Chapter 47: Chapter 47

“Are you okay?” Richard reached out to her. He looked down at the food and saw that she barely ate her food.

She blocked her mouth with a hand, breathing slowly. “My stomach feels upset. I think it's my morning sickness. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.” She dropped the cutlery on the napkin. She smiled faintly.

“Is there anything you crave for? You don't seem to have a healthy appetite.”

She shook her head. “No. I'll be okay.” She pushed the chair back a little. “I'm going back to the room.”

“All right.” He attempted to stand up, she lifted a brow and gestured to him not to bother himself coming with her. “I lost my appetite.” He explained.

She figured he wouldn't listen to her even if stayed back at the diner. She shrugged off. “Okay.” She turned to a maid next to her. “You can clean up now.” She left the dining room with him.

“Do you have a plan for today?” He asked, walking inside the room

She walked over to the bed, sat down and faced him, then nodded. “Yes, I promise mum I'll be coming over today. There's a chance I'll meet Charles at home since it's the weekend. Only if he doesn't go for the motorcycle race.”

“Okay,” His eyes fell with disappointment. He moistened his lower lip and smiled.

She studied his countenance for a while when he noticed a look of disappointment on his face. She chuckled, then lifted a brow as she twitched her lips. “You seem a bit disappointed. What's it? Do you have a plan for us today?”

“It's supposed to be a surprise. I'm not telling you.” He stuffed his hands inside the jogger's pockets while standing in front of her. He tried not to look at her because he might end up telling her.

She rose, and the corners of her eyes crinkled when she grinned. “Good God. I love surprises. Maybe I should just cancel my plan and come with you?” It sounded more like a question to him. It was as if she was seeking his opinion.

“I also have to be somewhere today. I'll come over to the mansion to pick you up. How about that?”

“That's good. I can't wait.” She smiled brightly. “How do I look? Do I need to apply makeup?”

“You look gorgeous. All you need right now is a magic touch.” He teased her.

She resisted the urge of rolling her eyes, instead, she scoffed. “What magic touch are you talking about? You must also need a magic spell like abracadabra to doll me up. Tsk.” She hit his shoulder tenderly.

“Oh, that's right. I need a spell. Close your eyes.” She arched her brows, wondering what he intended to do with her. He gestured to her to do as he said. She shrugged off and shut her eyes. Richard leaned over. He angled his head to the right side, gently placed his lips on her lips, and kissed her slowly, with his right hand wrapped around her neck.

It was unexpected, but she didn't want the moment to end. However, he pulled back after a few seconds and smiled at her. “That's all. Can you feel the magic touch?” He said playfully.

She moved a finger to her lips, chuckling, and she nodded. “Not bad. I have to go now.” She crouched a little, picked up her phone on the nightstand then faced him.

“Be careful.” She gave him an assured smile before exiting the room.

He went to the walk-in closet. He dressed up, wearing casual clothes. After that, he sauntered out of the room since he had the car key with him. He went to the garage, hopped in the car, and drove out of the mansion.

***

shouted at the top of her voice when she stepped into the living room. “Charles, I'm home.” She hurried to the staircase, and as she was about to take a step she heard a voice she never expected.

“Shouting isn't good for the baby, Charlene. Keep your voice low.” Kathleen cautioned her, coming out of the kitchen with napkins in her hand.

Charlene widened in surprise. “Mum, you're home?” She walked up to her.

“Do you think I ask you to come over on the weekend so you can spend a good time without me? No, dear. I'm off today.”

“What are you doing?” She looked behind her.

“I'm preparing something for you. How are you coping with your morning sickness?”

“I can't wait for it to stop.”

“It will stop soon. Come with me, I'm almost done with what I'm preparing.” They sauntered back to the kitchen. She had set the table she was only cleaning up when she arrived.

“Where's Charles?”

“He's in his room. Flavia, could you please tell Charles to come downstairs.”

Flavia nodded. “Sure, ma'am.” She walked out of the kitchen.

“So, what's it? You said you have something to tell me on the phone call. Is everything okay?”

She sighed softly. “It's nothing serious. I was worried but everything is fine now. Don't worry, mum.” She said apathetically.

Kathleen wasn't satisfied with what he told her. She wanted to hear everything in detail. When she called her a few days ago, her voice sounded brittle, and she insisted that she would only tell her when they met.

