CHAPTER 0006

CELINE’s POV

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While in the car, Astrid was unable to refrain from reacting to what happened earlier, even though she hadn’t yet inquired about the reason behind my actions.

“Oh, my gosh. My brain still can’t process what happened earlier.” Astrid reacted again while driving. “But if Hanna mentioned that she and Lance had an affair, I might be unable to restrain myself from reacting towards Hanna. Good thing she and Lance don’t have an affair.”

“Astrid, just drive first. We might get into an accident if you don’t focus on the road.” Christine disobeyed her. 

“Yeah, we need to get to the restaurant so that we can find out all the details from Celine. Fasten your seatbelt.”

And as usual, when Astrid said that, she sped up driving. What was supposed to be a half hour drive for us turned into only about ten minutes, including the parking.

We went straight to the restaurant we often go to and because Christine reserved, someone assisted us to the VIP floor, which is on the second floor.

“They said the VIP room was full, so they just brought us here.” Christine said when we sat down.

We ordered food first. While the two ordered, I looked at the menu to see what I could order. I grinned as I observed that their sushi is now accessible, but I am unable to eat raw foods currently. I need to take care of my pregnancy. I want my baby to stay safe.

“Celine, are you still ordering the same thing?” Christine asked me.

“But don’t order sushi, I already ordered a platter of sushi.” Astrid said.

I smiled at the two before looking at the server, who was waiting for my order. “Uh, your Caesar salad is fresh vegetables, right?”

“Yes, ma’am. All the food we will serve is fresh delivery, from meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits.”

“That’s good to hear that. Uh, so. I would like to order a mushroom creamy soup but make sure the broth is fresh milk. Vegetable salad, but don’t add any sauce. For the spaghetti, please use vegetable oil. That’s all.” I said, then I returned the menu.

“How about a drink, ma’am?”

“Ah, yes. I would like two glasses of fresh orange juice.”

The server repeated our orders before she left.

Once I look at the two, I see their raised eyebrows, relaxed upper eyelids, and jaws, as if they are confused while looking at me.

“What was that?” Astrid was the first to react. “What are your orders–I mean, there’s nothing wrong with what you ordered, they’re all healthy foods. But are you on a diet or something?”

Christine seized a loud intake of breath before asking. “Are you pregnant, Celine?”

I nodded and smiled. “Yes. I am four weeks pregnant.”

“Oh, my gosh!” At the same time Astrid’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes turned red because of her tears. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you and Lance.”

“Congratulations Celine. My second child will have a playmate soon. I’m so happy for you.”

I became emotional and teary-eyed by their reaction. The sheer happiness in their expressions is undeniable, a stark contrast to the lackluster reactions I received the day before.

“Is Lance already aware of this?” Astrid asked.

I was stunned by that question, whereupon I remembered what Lance told me.

“Also, about what happened earlier? Why did you ask Hanna like that?” Astrid added. 

The smile on their lips faded.

“What happened, Celine?” Christine asked with concern. “Wasn’t yesterday you’re celebrating your third wedding anniversary with Lance?”

I took a breath before telling them what happened. I didn’t state that Lance had prior knowledge of our baby, as they might inquire about Lance’s reaction upon finding out that we are expecting a child. 

“Lance can’t divorce you. He needs you, he needs a wife.” Christine commented that who knows about the rule of Lance’s family clan and I also found out about this matter from her.

“No!” Astrid said loudly, almost grabbing everyone’s attention here. “No matter what Lance’s reason is, he should not have given you divorce papers. Wow, I didn’t think he was that kind of asshole.”

Meanwhile, Astrid’s voice almost dominates this floor.

“Astrid, calm down.” Christine advised her.

Astrid nodded and let out a sigh. “Okay, I’ll calm down.” Then she looked back at me. “And for you, Celine. After the effort you made, he just made you wait. For what? Give you divorce papers? What you should do is sign the divorce papers and leave Lance.”

My eyes widened at Astrid’s suggestion. I didn’t expect her to say that.

“I can’t. I love Lance. Another thing is that I don’t want my child to grow up without a father to recognize and having a broken family.”

Astrid fanned herself with one hand even though it wasn’t hot and the air-conditioner was on. “Lance makes my blood heat with annoyance, but you’re right, there is a child involved.” Astrid took a deep breath as she calmed down again. “Whatever you decision, we’re here for you and–what the actual fuck!?”

I followed what Astrid was looking at which made her head heat again—I should not have looked at it.

I saw Lance being with another woman. The woman has a fair skin color, her black hair is bouncy, her body-con dress shows off the sexy curves of the woman’s body. What made my chest tighten the most was how Lance looked and smiled at the woman with him. There was joy and a smile in Lance’s eyes. He is also so gentle with the woman as if the woman is a fragile object.

“Why did Freya come back?”

I turned my attention to Astrid. “Are you acquainted with that woman?”

“Yes.” There was annoyance in Astrid’s voice. “That woman is a fucking bitch. We need to confront them.”

Before I could stop Astrid, she stood up and my eyes widened as she pulled out her gun from her leather jacket.

“Astrid, wait!”

By the time I stood up, I almost jumped in surprise, following Astrid firing a gun in Lance’s direction.

Christine came to me to support me and cover my ears while Astrid fired her gun again.

People screamed in fear until they all left together and we were the only ones left on the VIP floor.

When I glanced at Astrid again, she aimed her gun at Lance. Lance also pointed a gun at Astrid, while one of his hands hugged the woman’s waist to protect her.