Chapter 44

Gideon had been in a funk for the past few days, probably without even realizing it himself. The truth was, Calliope had been on his mind a lot.

Maybe it was time she figured out a way to marry him already.

Yvette squinted thoughtfully. If she could only get pregnant with Gideon’s child, then she could secure a marriage.

But then again, did it really have to be Gideon’s baby?

As long as she was pregnant, he’d have no way of knowing the child wasn’t his.

Yvette’s eyes sparkled with the possibilities.

A baby would be her golden ticket. With one on the way, Gideon’s parents would have no choice but to accept her.

Calliope and Portia were about to continue their shopping spree when Gideon intercepted them, pulling Calliope aside into a corner.

Gideon shot Portia a glare before turning to Calliope. “What exactly are you up to? You’ve been driving me crazy for days now. Isn’t it time to stop? Look, I know I messed up with the whole marriage thing, and I’m sorry. But we’re meant to be together, aren’t we?”

“In your dreams! Who’s meant to be with you? Seriously, don’t push your luck, or I’ll have your uncle deal with you!”

Calliope rolled her eyes at Gideon, who struggled to keep his cool, his hands balling into fists. “Calliope, if you keep this up, I’ll never forgive you for the rest of my life! I’m giving you one last chance. Talk to me properly!”

Calliope sighed. “Listen, show some respect, alright? I think you need to eat something to boost your brainpower because it seems a bit obtuse. And why would I want your forgiveness? Trash is meant to be discarded. Why would I forgive something I’ve thrown away? Are you joking?”

“Calliope!” Gideon, now visibly frustrated, reached for Calliope’s arm.

Caught off guard, Calliope dropped the things she was holding.

The bag Portia had given her fell to the ground, its contents spilling out for all to see.

A set of lingerie and some playful accessories lay exposed on the floor.

Calliope’s eyes widened in shock.

Gideon stared down at the items in disbelief and then looked up at Calliope, astonished. “You…”

Calliope was speechless.

Portia nudged Calliope with her elbow, winking. “Oops, looks like you dropped something. Mr. Baker, are you jealous? Does Yvette ever spice things up like this for you? Callie and Silas have such a fiery relationship; they love adding a little fun to their marriage!”

“Calliope, have you no shame?” Gideon’s face was flushed with anger.

“How is it shameless for me to enjoy things with my husband? Isn’t the real disgrace you, playing around with someone who’s not your girlfriend?”

With a calm demeanor, Calliope picked up the items off the ground. She and Portia walked away, leaving Gideon behind, looking like a balloon about to burst.

In the car, Calliope glanced at the bag with a twitching smile. “Seriously, Portia? This is what you got for me? Handcuffs, a little whip, and this see-through outfit… with bunny ears?”

“Oh, come on! Silas might seem all serious, but trust me, no man can resist a little fun like this! I packed you a whole bunch of toys and outfits. Surely, one of them will be up his alley!”