<b>Chapter </b><b>86 </b>
Mason
I didn’t want toe with Julia to the bookshop. What do you mean it was was <b>just </b>starting?
time to shop for a children’s book for a <b>pregnancy </b>that
“I read somewhere that it is good to read to your child right from when they are in the womb, and they can hear you. I want our baby to be familiar with our voice.” She had said in front of my mom.
When mom heard her words, she did what she’d always do, she agreed with her, “She is right, Mason, I did that too. It’s one of the reasons why you are so smart<b>.</b><b>” </b>
So here I am, hand–linked with Julia as she takes me from one section to the other. This is the second time we have been searching for books in this ce.
She let go of my hand and picked a book, “This <b>is </b>a fable.” She trailed her hand over the picture of the dog and cat.
“Do you think he will like it?”
Now, how would I know? I’ve never had children. I don’t know anything about children or what they like.
“Hmm,” I said and picked two from it. There were so many people around. This was the biggest bookshop in the city.
I am a reader, but not the type who shops for books themselves. All the books I had in my library were bought for me by Daniel
Julia handed the two books we’ve picked up in the past 47 minutes we’ve been here. Then she picked another and raised it to her eye level.
“How about this one? Do you think he’ll like it?”
<b>We </b>don’t even know the gender of the baby yet, but she has been so sure it would be a boy. She has already dered him the heir of both families.
I heard footsteps behind me before I could speak. I wanted to turn, but the person said, “That’s a popr series.” I heard <b>a </b>familiar voice.
We both turned to face the voice that belonged to and my heart almost leapt <b>out </b>of my chest when <i>my </i>eyesnded on her. What was she doing here?
My eyes brightened. And I unconsciously <b>took </b>a step forward, unable to contain my smile. “Lyd…” I paused and then cleared my throat, reminded that Julia <b>was </b>here with me.
“I mean, Miss. Brooks. What are you doing here?”
“<b>Miss</b>. Brooks. It’s my pleasure to meet you here.” Julia said.
“I’m here to buy some books.” She said. Her eyes moved to the book that Julia held. “That’s the trending series fo are you buying <b>for</b>?” She asks, walking forward to pick a different book, but it was from the same series.
dren. Who
“For my baby.” Julia touched her stomach, rubbing it slowly. “You know we’re expecting a son soon.” She said in a low voice.
Lydia’s eyes are pinned to her stomach. Her eyes looked sad. I knew she must be thinking about ourte baby. I wish Julia <b>would </b>
<b>stop</b>. Seeing Lydia mask the look of sadness in her eyes with a smile made me feel a prick in my heart.
“Theard that reading to a child during pregnancy is good for their brain.”
I could see the amusement in Lydia’s eyes.
“Oh really, I haven’t heard about that before,” Lydia said.
“I understand. You don’t have children yet. I’m sure when you are married and with kids, you’ll remember my words when youe across the same research.” Julia said. She picked another book, They say expectant mothers and research can not be separated.” Julia ended this with augh.
Lydia smiled. Her eyes didn’t flicker to me for even a minute.
She picked another copy of the same book. “But you do know a lot about children’s books. Who are the copies for?” Julia asked.
“My aunt’s children. They love the series.” Did Lydia have an aunt?
I can’t remember her having any family. I was her only family when we were together.
“Congrattions on your engagement. I heard the party ising soon.”
“Yes. I’ll do well to send you an invitation.”
Julia turned to me and then handed me the books she had picked. “I’ll be right back. Let me quickly use the restroom.” She stood on her toes and dropped a kiss on my cheeks.
After she left, I pulled Lydia’s hand, leading her to a secluded area in the bookshop. There were shelves around and books stuck to the rack, providing enough covers for us.
“What do you want? Why did you bring me here?” She questioned. I took one step forward, and she took one back. She looks. beautiful in her formal dress.
She looks beautiful in anything.
I stopped her from moving backwards and pulled her into a hug. She has not replied to myst text, “I miss you.” I said, wrapping my hand around her.
“You didn’t reply to my messages. I thought you were mad at me or something.”
I expected her to push me away, but she surprised me by wrapping her hand around me.
“I have been busy. Your rtionship with Julia must be so strong.” She said, pulling <b>away</b>.
I let her, but kept her at an arm’s length. My eyes are locked on her lips, “Hmm.” I said I was not interested in talking about Julia.
wiss you”
“I want to kiss <ol><li>me. </li></ol>
“I leaned down, ready to take her lips in mine. After that night, I knew I had the same effect on her as she had on
She ced her hands on my chest and shook her head. “No,”
I paused, leaning backwards, “Why?”
“You are engaged, and I don’t think I want to be your mistress.”
“You are not my mistress.”
“Then can you do this in front of Julia? She gave you a peck in front of me earlier. Can you do the same to me in front <b>of </b>her?
I crossed my hand over my chest, my lips pulling up to the side, “Lydia, is this you being jealous?” Her face turned red. “Why would I be? I am not. I just…”
She lets out a breath, “I just want a man who can hold me in public. I am too old for these games.” Her voice turned serious.
I didn’t get a chance to reply as we heard the sound of footsteps.
She has a point, “Let’s talk about thister.” I said.
“No, there’s nothing to talk about.” She looked around cautiously. “We have to get back.”
Julia linked her hand with mine one more time as Lydia bid us goodbye. Her assistant, whom I hadn’t seen in a while, was with her holding the bag that contained the books.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her for <b>a </b>moment. I don’t understand her.
I don’t understand what she wants.
One minute she wanted me. She was allowing me to kiss her and even make love to her, and then she didn’t want me at all.
This was driving me insane.
Julia kept talking about the baby throughout the ride back to her house, but I couldn’t get Lydia out of my head.
We fucking had sex.
We’ve been texting consistently after that. Unlike the other two times we had made out, and she had vehemently asked me to stay away, she didn’t ask me to this time, so I thought things had changed between us.
But it seems I was wrong, and she was back to drawing the curtains between us
“What do you think? Do you think Mom would agree? They are waiting for us toe up with a decision during dinner.”
Damn!
How did I forget about having dinner with her parents?
I haven’t heard her question. But I know for a fact that having dinner with the Everetts will not be possible.
“About dinner. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to skip today. But I promise, I’ll make up for it some other day. I have something important to attend to.”
Her face fell, “Is it really important?” She asked. She was trying to be understanding. There was nothing intant right now. My schedule has been cleared for the entire day.
“Yes.” I nodded.
“Alright. I’ll speak to my parents. We can have dinner tomorrow instead.”
After dropping her at home, I drove to my penthouse.
I couldn’t get Lydia off my mind for a second. Her lips were parted, inviting me for a kiss, I could still feel her hands around me. She brought so much warmth.
I felt like I was going to war with myself. I want Lydia, but I know that’s impossible given that I am having a child with Julia
For the rest of the evening, I found myself going through pictures of Lydia and me.
Each picture looked better than the other. Lydia was smiling so brightly, and so was I. I traced both our smiles.
Then it was genuine. I <b>really </b>wish I could <b>say </b>the same about now.
After returning the pictures to their original position, I sent her a message, but she didn’t reply.
I felt restless, so I decided to pay her a visit.
AD