Chapter 49

Julian glared at Leon, considering him a jerk for marrying his student despite being a professor. Leon couldn't be bothered to explain. If Julian hadn't put his drink right before him that night, none of this would have happened.

“How long are you going to keep interrogating him?” Leon asked casually.

Patan decided to let it go for now and smiled at Kelly. “Have a seat.” His gaze instinctively fell upon Kelly’s belly. Leon had mentioned she was pregnant, but the bump wasn’t yet obvious, so he supposed she was in the early stages.

After they sat down, Julian gestured toward Kelly. “See if there’s anything you’d like to eat.”

Kelly waved her hand. “I’m fine with anything. You guys go ahead and order.”

Knowing women might be more reserved, Julian dropped the formalities, picked up the menu, and asked, “Do you have any dietary restrictions?” Leon spoke first. “She can’t handle spicy food. Just get her the barbecue ribs.”

Julian shot a disdainful look at Leon, wondering how he could suddenly act like a caring partner. If he truly cared, why had he gotten Kelly pregnant in the first place?

Then, Julian thought about her craving for sweet and tangy food and wondered if that was a sign of having a boy. He already pictured a chubby baby boy in his mind. Once the food was served, Julian held back from prying after being warned by Leon. Instead, he chatted casually with Leon about their high school days and the current state of the medical field.

Kelly couldn’t fully join their conversation, so she just listened quietly. From the snippets she caught, she could picture what Leon must have been like back then. He had been full of spirits and extremely capable, definitely more popular among the girls than he was now.

When the topic changed to medicine, she perked up. As a future doctor, she listened attentively, and their unique perspectives gave her some new insights.

Leon noticed from the corner of his eye that she was listening seriously, and he smiled faintly. Noticing her empty plate, Leon used the serving spoon to add some food for her.

“Thanks,” Kelly said politely.

But once he started, he didn’t know when to stop. He kept serving her food from time to time. Her plate was always full. She couldn’t finish the food, no matter how much she ate. In the end, she shot Leon a slightly resentful look.

Catching her glance, Leon finally realized what he was doing and quietly set the serving spoon down. Julian observed their interaction closely. They didn’t seem close, yet there was a strange and comfortable chemistry between them.

Having known Leon for so many years, Julian had always imagined his future partner would be a sensible and intelligent woman. He never expected it to be someone who seemed soft and needed to be protected.

“Hey, Mrs. Butler,” Julian suddenly called out.

Kelly almost choked on her drink.

“Take it easy. Do you need some water?” Leon gently patted her back and handed her a glass. Kelly took a sip and managed to calm down, though her face remained slightly red.

“What’s wrong?” Julian didn’t think it was alarming.

Leon gave him a sideways glance and said, “Are you so formal?”

Julian shrugged casually. “It’s just out of respect.”

Seeing Leon’s frustrated look, Julian added, “She didn’t mind that, right? Am I right, Mrs. Butler?”

Kelly’s ears were burning, and she quickly said, “Just call me Kelly.”

Julian looked at Leon. “Is that okay, old man?”

Kelly stole a glance at Leon’s expression after Julian made a sarcastic comment about their age gap, fearing that it might upset him.