The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 143

Bianca stared at him with deep suspicion. "What kind of act are you putting on today, Mr. Jagger?"

Mathis's gaze settled heavily on her. "For the past three years, you've played the part and celebrated my birthday with me. Is it so wrong to want to relive that?"

"Yes," Bianca blurted out instantly.

He looked down at her swelling belly. "I absolutely must spend today with you. If you insist on fighting me on this, it won't do your baby any good."

Bianca turned frigid. "Fine. Where are we going?"

In their three years of marriage, they had never once eaten out together.

Bianca was certain he wouldn't dare take her out to a restaurant. Right now, he and Cynthia were the tech world's golden couple, a pairing everyone envied.

With a hint of resentment, Mathis said, "Since you won't cook for me, we're going for Southland Cuisine. I've already booked a private room."

She met his dark eyes. "Aren't you afraid we'll get photographed? How will you explain it then? Or are you planning to let me take the heat as the 'other woman' just to protect your soulmate? I'm pregnant. I can't handle the stress of being cyberbullied."

Mathis reached for her hand. "Am I really that despicable in your eyes?"

She offered a silent, hollow smile. "Are you saying you aren't?"

The two got into the car without another word. Acting like a devoted, concerned husband, Mathis asked if she was feeling tired.

Bianca's response was sharp: "Playing the loving husband in the back of a car won't win you any awards, you know.

Wait, no. You're the man behind Cynthia Quinn now. If the press finds out you're two-timing, Dawnstar's stock is going to tank for days, isn't it?"

Mathis fell silent.

Bianca was more than happy to have the peace, turning her head to gaze out the window.

As if sensing the tension, the baby gave her a little kick.

She winced slightly. Mathis asked softly, "What is it?"

"Nothing."

But Bianca didn't notice. She couldn't spare a single drop of concern for him.

If she were to cling to a cheating man who was actively marketing himself as another woman's devoted savior, she would be an absolute joke.

When they sat down to eat, Bianca didn't initiate a single word. When he tried to put food on her plate, she firmly blocked him.

"I can feed myself."

Mathis sounded annoyed. "Do you really have to be this defensive with me? You won't even let me serve you food?"

Bianca looked down. "I have hands and feet. I don't need Mr. Jagger to wait on me."

The implication was clear: *It's Cynthia who can't manage her own life and needs you hovering over her every move.*

He ignored the barbed comment, unwilling to start a fight. They ate in complete silence.

After the meal, a waiter wheeled in a birthday cake. It was identically styled to the very first birthday cake Bianca had ever baked for him.