Chapter 40: Chapter 40

"Tatiana," she heard him called out. She stopped washing the dishes to turn to her husband . He was in a basketball jersey and jeans flaunting his biceps. She doesn't see Jacob working out everyday but he's got nice rippling biceps right there.

Damn.

She sucked in a breath. "Jacob,"

“Aren't you done yet? Why are you washing the dishes on your own, we have a dish washer.”

“In a minute. Are you going somewhere?”

"I'm going to the grocery store. Thought we should restock." He shrugged.

It's the first time he actually approached her like this, so casually and relaxed.

She did not know if it was a progress that he's talking to her like this but somehow it made her glad.

"Okay. Take care.”

Jacob tilted his head,  "Nope. You're coming with me.”

"But Julian---"

“Maris just arrived. She'll look after our son. Come on.”

She thought about that time they went to a grocery store for her baking needs, the day they made up.

"Look!”

“Isn't that Jacob Shaw, the CEO?”

“Wow, he really looks handsome in person.”

"And that body!"

"That must be her girlfriend.”

“Yeah, they look good together.”

They heard some people murmuring as they passed by. Tatiana rolled her eyes. Jacob's always the center of attraction. Anywhere he goes, women likes to talk about him.

And Jacob had that smug look on his face, he knew exactly they were talking about him. Somehow, this guy likes the attention.

"Ah! There is it." She pushed the trolley and stopped in the chocolate section. She took three boxes and some candies. It was her and Julian's favorite.

She couldn't hide her smile. They might not look alike but they do have a sweet tooth.

“Aren't you gonna buy anything else?” Jacob asked her. He filled two carts, he looked like someone who dumped anything he sae in his carts. Now he's just following her around.

“No, I'm good with these treats."

"Are you sure? Don't you need your own shampoo? Body wash? Napkins... er... anything you need?"

Seriously now...

"Yep. I'm fine.  I have a stock."

He arched an eyebrow. "You went on a grocery last time?"

"Jake, of course.."

"You didn't have to do that you know. I'll do that. With you, of course. Won't you need anything from the pharmacy?”

Tatiana's eyebrows creased. What is this man's problem... "I'm not sick."

"I know. Are you on a pill?"

What the fuck? "No. Why would you ask---" she stooped when she realized what he meant by that.

"I'm not pregnant, if that's what you think."

"How'd you know that?" Jacob raised an eyebrow, they didn't even notice they stopped in the middle. They looked at each other.

"I'm not feeling any symptoms.."

"I heard you vomiting this morning." He argued. Crossing his arms on his chest. "You might be, Tatiana."

"Jake, stop it. I vomited because of the coconut biscuit I ate. It was some coconut filling, you know how I feel about coconut, right? I'm not pregnant, okay? If I am. I'd feel that and I would tell you. Now, if you'd like us to continue shopping, your fan girls are staring at you.”

Tatiana was about to pass him by but then he grabbed her hand and placed a chaste kiss. “You're cute when you're jealous.”

Jacob doesn't know what to feel. Is she sure she's not pregnant though? They did it twice and without any barriers between them. Actually, he doesn't really mind if Tatiana's pregnant again. It would be really nice to look after her now throughout her pregnancy. He wants to be there for her, to assist, to buy her cravings, to endure her mood swings. But then, the way they made their child doesn't suit well to him. He was still so guilty about he treated Tatiana after sex. He wanted to apologize. Shit. He really wants to.

He wanted to tell her he didn't mean it. That he did it out of anger, and that he still loved her so much. Even after everything. But then, he lacked the courage. His pride wouldn't let him apologize just yet. He sighed. Tatiana deserves to be treated like a queen, to be pampered, not discarded like she meant nothing.

Damn, she still means the whole world to him. The only one.

He woke up early the next day, he smirked a little when his son emerged from their room to the kitchen to follow him. Tatiana was still asleep. Last night she stayed up late because she was studying a case.

“Let's make breakfast for mommy.” he whispered to his son.

Julian happily nodded, helping him with all the food he prepared. He even let his son prepare the chocolate drinks and juice.

“Papa, is my mom okay?”

Jacob halted. “What do you mean, son?”

“I sometimes wake up and see her crying, papa, before she sleeps. I think she has a problem at work.” Julian frowned.

He pursed his lips. He knew what it could mean, maybe Tatiana has been crying because of him. Because he was such an asshole.

Damn it.

He cleared his throat. “I'll take to your mom, okay?”

Julian nodded.

“You really love mommy, huh?” he smiled. Of course, his son does. Every part of him loves Tatiana so much, Julian is a part of him so it isn't surprising that Julian loves her mother so much.

“I hate seeing her cry, papa.”

His heart tugged.

“Me too, bud. Me too.” he whispered.

Jacob prepared hotdogs and bacon for their breakfast. He carried a tray behind his son, Tatiana was stretching when they came in. She looked really surprise to see Jacob with their son, carrying a tray of breakfast.

“Good morning, momma!” Julian jumped in their bed.

She chuckled, Julian's so energetic today. “Morning, baby.” she kissed his cheek.

