Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Cassandra's POV

The week passed by and my condition was much better. Apart from the morning sickness and constant fatigue, I could look after Max and work only the morning shift at the academy. I didn't feel as tired as I felt before yet Julian wasn't pleased with my working at the academy. Although he didn't tell me anything, I could feel his displeasure in everything he did. I continued without paying any heed to his behaviour. However, when my head reeled and I just couldn't get up to go to work one morning, he put his foot down and forced me to take leave.

"Rest today. I need to talk to you, tonight," he said, rushing to work. I knew what he wanted to say and waited the whole day for him, dying of curiosity. Would he propose? I wondered what it was that he wanted to talk about and couldn't concentrate much on anything. He returned home early and lay down next to me and Max.

"What did you want to tell me?" I asked him trying to act casual as I watched Max play on my bed.

"Later,' he said, closing his eyes, making me all the more curious. I didn't argue and waited for him to initiate the talks. I was feeling better and served dinner to him after feeding Max. I glanced at him frequently to find him solemn and in deep thought. I was convinced that he wasn't proposing to me. So what could it be?

"Why don't you quit work and rest at home, darling? You could complete your studies online as well look after Max," Julian suggested as we had our dinner. I realized that this was what he had been wanting to talk about. I loved his suggestion very much as I had always dreamt of completing my studies but at the same time, I didn't want to be a burden to him. I couldn't take advantage of his kindness and burden him with mine and Max's expenses.

"I don't want to burden you with mine and Max's responsibility. Please let me contribute," I told him but he simply shook his head.

"You both are my family, I want to take care of both of you. As for Max, I'm his dad. I will take up his responsibility even if you don't want me to. Accept it, Cassie. I think, after completing your studies, you could get a better job opportunity and then contribute more. Don't you think so?" He reasoned and I considered what he had just said. It was true. My income was so meagre that it wasn't enough to meet any expense.

"Yeah, you're right," I agreed, "Alright, I'll give in my resignation tomorrow," I told him as he grinned happily, relaxing a lot, as his eyes reflected his happiness.

"Check what you want to study and you can enroll as soon as possible," he told me as I nodded.

The next morning, I didn't get much time to check the courses offered nearby as we received a call from Tristan inviting us to a family dinner at his home. "I think he will announce his wedding plans," said Julian as he disconnected the call. It was a late dinner as Adrian would return home late from work.

I fed and put Max to bed and then got ready. With Nora at home to look after him, I wasn't worried at all. I had asked Julian about the clothes in my closet. It seemed that he had bought them all for me, filling my closet with too many clothes.

"When did you buy so many?" I asked him curiously as I looked through my collection, unable to choose one to wear.

"I just asked Amy to send me dresses for you and she did. I transferred the money to her account." I grinned and again concentrated on the task at hand when Julian reached out and chose a gorgeous navy blue A-line dress with shimmering beaded embellishments on its full sleeves.

It was so appealing that it took my breath away. "Thank you!" I said, but he lifted his hand up in the air and I couldn't get it out of his hand. He gestured towards his mouth and winked.

"Kiss me first to get your dress!" he said, enjoying every minute of it. I reached up and kissed him on his lips but his arm snaked around my waist and all intentions of getting ready for the party evaporated into the air. We were so busy eating each other's faces that only when the clock chimed did we come to our senses. I gave him a look of horror and snatched the dress out of his hands.

We got ready in record time. I tied my hair into a bun as I didn't have much experience experimenting with different hairstyles. I never had so many opportunities to go anywhere before. Applying some foundation and lipstick, I selected a fruity perfume and dabbed a little on me. It was all a new experience for me. Never in my life did I have so many types of makeup, perfume, shoes, and handbags. It was as if Julian wanted to spoil me with all the luxuries in the world but I was loving every minute of this new life with him. It made me feel cherished.

Julian wore a pair of black slacks and a light mauve chambray shirt. With his hair gelled and combed to perfection, his expensive Rolex watch gleaming on his wrist, and black shiny formal shoes, he looked sinfully handsome as always.

"I don't want to be late again," I said staring at the long line of cars ahead of us.

"We won't. I take the shorter route." Julian however looked a little restless throughout the drive.

Thankfully just as Julian had said, we reached Tristan's penthouse on time and straight away drove into the underground parking of the condominium. "You're looking gorgeous as ever. Your smell is driving me wild and I want to ravish you," he said as he stopped the car. Leaning forward he kissed my lips again. "I can't control it for 9 months," he said hesitantly.

"You don't need to control, it's safe to make love," I told him as his face broke into a happy smile.

"Really? I'm so glad," he said as he kissed me passionately.

We were the first to reach, followed by mom, dad, and gran.

"Jules, wipe the lipstick off your lips," said gran as everyone looked at him. I blushed furiously as Julian shamelessly came up to me to get it cleaned. Amelia handed me a tissue and I cleaned him up, avoiding his eyes as he stared at me, his eyes promising me a lot of passion-filled love-making for tonight. Of course, I knew since he had been restraining himself considering my pregnancy but now that he knew that it was safe, would he stay away? I doubted it!

Everyone came except Anna and Stefan as they were still on their honeymoon. Tristan and Amelia announced their wedding plans which would be held in two weeks' time. The venue was decided upon. It was their newly built venture Springwell Lakeland Club and Resorts located on the shores of Lake George, a 4-hour drive from here.