Chapter 4 An awkward moment

Lance’s POV

I freeze and am perplexed as to why she is bringing up Ruby at this time. Can't she sense my feelings for her? Yes, I'm drunk, but not to the point where I can't recognize anyone.

I'm upset and want to punish her, but I decide against it because I'd rather explain it to her. This is a wonderful moment. I still have her in my arms, and I don’t want to ruin it.

My eyes are on her, but she makes a face and turns aside. I hold her chin between my thumb and index finger and make her look at me.

"I was…"

"Lance, I am saying that…"

Rachel! I address her by name when I am overjoyed or enraged. Right now, my brain is about to explode. I wonder why she is here to disturb us.

What on earth has occurred that she cannot wait for us in the hall for a while?

I turn to her, my chest burning. I can see the clear embarrassment in her eyes.

‘Hmm. That’s what will happen when you barge into your grown-up son’s room when he is with his wife? Mommy!’

I am so pissed.

When I feel Molly tense in my arms, I look down and notice her flushed cheeks.

‘Darn, she is so appealing and all mine… right in my arms.’

I want to nibble on her cheek.

Rachel puts her hands on her cheeks, her mouth hanging open. "Oh, I am… forget it." She waves her hands in a dismissive way and laughs awkwardly. "I apologize for disturbing you. Continue doing whatever you were doing." She walks away, but her laughter can still be heard.

My irritation grows as I see Molly embarrassed. My mom can just say "sorry" and walk out. What is the need to say that last sentence?

I suddenly find myself disturbed by anything that makes Molly uncomfortable. At the instant that I am about to tell her to ignore my mother's advice, she breaks free from my arms and runs out.

"Molly…" Before I can stop her, she runs down the stairs. "Shit, man," I grumble and punch my fist against my palm.

This is beyond frustrating. I was this close to kissing her.

‘Shit, man,’ I curse inwardly and walk into the closet.

I changed into my clothes and walked out.

My mother and grandmother are having a serious conversation with Molly. I cannot hear a word they are saying and I approach them, curiosity making my stomach knot.

I remember Grandma expressing her desire to see her grandchildren. My mind immediately wanders to some wild fantasies. I'm curious about what advice they are giving Molly.

"Lance…" My mom grins at me.

She was the one who pretended to be surprised and embarrassed not long ago. She no longer appears awkward, as if she has forgotten what happened a few minutes ago.

I don’t return her smile.

"Your grandma’s birthday party is on the next weekend, remember?"

I nod.

"Well, you should take Molly shopping. I want her to look stunning on that day." She taps my right shoulder and smiles meaningfully.

I narrow my eyes, trying to decipher what she means by that smile.

‘I see. She is asking me to spend more time with Molly.’

Mommy… I will obey you. I am overjoyed.

I nod again, keeping my face stern. Shopping for Molly will be fun. I turn my attention to her, who gives me a blank stare.

‘Shit, her misunderstanding has yet to be dispelled.’

"Come early to the party," my grandma says as she rose from the sofa. "Let’s go back, Rachel, shall we?"

"Yes, mom. Lance, buy her a nice dress. Okay?"

I grimace.

She is talking about my wife. Of course, I'll choose the best one for her. I don’t need her to remind me.

I turn to Molly, and she just averts her gaze.

Molly’s POV…

The hall suddenly became quiet when mom and grandma left. I look at him, and he looks back at me. The next second, we pretend that we are not looking at each other.

This is so awkward. We are behaving like we don’t know one another.

I know this is an embarrassing situation for him too. Mom shouldn’t have asked him to take me shopping. I don't require him to purchase anything for me. When Mom asked him to buy a dress for me, I noticed him scowling at her. He doesn't appear to be willing.

I catch sight of him rubbing his brow.

He must be having a headache.

‘Oh, I forgot to give him the sober soup.’

"Wait for a while. I will make you some sober soup." I dashed into the kitchen.

My back tingles as I notice his gaze following me. I ignore my discomfort and get to work on the soup.

I glance at the hall through the corners of my eyes. He is still looking at me.

‘Did he want to say something?’

My heart is racing without any reason.

‘Molly, get a grip,’ I remind myself. No matter how intently he looks at me, his heart only beats for Ruby.

I fight the urge to cry and focus on the soup. My stomach is rolling and I can't stop myself from looking back at him.

‘Holy Mother…’

He is still ogling me.

I touch my throat, where I can feel my rapid heartbeat. My stomach flips, and my skin tingles as if many thorns are pricking me.

Thank goodness the soup is ready.

I hand him the soup bowl and then dash into the room. My hanging heart settles when I come into the room.

"I’d better take a shower before he comes."

I enter the bathroom. As I fill the bathtub with warm water, my thoughts turn to the incident that happened several minutes ago.

He had me in his arms and was about to kiss me. His face was so close that I could smell his citrus cologne. His lips were almost touching mine. I noticed the longing and affection in his eyes.

I subconsciously touch my lips, my thoughts running wild.

‘Did he really intend to kiss me?’ I wonder mindfully.

Then the world turns upside down and I freeze. The light goes out. It's dark... so dark that I can't even see my fingers.

A few terrifying memories from my past that I don't want to remember rush into my mind, pressing against my chest.

I cannot breathe.

"Ah…" I shrieked, horror crawling up my arms. I put my hands over my ears and let out another shrill cry. My entire body began to shake. I'm going to pass out.

‘No…’

Lance’s POV…

The soup bowl slips from my hands when I hear her cry.

"Molly…" I run to the stairs, not bothering about the darkness. I stumble.

"Shit…" I fumble into my pocket to take out my phone.

"Ah…" Another shrill cry rattles the house. My grip on the phone slips.

I run to the room, not bothering to look for my phone.

"Molly…"

When I somehow reach the bathroom, I collide with her.

"Lance…" She instantly hugs me tightly.

I encircle her with my arms.

She is trembling.

I frown, wondering why she is so afraid of the dark. "Relax. I am here."

I rub her back to comfort her.

Damn…

Her bare skin is so soft to the touch. It's only now that I realize she is naked in my arms.

'Oh, Molly.'