“Will you tell me already? Is it about the baby? Are you scared?” Kathleen put the napkins on the counter and faced her. She looked straight into her eyes with concern.

She cleared her throat. “Henrietta is living with us.” She flustered at her. Charlene understood what confused her since Kathleen didn't know her name. “I'm talking about Richard's ex-wife.”

“Why is she living with you in the same mansion?” She furrowed her brows angrily.

“It's because of Miguel. Richard doesn't want her to take Miguel, and she's not willing to give up on Miguel either. He loves Miguel so much but mum, I feel insecure. That's what perturbed me and I'm confused right now.”

“Have you two discussed the issue?”

“Yes, we did. He said I should give him two weeks and everything will be over.”

Kathleen sighed, nearly speechless. “It must be rough for him and Luciana isn't helping. I finally realized why we never get along.” She said with a growl.

“Mum,”

“You should do what he wants. Make sure you keep a distance away from his ex-wife. Ha! I'm anxious right now. You know what, Charlene?”

She looked at her eagerly. “What is it?”

“Keep your eyes on her.” She poked two fingers at her eyes. “Make sure they're never together. Don't even give her any chance, and please be careful. It must be really hard for you, please endure it. It will be over soon.”

“I will, mum.”

“Okay, I'm starving right now. Can you two come now so we can eat when the food is still warm? Hey, you're here?” Charles stepped closer.

“Such a dimwit. You skipped breakfast, now it's already late.”

“I overslept.” He yawned lazily.

“You should admit you're a lazybones and stop making up excuses.” Charlene berated.

His eyes widened in shock. “What! Mum, are you listening to what she's saying? Charlene, are you crazy? What exactly is your problem?”

“You don't want to get me angry right now, Charles.” She shot back, walking closer.

Kathleen abruptly stepped between them. “Hey. Calm down both of you. Charles, did you sneak out this morning? I checked your room but you weren't inside. Tell me, did you go to the race today?” She queried inimically.

“The silence is also an answer, mum. This time it won't be just a leg, it will be your two legs and it will be my honor to kick your ass.”

Kathleen raised a hand at her to stop her from talking. “Enough, Charlene. Answer me, Charles.” She squarely stared into his eyes.

He huffed, ruffling his hair as he also whimpered with frustration. “I didn't race. I went there to watch the race.”

“I don't believe you,” Kathleen uttered.

“You don't have to. And mum, tell Charlene to stop scolding me I'm not a kid. She can be annoying sometimes.” He murmured the last sentence underneath and rolled his eyes.

“I can hear you, Charles.”

“I'll repeat it if you want me to. Only God knows what has come over you. I'm out of here.” Charles went out.

“Mum,”

“Do you need water?” She poured some water into the glass and handed it to her.

“I don't know. I feel irritated.” She guzzled.

“It's your mood swings. I hope you're not giving him a hard time. Remind me about the pregnancy book I promised to give you.”

“Sure.”

AS HE HAD PROMISED, he stopped by the mansion. He called her to step out but Charlene insisted he came in and greeted her parents.

“How have you been, Richard?” Kathleen welcomed him warmly.

“Very well, mother. Hi, Charles.”

“Thank goodness. It's good timing, just take her with you. I've had enough of you today, Charlene. Bye-bye. '' Charles hissed and went upstairs.

Richard chuckled. He gazed at her. “Have you been troubling him?”

She blinked rapidly, giving him an innocent face. “I didn't do anything.” She pouted cutely.

Kathleen smiled. “Don't mind, Charles. He's only overreacting. Charlene hasn't done anything wrong.”

“Thanks for looking after her, mother.”

“Come on, Richard. Don't be absurd. Do you mind staying for dinner?”

Charlene looked at him. She shook her head, gesturing to him not to accept her invitation. “Uhm. Maybe some other time. We have a plan for tonight.”

Kathleen raised a brow. “Oh. Now I understand why she glanced at her phone every second. Fine, no problem. Drive safe, sweethearts. And here,” She walked over to the sofa, picked up the notepad, and handed it over to Charlene. “This is it. I made you a new menu, you'll see it at the back of the note.”

She admired the note. It had many beautiful stickers on, Kathleen must have done that since she was aware of how much she loved beautiful stickers. “Thanks, mum.” She pecked her cheek, then left with Richard afterward.

