The entire dinner was incredibly pleasant.
Sitting in their home, Jocelyn truly experienced what a harmonious, deeply loving marriage looked like.
After dinner, Jocelyn rushed to wash the dishes.
Penelope stopped her.
"Don't worry about that, I've got it. You two go sit in the living room and have some tea."
Jocelyn felt too guilty to just sit around.
"Please, let me help."
"I insist, be a good guest."
"But..."
Julian chimed in. "Penelope, just let her help you. Otherwise, she's going to feel terrible about it."
Penelope chuckled.
"You kids. Just treat this like your own home. There's nothing to feel bad about."
Jocelyn didn't know why, but she felt an extraordinary warmth toward this woman she had only just met.
And Penelope seemed to harbor a deep, inexplicable fondness for Jocelyn as well.
"She's just like that," Julian said softly. "She instinctively feels like she owes people."
Jocelyn tilted her head, looking at him.
Why did it feel like there was a hidden meaning behind those words?
Penelope finally compromised.
"Alright, you can keep me company and hand me the towels."
Just as they were about to walk away, Julian spoke up again.
"Penelope, she's pregnant. Don't let her do any heavy lifting."
Both Jocelyn and Penelope froze in surprise.
Recovering quickly, Penelope playfully rolled her eyes. "I'll handle the heavy lifting, okay?"
Julian handed the gift they brought to Quentin.
"She bought this."
Quentin opened it, his eyes lighting up instantly.
Mother-of-pearl chess pieces paired with a premium red sandalwood board.
It was absolutely exquisite.
Quentin couldn't take his eyes off it.
But as a man with a sharp eye, he easily saw through the ruse.
"Did she buy it, or did you buy it for her?"
Julian smiled. "She asked me to pick it out for her."
Quentin grinned, choosing not to press the issue.
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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted
More chapters please....
I want Julian to find out the baby is his soon. I want him and Jocelyn together, they are a perfect match....