looking at my social media account.
I posted a new photo. It shows Julian’s back as he cooks in the kitchen and the caption is “The taste of home.”
His screen’s reflection showed his distorted face, red eyes lined with fatigue.
He couldn’t believe I had moved on so quickly, as if the past ten years had no impact on me.
The door was gently pushed open.
Yvonne walked in carrying herbal tea. Underneath her silk robe, a slight curve was beginning to show on her belly.
“Your father’s asleep. She placed the cup on the table and let her fingers brush his hand. “The doctor said pregnant women must stay in a good mood.“%
Jonathan suddenly stood up, agitated. “What do you really want?”
Yvonne calmly pulled a tissue and dabbed at a splash of liquor on her robe. “I want my child to have a rightful place in the Zanders.“%
“Besides.” She continued, “Weren’t you always wanting a child? Back when Daphne couldn’t conceive, you constantly blamed her and even found Wendy to have one for you. Now that Wendy has miscarried, I’m pregnant. Aren’t you happy?*%
Jonathan stared at her in disbelief. “Wait. Is this child really mine?“”
Fast, Now