“Good morning...” Jacob murmured.

She smiled at him.

“Breakfast in bed?” He raised the tray, placing it in front of her.

“T-thanks, Jake.” she cleared her throat. “Wow, I really woke up late.”

“Our son helped me prepare this. Said it would be nice to serve his momma breakfast because you've been working late last night.” Jacob scratched his nape, a little bit shy.

THEIR Sunday was a family day. So now Tatiana is lying against her back in a mat on the shore. She watched her husband and son play football just few meters infront of her. With the same board shorts and white sweat shirt, Julian looked like a mini version of Jacob.

Tatiana had to look away, something about the scene made her heart burn. It was so warm, it was fire.

She sighed in contentment. Nothing is more beautiful than watching your child and his father together. She sucked a breath when Jacob started to walk towards her. His sweat shirt was hugging his body because of sweat, she also noticed how his jaw clenched as he stared at her.

Why was Jacob not in a GQ magazine?

"...Towel," that's all she heard him say. Too distracted by the blessing served in her eyes. She blinked, Jacob stood there looking impatient.

Towel?

"Huh?"

The side of his lips twitched. She knew what he was thinking, that he affects her so much.

"Towel. For Julian."

“Here.” Tatiana stood up and handed her son's towel. “I have an extra here. You're sweaty too, Jake.”

She handed him the extra.

She watched him take care of their son, watched them laugh together. She can see some women passing by and the looks they were giving him. Some even tried to get his attention.  Thank god, Jacob didn't pay attention. Well, their son is in front of him. She wouldn't appreciate it if their son takes up from his father who is a womanizer.

Women flocked at him. Men envied him. Jacob was a total package. And she almost left him.

If she left Jacob, if she truly left and didn't come back, didn't choose him, would she and her son ever be this happy?

Maybe.

Jerome would always treat them right and make them happy but she knew a part of her son would never be complete.

She was still hopelessly in love with Jacob--- so if she really didn't choose him, her life would be miserable. She'd spent her whole life regretting she did not fight for him.

"Mom!" She heard her son calling her. He was running towards her as the sun sets.

"Careful!" She yelled, worried he might trio over. He was really running fast.

"Come, join us, mom. It's fun!"

She looked at Jacob. His actions and his eyes has always told her to back off every time he spends time with their son. He doesn't want her with them. He probably... wants nothing to do with her.

Her eyes remained on his. She couldn't read him.  His eyes remained blank as he looked at her.

Yep, that is your answer, Tatiana.

She looked away. "Baby, mommy's gonna stay here. I'm a bit tired.

"Come on, mom." Julian tugged at her hand. "You didn't do anything at all.”

"Julian," she sighed.

Jacob went towards them. "You wanna say no to your son?" He draped an arm on her shoulder.

Maybe draping an arm on her shoulder was just a show. For their son.

So that Julian not to think there's something wrong between his parents--- but Tatiana felt it. That tingling sensation in her heart every time he touched her.

So in the end, she joined them. They chased after each other. Tatiana can still remember how Jacob chased after her in Palawan, in the shore when they were younger. The beach was filled with their laughter.

"Gotcha."she yelped when he locked her into his arms, she felt his breath against her neck and her heart hammered violently.

It was so familiar...

She looked up, saw his eyes were dancing for the first time in a while. "You're still a lousy runner, Attorney.”

Are you still mad, Jake?

She badly wanted to ask right at that moment if he had already forgiven her. To tell him how much she misses them. Or how would she ever gain his forgiveness.

"You don't look happy." She watched him pursed her lips. "Is there a problem?"

She shook her head. Jacob was still holding her. "I just want to fix us, Jake. Can we still fix this?”

She watched him part his lips but no words came until their son ran towards them. He was the first to look away.

Caught up in the moment, was that all it was now, Jake?

"How about we eat something, son?"

She blinked back the tears. He still hasn't.  He was still angry. Jacob doesn't even want to discuss it, see how he's avoiding it like a plague!

Can they still fix this? He might be doing this just for their son's sake Maybe that's just her role in his life now, the mother of his child. So what if, just what if he finds someone... and he decides to annul their marriage, to marry someone else. What would happen, then?

She can't even bring herself imagining those misfortunes.

It will break her heart. It will also break Julian's heart.

“Is our son asleep?” Jacob asked when they  were in the kitchen. She went downstairs to get a glass of water.Jacob looked like he just got out of shower.  He was in a white shirt and boxers, his hair still damp.

Tatiana nodded. “He was so tired yet active the whole day.  Thank you, Jake. For doing this. I know you're busy." she didn't know why she was squeezing her pajamas.

"I'll do anything for our son, Tati." He said sincerely.

"I know..." they briefly looked at each other before she took her gaze off him. “I'm going up stairs. Good night, Jake.”

"Night." He murmured. Before she could take another step, he called out to her.

"Tati,"

"Hmm?"

"About what you said, you said you wanted to fix us." She heard his rugged breath.   "Uhm. Well, we'll talk... tomorrow, I'll come home early, let's  talk then.” he said hurriedly without looking at her.

She smiled slightly. "I'll wait for you."