Chapter 352
Murray asked with genuine curiosity, “Natalie, what do you mean?”
A playful glint sparkled in Natalie’s eyes as she replied, “Just wait for the good news. For now, let’s enjoy our meal.”
As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally. Natalie and Murray discussed maternity products from abroad, and Murray agreed to go with her after the new year to negotiate deals. Natalie felt that this winter had been especially good for her. Since Maurice had not entered this field, she had no choice but to team up with Murray. Their friendship was clear as they enjoyed their meal.
Meanwhile, Jennifer had truly gone to the hospital. As she left, her discomfort grew; an uneasy, sticky heat wrapped around her, suggesting trouble ahead. Last night, she and Octavian had gone too far, even using adult toys for excitement.
Easton, filled with annoyance, waited by her side during the check-up, often glancing at his watch. At that moment, he was acutely aware that Natalie and Murray were likely finishing their dinner together. As a man, Easton easily saw how Murray looked at Natalie—he was pursuing her too. This realization stirred up Easton’s irritation, as Natalie had completely liberated herself since leaving him.
Suddenly, the doctor approached Easton and asked, “Are you Jennifer’s family?”
Easton nodded stiffly and didn’t say anything.
The doctor, frustrated, scolded him, “Your wife is pregnant! How could you act this way while she’s in this condition? Can’t you show some self-control? You nearly endangered your child! She needs to rest at home for the next three months, with no intimacy. Given your appearance, it’s shocking you don’t have the sensitivity to care for her—she’s already so fragile.”
Easton didn’t know what to say, and his eyes blazed with anger. As the doctor walked away, muttering about how reckless the younger generation was, Easton clenched his fists. He realized how wild Jennifer was in private. He felt like a fool, completely taken in by her. Had it not been for overhearing Natalie and Murray and seeing the photos on Natalie’s phone, he would have believed Jennifer—a girl he had watched grow—was a good girl. Now he was shocked to discover how depraved her private life had become.
As Jennifer came out, she lowered her gaze, feeling unwell. Anxiety gnawed at her, hoping Easton stayed oblivious to her condition. Unbeknownst to her, the doctor had already informed Easton, as it was part of his duty.
Standing before Easton, she managed a faint smile. “Easton, I’m fine; we can go home now.”
Easton frowned and said, "What did you say?"
"I said, I probably won't be in a hurry to find a man again."
"You..."
He scowled, his expression clouded by a mix of anger and disappointment.
Coldly, he replied, "Jennifer, you've made me so angry. What you're saying is a lie."
Caught in her web of deceit, Jennifer hinged her hopes on Easton's ignorance. She knew her only way to salvation was for him to believe the child was his. If Easton learned the truth, their relationship would be over. Never had Jennifer expected to become pregnant.
Lost in thought, she reached the car, and Easton was already there, his face unreadable. He stayed still but slightly furrowed his brow.
Before, Jennifer would have felt confident in manipulating Easton, but with his piercing gaze, she felt a shiver of doubt. Unless she could somehow hypnotize him to forget Natalie and focus solely on her, she needed a different approach. Such a scheme would serve her goals, but Jennifer needed to proceed carefully; even a small mistake could ruin everything.
Easton called for a car to take Jennifer home. Once inside, she realized Easton hadn’t joined her. “Easton, aren’t you coming with me?”
“I have other matters to attend to; you should go home first,” Easton replied.
Feeling unwell, she pleaded, “Easton, I really don’t feel well. Could you stay with me a little longer?”
Suppressing his rising anger, Easton suggested, “I’m not a doctor. If you’re in pain, you should see one.”
Jennifer thought to herself, "Easton clearly understands what I need, but he won't give it to me."
Easton directed the driver to go. “My car has arrived. Go home and rest.”
Tears filled Jennifer’s eyes as she cried out, “Easton, how can you just leave me?”
Her distressed voice was carried away by the wind and snow. With a fierce gaze ahead, Jennifer realized she could no longer hesitate; now that she was pregnant, Easton was her only protector. Though Octavian might be a famous actor, his family business lacked the stability Easton offered. Caught in turmoil, Jennifer knew she needed a perfect plan. So, she decided to talk to Camellia about her situation.
When Jennifer got home, she was dismayed to find chaos in her house. Camellia opted to do chores herself despite having two maids, and the place was a mess.
Jennifer’s heart sank at the sight of the untouched dinner preparation. Heading to the second floor, she saw Nick sprawled on the couch, sound asleep.
When Wendy was around, Jennifer would come home to warm meals waiting for her. Wendy had always cared for Jennifer, pampering her with clothes and fulfilling her wants. Jennifer had assumed Camellia would show similar kindness, but reality proved otherwise.
In the living room, Jennifer questioned herself, “Is this truly the life I want?” For a long time, she believed that living together as a family would bring her happiness. But each return left her feeling frustrated.
“Jennifer, you’re back?” Camellia said, finally stirring when hunger forced her to wake.
Jennifer’s gaze fell on her mom’s bruised face, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Mom, what happened to your face?”