Chapter 58
Clinton and Cameron had enjoyed quite a few drinks and were now lost in reminiscing about the past. Clinton turned to Cameron with a look of concern and asked, “All these years, you’ve been searching for your child. Have you gotten any closer to finding her?”
A shadow of sorrow crossed Cameron’s refined features. “It’s been more than twenty years, and there’s still not a single useful clue. I don’t even know if she’s still alive.”
Clinton sighed, offering a few words of encouragement. “Don’t give up. Sooner or later, something will turn up.”
Having eaten quite a bit, my stomach churned at the sight of the next dish being served. Excusing myself, I quickly headed to the restroom.
Ashton followed shortly after and found me leaning against the sink. “Are you all right?”
I took a deep breath, trying to suppress the nausea. “I’m okay, just a little queasy.”
The morning sickness was still mild, but it was enough to make me uncomfortable.
Once I felt steadier, I turned to him and asked, “Do you understand what Mr. Clinton and Ms. Anderson were talking about just now? I thought she only had a son?”
Ashton guided me out of the restroom and helped me sit on a chaise longue in the corridor. His large hand rested gently on my lower belly as he explained, “Ms. Anderson was married before she met Nick’s father. She and her ex-husband had a daughter, but he abandoned the child. She has been searching for her ever since.”
His warm palm remained on my belly as he spoke. I had never seen such a gentle expression on his face before. Smiling softly, I asked, “Ashton, do you really like babies?”
We had been married for two years, and for most of that time, I had been little more than an afterthought to him. Yet, ever since he learned I was carrying his child, his attitude had changed drastically.
I had always believed love between a man and a woman fell into one of two categories: love at first sight or a gradual affection that grew over time. But with Ashton, it was neither. It seemed the only thing that had softened his heart toward me was our unborn child.
He avoided my question and silently led me back to the dining table.
The dinner dragged on, and by the time we finally left Pear Garden, I was exhausted. I quickly drifted off in the car, barely aware of anything until we arrived home. Ashton carried me to our bedroom without waking me.
The next morning, I was jolted awake by the sound of my phone ringing. Reaching for it groggily, I was surprised to see Macy’s name on the screen.
“Babe, I’m free! I’m free!” she exclaimed breathlessly, sounding as if she was running.
Still half-asleep, I blinked in confusion. “You mean the officers finished their investigation and decided you were innocent?”
“Yes! The officer said the traces of kyanine they found in my cupboard were within the legally allowed amount for medical use, so they let me go!” Macy’s excitement was palpable.
Relieved, I let out a long sigh. “That’s amazing! Get some rest. We’re celebrating tonight.”
“Yes! Let’s have barbecue, steak, seafood…” She eagerly listed all the food she wanted, and I agreed to everything.
“Alright, go home and get some sleep. I’ll call you after work.”
“Okay!”
Her joy was contagious, and I couldn’t help but smile as I hung up. My mood had lifted considerably.
When I was a child, my teachers always told us that the world was a just place—that everything was either right or wrong. But as I grew older, I realized things weren’t so black and white. People weren’t entirely good or evil. Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you couldn’t categorize people so easily.
After freshening up, I headed downstairs to find a lavish breakfast spread already prepared by Mrs. Eriksen. She greeted me with a warm smile. “Good morning! Come try these dishes and let me know which ones you like.”
I glanced around but saw no sign of Ashton. As I sat down, I was taken aback by the sheer amount of food. “Mrs. Eriksen, this is too much.”
Still smiling, she shook her head. “Not at all. Mr. Ashton said you haven’t been eating enough. Pregnant women need more nutrition.”
I paused before asking, “Do you know where he is?”
“He left for the office early. Someone kept calling him this morning,” she said with a sigh.
I nodded, already planning my day. Lately, I’d had terrible luck running into that insufferable Joe Quinn. I needed to be careful not to cross paths with him today.
After taking just a few bites, I grabbed my things and was about to head out when Mrs. Eriksen stopped me. She handed me a container of fruit and insisted I take it with me.
Knowing she meant well, I accepted it and left for work.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I reached the office building without encountering Joe. Stepping out of the elevator, however, I barely had time to react before someone grabbed my arm and yanked me around.
Before I could even steady myself, a hand lashed across my cheek with a sharp slap.