Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 240

"Sure. Arrange the details and let me know," Randal replied.

Scarlett glanced sideways at Willa before turning her attention back to Randal, the warm smile fading slightly from her lips. "Randal, my father has been asking when we're moving in together. Living separately like this is starting to spark rumors."

Randal remained silent for two seconds. "Let's wait until after the wedding. The renovations on the new villa were just completed. It needs time to air out so the fumes don't affect your health."

Scarlett nodded obediently, her tone dripping with affection. "Alright, we'll wait. There's no rush anyway. Whatever you think is best."

Then, she turned to Willa. Her eyes drifted down to Willa's stomach as she flashed a picture-perfect smile. "Ms. Vance, pregnancy is a delicate time. You shouldn't be wandering around so much. If something were to happen to the baby... it would be such a tragedy."

Her words sounded like genuine concern from an old friend, but the underlying warning was unmistakable.

The bitter jealousy radiating from her was so potent she could barely conceal it.

Willa's breath hitched slightly. "Thank you for the concern. I'll be careful."

"I'll be going then. I'll confirm the time for next week's dinner with you later, Randal."

With that parting remark, Scarlett turned on her heel and walked away.

Willa stood frozen in place, her palms slick with cold sweat once again. Her mind was in absolute turmoil.

"Get in, Willa." Randal opened the back door for her. Once she was seated, he loaded the massive shopping bags into the trunk before sliding into the backseat next to her.

The second he sat down, Willa unceremoniously swung her legs up and dropped them right across his lap.

Caught red-handed, Willa's cheeks flared hot, but she refused to back down. She glared at him. "I was saving your dignity! If I hadn't kept my mouth shut, we would've had a full-blown catfight between the fiancée and the mistress right there in the parking garage. And the Yates family would be the ones looking like a joke!"

The more she spoke, the angrier she got. The jealousy bled into her words, and she didn't even realize she was insulting herself in the process. She gave a light, frustrated kick against his chest to emphasize her point.

The amusement in Randal's eyes only deepened, his hands never stopping their rhythmic massage.

He leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them, and lowered his voice into a teasing murmur. "What's the matter? Are you jealous?"

"Who's jealous?!" Willa snapped, instantly defensive like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She tried to yank her legs back, but he clamped down, holding her firmly in place.

Randal arched a brow. His fingertips trailed agonizingly slow up her thigh, his expression suddenly shifting into dead serious sincerity. "Willa, you were never the 'other woman'."