The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 311

The last thing she wanted was for Julian Vance to go out of his way for her.

Maria still felt uneasy about the whole situation.

"And with your belly, you're going to start showing soon. You absolutely cannot let the Lowells find out. If they do, they will definitely fight you for this child."

Jocelyn touched her still-flat stomach.

Should she tell Maria the truth about the baby's biological father?

She thought about it for a long time.

Forget it, she decided. That was a conversation for another day.

Dinner was scheduled for seven.

But Jocelyn arrived at six-thirty.

She parked her car in the garage.

Just as she unbuckled her seatbelt, someone tapped on the window.

Looking up, she was surprised to see Julian.

Jocelyn opened the door and stepped out.

"You're here early too?"

"I texted you," Julian replied.

"Sorry, I was driving, so I didn't check my phone."

Julian smiled.

"That's a good habit. Keep it up."

Jocelyn noticed the large, heavy-looking bag in his hand.

"What's that?"

"I told you, I'd take care of the gift," he said.

"It looks heavy. What is it?"

"A chessboard."

A chessboard?

"Quentin's biggest hobby is chess. Give him this, and he'll be too excited to sleep."

Jocelyn felt a pang of embarrassment.

"I made you spend your own money. I should have been the one to prepare this."

Julian's eyes flickered, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

"You look..."

Thinking there was something wrong with her outfit, Jocelyn suddenly felt self-conscious.

"Is it too casual?"

The corners of Julian's lips curved upward.

"You look beautiful."

Her eyes, her nose, her features...

She looked so much like someone.

Jocelyn offered a polite nod. "Mrs. Sterling, it's so nice to meet you. I'm Jocelyn."

Penelope radiated a warm, motherly kindness.

"Let's eat first and chat later. The food will get cold. I made so many of your favorites today."

Her favorites?

Penelope shot Julian a knowing look.

"Before you even arrived, Julian sent me a text with a whole menu of things you like, along with a few dietary restrictions. I took note of everything, so don't worry—I didn't use any black pepper or heavy spices."

Jocelyn felt incredibly touched, yet terribly embarrassed.

It was her first time visiting, and she had already caused so much trouble. This was just too much.

Julian really didn't need to do that.

She shot him a playful, reproaching glare.

Julian smirked.

"Actually, it's not just her favorites. They're mostly mine. I haven't had your cooking in so long, Penelope, so I wanted to treat myself."

Penelope saw right through him but played along.

"Alright, as long as you like it. Come on, let's eat."