Chapter 2

Three hours later, I returned home, clutching my lower abdomen.

After a day of rest, I looked at my pale face in the mirror and picked up lipstick with trembling hands.

After a quick touch-up, my complexion returned to normal, but cold sweat still seeped from my body due to the pain.

Wrapped in a blanket, I lay on the couch and called the housekeeper. "Please gather all the jewelry and handbags from the display cases. Send them to an auction house to be sold, and donate the proceeds to charity."

Julian, who had just pushed open the door, froze at my words.

"Chloe, why are you suddenly selling these things?"

I lowered my eyes, avoiding his gaze. "I don't like them, so I'm donating them. It's just doing good deeds for the baby."

Thankfully, Julian didn't think much of it. He walked over, hugged me, and cooed, "Alright. In a couple of days, I'll take you to an auction. You can pick out some new pieces, and we'll slowly fill up the empty display cases again, okay?"

Listening to his babying tone, I didn't answer. Instead, I changed the subject. "Are you done with work?"

"Yes, I'm done. I know you've been through a lot lately. I'll stay home with you and the baby for the next week, alright?"

As he spoke, he reached out to touch my belly, but I pressed his hand down in time.

He lowered his head, seeming to notice my belly was a bit flatter, and slightly frowned.

Just as he was about to ask, my phone suddenly rang.

Seeing my uncle's name on the screen, I answered the call. "Chloe, your Aunt Camila came back yesterday. Everyone's planning a family dinner at the old family home. Will you be coming?"

"I'm not feeling too well, so I won't be able to..."

Before I could finish, Julian took my phone.

"I'll bring Chloe, and we'll be there on time."

Seeing how eager he was to agree to the dinner, a sharp pain pierced my chest.

I couldn't help but remember the ninety-nine calls I couldn't get through on the day my father died.

It turned out that when faced with someone he truly loved, he would seize every opportunity to see them.

He wouldn't care about my wishes, nor would he care about the pain of me having just lost my father.

He would simply follow his heart, rushing to be with her.

After hanging up, Julian saw the expression on my face and realized he had lost his composure.

He held my icy hand and offered a few explanations. "Chloe, I know you're not in a good mood, but you're still pregnant. You shouldn't dwell in sorrow. I'll go back to the family home with you to see the relatives and get some fresh air."

I forced a smile, but said nothing.

At seven o'clock, the couple arrived at the family home on time.

Before entering, Julian handed me a gift. "I heard from your uncle that you haven't seen your Aunt Camila in years. It's proper etiquette to bring a gift."

In the past, I would have thought him thoughtful and considerate.

But now, I knew he just wanted to use my hand to give a gift to the woman he loved.

I didn't expose his intentions and stepped into the lively living room.

Hearing the sound, Camila, who was chatting with someone, turned her head and saw me, and Julian holding my hand beside me.

She paused for a moment, then hesitated, "Chloe, who is this?"

I didn't answer, unsure how to.

Julian also remained silent, but the relatives nearby enthusiastically introduced him.

"Camila, you've been abroad for three years and didn't come back for the wedding, so it's normal you don't know him. This is Chloe's husband, Julian Davis, CEO of Davis Group..."

Camila swayed slightly, a hint of shock flashing in her eyes. But having seen plenty of grand occasions, she quickly regained her composure and stepped forward to shake his hand.

They exchanged polite pleasantries, like strangers meeting for the first time.

Only I could see the subtle, invisible tension flowing between them.

I handed the gift to Camila and simply said, "Aunt Camila, welcome back."

"No, I'm just back in the country for a month, then I'll return to Paris."

Julian's face visibly darkened.

Camila pretended not to notice, smiling as she opened the gift.

Seeing the brilliant gemstone necklace, her eyes showed appreciation.

"Chloe, you have excellent taste. I've been eyeing this necklace for ages."

I took in every detail of their expressions and said flatly, "Julian picked it out. His taste has always been impeccable."

During the meal, Julian barely ate anything. Aside from drinking, he was busy dishing out food for me.

Relatives and friends smiled, teasing us.

"Chloe is so lucky to marry such a wonderful husband. Look how in love they are!"

I forced a smile, looking at the beef and lamb in my bowl, and didn't touch my fork.

After getting pregnant, I had severe morning sickness and couldn't eat any meat.

Julian knew this and had eaten vegetarian with me for a month.

But today, he hadn't remembered at all.

Because he was busy swapping plates to move all the fish and shrimp on the table in front of Camila.

My aunt, since she was little, loved seafood the most.