Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 173

173 Chapter 173

173.Chapter 173

Annie forced a faint smile, nodded, and headed upstairs to the master bedroom.

She called Julian, her tone just as casual as ever. “What are you up to?”

When Julian saw Annie’s name pop up, the usually calm guy suddenly felt a pang of guilt. With Lucas sitting in the back seat, Julian would have no idea how to explain himself.

“I’m busy. I’m about to head into a meeting,” Jullan sald.

After saying that, he glanced at Lucas in the rearview mirror.

Annie replied, “Oh, okay. I won’t bother you then.”

Julian hesitated for a moment, then asked, a bit uncertain, “Wait, are you home?”

Annie felt a wave of disappointment after hearing Julian’s words, and her voice grew noticeably colder. “Yeah, I just got home.”

Julian didn’t ask any more questions and hung up in a rush. Maybe it was because this was the first time he’d ever lied to Annie, but the guilt was eating him up inside.

He’d promised Lucas they’d go out for a buffet, but all he could think about was getting him back to Grandview Estate as fast as possible, then hurrying home to try and make it up to Annie.

Annie’s heart ached. Julian was so obviously lying, and she just couldn’t understand why. She thought, ‘Why would he hide this from me? Who is that kid?’

Her eyes stung as tears rolled down her cheeks. Unable to hold it in, she called Sophia, her voice trembling with emotion. “Sophia, are you at Grandview Estate?”

Sophia was in the middle of her yoga session, so she didn’t pick up on anything strange in Annie’s voice.

She said, “Hey, Annie, are you back? I’m at home. Did you get me a gift and just can’t wait to hand it over?”

Annie took a deep breath. “Yeah, I’ll head over. Let’s meet at the café downstairs.”

Annie wiped away her tears, changed into a fresh outfit, and headed out in her car.

After picking up some burgers and fries for Lucas at the mall, Julian tried to call Sophia, but she didn’t answer. He tried twice, then gave up and headed straight for Grandview Estate.

Sophia had just finished her shower. Seeing it was about time, she slipped her phone into her bag and stepped

out.

The café was right at the entrance of Grandview Estate. Annie parked her car and, as she got out, saw Julian’s car parked just ahead.

She watched him gently carry the kid out, being extra careful with every move.

This time, Annie didn’t freeze up. She stepped out and called, “Julian.”

Julian stopped in his tracks with Lucas still in his arms. When he turned and saw Annie, his face went pale.

“Annie, what are you doing here?” Julian blurted out.

Annie walked up to Julian, keeping her cool. Just as she was about to speak, Lucas turned toward her and reached out, saying, “Aunt Annie, can I have a hug?”

Annie paused, a bit stunned. She thought, ‘Is he talking to me?’

Seeing Lucas already leaning toward her, Annie instinctively picked him up and held him close.

“Do you know who I am?” Annie asked Lucas, confused.

Lucas nodded. “Of course. There are tons of wedding photos of you and Uncle Julian at our place. When you guys got married, I was in the hotel room eating candy.”

Julian knew the jig was up. He scratched his nose, looking sheepish, and stammered, “Babe, please, just let me explain.”

1/2

173 Chapter 173

“Mom, hurry up. Uncle Julian and Aunt Annie are both here. They all came to play with me,” Lucas shouted, waving his hand with excitement.

Annie heard Lucas happily calling out and waving, and when she turned around, she was surprised to see Sophia standing right behind them.

+

Subscribe

7 Likes

**Chap 174