Jefferson replied, “That won’t do. I have made a list and asked Ringo to pick up the items at the mall. He should be back soon. I’m just afraid your mother will dislike me and won’t approve of our marriage.”
“Ugh, you’re really…” Rayna did not know what to say, so she decided to let him have his way.
“When are you returning to Jetroina?”
“I’m not returning, but Ringo will be returning after a few days. Since there’s work at the company here, I’ll stay here and accompany you. Then, we will leave together.” Jefferson peeled a grape for her.
Rayna hummed in acknowledgment. “Let’s go and pick out our rings in the afternoon after we eat.”
Jefferson’s fingers brushed across her face, and his eyes twinkled with joy.
“Okay.”
“Lunch is ready.” Linda brought out a bowl of soup from the kitchen, interrupting their intimate moment.
Rayna pulled Jefferson to the dining room to have lunch.
She scooped a bowl of soup for Jefferson. “Mom made this soup. It’s really delicious. Try it!”
Jefferson had a few sips and praised Linda with a smile. “It’s scrumptious. I realize you inherited your excellent cooking skills from Ms. Linda today.”
Rayna elbowed Jefferson and scoffed. “Hey! You can praise my mother without making fun of me! I might not bring you over in the future. Then, you won’t get to taste my mother’s cooking anymore!”
“Fine, fine. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have said this.”
Linda, who was sitting opposite them, watched them bicker with each other.
There was always a smile on Jefferson. It was as if all he could see was Rayna.
Afraid that Rayna’s hair would fall into the soup, he used a scrunchy to tie it up.
Every move of his was gentle.
Linda watched their interactions. It’s good if Rayna marries a man like this.
After lunch, Rayna helped Linda clear the table.
Linda glanced at her and realized Rayna’s stomach was slightly rounder than usual. She immediately came to a realization and pulled Rayna to a corner. “Belle, a-are you pregnant?”
Rayna did not hide the truth since Linda found out. “Yes, I am.”
“How many months?”
“A little over five months.”
Linda stared at Rayna’s stomach for a long moment. She did not know how to react to this news. “Who’s the father?”
“I already brought my boyfriend here. Who do you think the father is?” With that, Rayna turned around and opened the tap to wash the utensils and plates before continuing, “I’m only pregnant. You don’t need to freak out.”
“Let me do it. Stop doing the dishes, as dishwashing liquid is harmful to your hands. You shouldn’t touch it since you’re pregnant.”
Rayna frowned. “This won’t hurt the baby. Don’t freak out, Mom.”
“You don’t need to do so many chores at home. It’s not as if I can’t wash them.” Linda washed the plates and asked, “Are you getting married because you’re pregnant?”
“No, I really want to marry him.”
Linda looked at her stomach and grumbled, “Then, why did you not tell me about such a big matter? You won’t tell me if I didn’t notice it, right?”
Rayna could feel a headache coming. “I’m just afraid you’ll be concerned about me, so I decided not to tell you. You also seem to be very busy with your store.”
“My grandchild is far more important to me than the store. Why don’t you apply for leave and come back so I can look after you? It will be simpler for me to manage your nutrition.”
Rayna remained silent.
“Oh, right. Belle, how many children are you having? Have you gone to the hospital for regular check-ups?”
Rayna did not reply to her.
She couldn’t stand Linda bombarding her with questions and slipped out of the kitchen. She took her belongings and urged Jefferson to leave.
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