Contract Marriage: The Replacement Groom novel Chapter 472

472 Valen’s jealousy 

Brian flew over the next day to see his family. He was welcomed by Jeslyn and Valen at the airport, When they got home, Jeslyn made a delicious meal for the whole family, which consisted of every member of the second branch of the Lu family, including Pink, Piper, Kim and of course, Rex. 

Maverick and Jeslyn were sharing the same seat as the dining seats weren’t enough. Two more chairs would have fit in, but Maverick chose to have his wife sit on his thigh while Brian took her seat. 

“You like the food?” Jeslyn asked her brother. 

“You’re a wonderful cook,” Brian smiled nervously. 

Silence filled the table again. After a while, he looked at Jeslyn, “Sister, I’m sorry.” 

“What are you sorry for? You didn’t wrong me.” 

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t render help when you needed me the most. I was locked away and just managed to get out today,” 

“Wow, somebody is going crazy,” Rex whistled. 

“Indeed. Ever since he returned two weeks ago, he has been searching for my mom, all the while, locking me in my room. I was only able to escape because my Manager and Assistant helped. I’m sure he’ll throw a fit when he returns.” 

Jeslyn sighed, “You’ve suffered as much as I did… by the way, have you heard anything from Ms. Nancy?” 

“No, I tried all the possible ways to reach her but failed.” He looked sad as he said that. 

Piper, who was sitting beside him, held his hand and smiled with her eyes. “Everything will be fine. I’m sure she’ll return soon.” 

“I hope so too,” he responded. 

Rex cleared his throat and changed the topic. Sorrow was starting to resurrect and he was not in the mood for such atmosphere. 

“I don’t know why that spineless man is making me break this news instead of him. As some of us already know,” he cast a fleeting glance at Maverick. “Our family shall be welcoming a new member soon. In other words, my brother failed to fulfil the rules of Fearless Entertainment in keeping my artist away from pregnancy, so-” 

“Hold on! You mean sister–in–law is pregnant?!” Piper’s excited voice boomed. 

“Oh, please, little one, don’t take the stage from me!!” Rex yelled but no one heard that. 

Everyone was focused on Jeslyn, except Pink who was all smiles. 

“Sister, are you pregnant?” Brian asked. 

“Mom, hope it’s not a girl?” 

The light went off on the table as everyone slowly turned to look at the smallest member on the table. 

Jeslyn smiled sheepishly, “Well, ahem… we haven’t checked the gender.” 

“Excellent. It’s better to be left in the dark.” He said and continued eating like he didn’t just ruin the 

fun. 

Rex tapped Valen’s plate with his cutlery and asked, “Young man, why did you ruin my job?” 

“Because you’re bad at it?” he snorted and continued eating. But a moment later, he paused and turned his head to his mother, “Congratulations, Mom, Dad. But you did a bad job too.” He glared at his father and continued eating. 

He was the only one with the appetite to eat while everyone was trying hard not to laugh at his cute expressions. 

“Oh? I thought someone needed a sibling?” Maverick asked nonchalantly. 

“That was long ago. Besides, Mom is too young to have two kids… Look, she’s sitting on your lap. Only children do that. Also, the house is occupied and there’s no room for another kid. Again, the world is not a peaceful place, so why bring another child? Another point, I’m still so little! Dad, you’re inconsiderate. Hmph!” 

Nobody on the table could hold back their laughter. What do you call this form of jealousy? 

Jeslyn tried to get up but Maverick held her down. She chuckled and leaned toward Valen. “My child, are you scared that your baby sis–sibling would take your place?” (1) 

“No!! I’m no-” he paused when he saw how everyone was staring at him, urging him to deny the 

obvious. The child cleared his throat and admitted. 

“What does it matter? I’ve seen it happen on TV anyway. The new baby always gets all the attention.” 

Jeslyn held his hand, “There’s an unspoken rule. The first child is always the most loved. Do you know why? Because they are the first. Also, some of them go through thick and thin with their mothers… best of all, the next sibling only gets the love their older ones leave behind. So, you shouldn’t be the one getting jealous, but your baby sibling.” 

The child looked at his father and thought. ‘Let’s see how you get my mother’s attention when the new baby comes around, he snorted. 

“You didn’t add, older ones get to protect the junior ones and I tell you, it makes you feel like a hero!” Rex and everyone else chuckled. 

“Sister–in–law, will you give Piper and I the honour of hosting the baby shower? Please, don’t say no?” Kimberly and Piper put their hands together in a pleading gesture. 

Jeslyn laughed, “of course, you have mine and Plum’s permission. But it has to be in the house or on our property. Mr. Hwang is still out there and no one knows what he’s planning.” 

“Great!… I can’t believe I finally get to host a baby shower.” Piper teared up. She loved babies but never had hopes of carrying one.