He opened the door, she hopped in and he gently closed the door before walking to the driver's side. He got in and fastened her seatbelt before his. “I'm sorry for coming late. Are you tired?”

“You must be busy. It's okay. I am but I still want to see the surprise you have for me.”

Richard checked his watch. It was almost seven o'clock in the evening, it would take them an hour to reach the mountains, he planned to enjoy the view with her. Now that it was getting late, he thought of another place to take her since he didn't want to disappoint them. He picked up his phone, sent a text message to someone, and once the message was delivered he put down his phone. “Okay.” She smiled at him.

Richard drove to the cinema, and as he parked his car someone came over to the car park. “I bought the tickets. I picked the best show for both of you.”

He collected the two tickets from him. “Thank you.”

The man left. Charlene sauntered close to him, she looked at the tickets he was holding. “The atmosphere feels good.” She stretched her body tiredly.

“Let's go in.” He intertwined his fingers with hers. She glanced at his face but he wasn't looking at her, she began to walk with him on the same leisurely steps. They went in alongside, though they stopped by to get popcorn before entering the theater.

“Why is there no one here?” She asked, wondering why they were the only ones in the theater. Usually, everywhere was supposed to be occupied by the audience.

“It's just the two of us.”

“Why?”

“I just want to spend the entire night alone with you, holding your hand and never getting bored of looking at your beautiful face.” He found them two seats at the front. She sat down and he sat next to her.

She focused her gaze on you. “Thank you, but staring at your face is enough to brighten my night.”

***

Charlene dozed off before the show ended. He laid her head on his shoulder, tenderly squeezing her hand while looking at their entwined hands. She adjusted her head and moaned softly. He took her phone and stuffed it in his pocket, he supported her head with a hand, then up, he rose, carried her in his arms, and exited the theater.

When he reached the car park, He laid her gently on the seat and adjusted it back a little. She never opened her eyes as she was fast asleep. He hopped in the car and drove home.

They arrived home late. Richard carried her to the room, he laid her on the bed, removed her heels, and covered her up with the golden duvet. He sat beside her and stared affectionately at her face while she was sleeping. His eyes fell on her belly, he moved his right hand to it and placed it on her belly. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Goodnight.” He whispered.

Eventually, he went to the bathroom, showered, and sidled across to the closet. He changed into his pajamas, then exited the room. He went down to the living room. The whole mansion was hushed, the maids had left. He walked over to the sofa, sat, and unlocked his phone. While operating his phone he heard a loud crash from behind. He hesitated with his action. “Who's that?” He stood up and glanced around.

Unexpectedly, it was Henrietta. Perhaps the glass of water slipped her hand because there were shattered glasses on the floor. “Step away.”

Too late, she was squatting, picking up the broken glasses. “I'm sorry. I accidentally hit my leg and the glass slipped my hand.” She explained.

“Let the maid clean up.”

“All of them have returned to their residence. I'm almost done.” While picking up, she was looking at what she was doing. Accidentally, one of the pieces pierced her finger. “Ouch!” She winced in pain.

His eyes popped up worriedly. “Are you okay?” He stepped closer with reluctance.

Blood started coming out of the cut, dropping on the floor. “Ahh!” She blew air on it.

He skipped a step close. “Get up. You should clean up the cut.”

“I'll have a maid do it for me tomorrow. I can't do it myself.” She said and made to walk away.

She had taken a few steps away before he spoke up. “Let me get the first aid.” He went to the kitchen, returned with the kit, and put it on the sofa. He gestured to her to come to have a seat and she did. He spoke through the intercom and ordered any maids available to come over.

He opened the box. Henrietta extended her finger to him to clean it for her. He shrugged off. He picked some wool and used it to wipe the blood on the cut. “It hurts. Be careful.” She groaned.

“Sorry.” While dressing her wound he didn't spare her a glance, not even once. He couldn't wait to dress her wound and leave.

“Thank you. I thought you despise.” She began.

Shortly two maids stepped in. He dropped the scissors he was using to pick up the wool suddenly. “Hey, help her with the rest. Next time I'll just turn a blind eye. Stop being clumsy.” He said hostilely and walked away.

“Ma'am.” The maid waited for her permission.

Henrietta scoffed irritatingly. “Get out of my sight, idiot!” She snapped angrily. She hissed so loud as aba frown clouded her lips.