20. In The Middle

The reason why she wanted to spend one week's alone time alone with her husband was to have a sweet and romantic moment with him on the farm. She wanted to fill the whole week with their laughter and romantic escapades, but the opposite happened.

Her husband is slowly distancing himself from her. There must be a big reason why he's changing before her very eyes.

She's eager to find out why.

After mulling over her depressing situation, Luna Viviana went to the bathroom to start her day.

As usual, she ate breakfast alone at the dining table while Grandpa Eliezer was out there tending to his plants and animals. After she finished eating her meal, she washed the dirty dishes, tidied the kitchen and finally left the house, heading to the place where the old man was busy spending his time.

She found him feeding the chickens inside the poultry shade. "Good morning, Grandpa!" she said cheerfully.

"Morning." Grandpa Eliezer smiled. "Have you had breakfast already?"

"Yup," she responded with a smile. "Grandpa, did you know where my husband usually stayed after he left the farm?" she asked, gathering information.

"Usually, he would go back to the mansion after delivering groceries. Why? Did he leave already?" he asked.

"Yes. When I woke up this morning, he was no longer with me in bed. He left early without telling me. He didn't even tell me where he was going. I hate it every time he does that to me," she said in an irate tone.

"Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that. I have no idea where he is going today. He didn't tell me last night he would leave early this morning. So I really have no idea where he is right now." Grandpa Eliezer told the truth, shaking his head as he watched her flushed face.

'She was definitely annoyed by her husband's questionable attitude. This is not looking good,' Grandpa Eliezer observed silently.

"Um, Grandpa, can you please advise Callum to treat me better because I'm his wife? Maybe he will listen to you. Please?" she said in a pleading tone. Tears filled her eyes.

"OK. I will tell him, dear," Grandpa Eliezer replied. "If he returns today I will ask him why he's treating you like that. Um, maybe he's having problems he can't tell you..." He gave a hint.

Her curiosity was aroused. Luna Viviana's eyes grew bigger. "Like what? Was he having some kind of problem that I didn't know about?"

Grandpa Eliezer took a deep breath. "I don't know, dear. He's not opening up to me yet. I suggest you talk to him tonight. Maybe he will tell you what his problem is," he suggested.

"Yes, I will talk to him tonight, Grandpa," she finally said. "By the way, I'm heading to the river to do some fishing and swimming. I will spend the whole day there. I have food and water in my backpack."

"Okay. Take care. Enjoy swimming and fishing, dear," Grandpa Eliezer said sadly.

Luna Viviana waved her hand goodbye, turned around and trudged on the path leading to the lake.

Grandpa Eliezer sighed heavily. Right now, he had an idea where Callum was. He was definitely at the rental house right now visiting his fated mate.

He looked heavenward and saw thick clouds gathering in the heavens above.

What is happening to the couple right now is worrisome.

But he can't blame Clarice. She was the victim of greedy and murderous people. Clarice and Callum would not be reunited today if those despicable people hadn't tried to eliminate her.

Those evil people create problems that will affect more people in the future.

Now, between the two women, who is more worthy of his loyalty? Luna Viviana or Clarice?

No, he must not choose a favorite. Instead, he must stay in the middle and try to be the peacemaker between the two women when the confrontation finally begins.

"Yes, that's what I have to do. I'll be the peacemaker," Grandpa Eliezer murmured to himself, and continued feeding the chickens.

...

Meanwhile, at the rental house.

Alpha Callum had just finished having breakfast with Clarice at the dining table.

"Wow, I'm full," Clarice caressed her tummy. "The ham, sausages and waffles taste delicious," she beamed. "Thank you for the delicious food," she said in elation, smiling sweetly at him.

"I'm glad you liked the breakfast I prepared for you. I have to teleport to the city and buy those dishes from the restaurant first thing in the morning," he said. "There's pizza, orange chicken and beef teriyaki for lunch as well," he added. His eyes twinkled, pleased that she appreciated his small gesture.

"This is the best breakfast I ever had in a long time. It's more special because we eat together," she said, gazing sweetly into his eyes.

Alpha Callum smiled. Her sweet smile warmed his heart. Her beauty was like a thousand sunshine exploding into his heart, filling his heart with happiness. Being in the same room with his fated mate, breathing the same air as her, is the best feeling ever. He can't wait to see his son and complete their family.

"I have good news for you," she said, smiling.

"What is it?" he asked curiously.

"I'm getting better day by day thanks to your Grandpa's medicine. I can walk better now with the help of the crutches you gave me. Next month, I had a feeling that I could finally walk on my feet without needing crutches. We can finally travel together to see our son," Clarice said excitedly.

"That's awesome! I can't wait!" he said in a thrilled voice.

They stared at each other's faces, their hearts overflowing with happiness.

"Do you like to swim in the pool?" he asked, wanting to spend the rest of his morning with her. Afterward, he would go back to the farm and spend the rest of his afternoon with his wife.

He needs to balance his quality time between the two women. It's kinda difficult and challenging, but he has to do it. There is no other way to make things work well between the three of them.

"Yes, I want to swim in the pool, only if you accompany me," she replied excitedly.

"Sure, I had a lot of time this morning. We can spend the rest of the morning swimming in the pool," he replied merrily.

"Alright, let's go to the pool now," she said, grabbing her crutches.

"I will just carry you to the pool, make things easier that way," he offered.

"No. I just want to do it on my own," she replied, and walked slowly towards the back door.

Alpha Callum opened the door of the kitchen, and they stepped into the backyard and settled on the sun lounger.

Clarice eyed the sparkling water in the pool and looked at her shorts and top. "Who cares if I'm not wearing a swimsuit?" she said, grinning. Giggling, she walked to the edge of the pool.

"Here let me help you," Alpha Callum said, scooping her swiftly into his arms, then gently putting her down in the water.

"Wow, the water feels heavenly on my skin. I love it!" She squealed in delight and splashed water on him playfully.

He retaliated and did the same to her. They splashed water on each other's faces. The atmosphere was filled with joyous and carefree laughter.

The couple immensely enjoyed each other's company, frolicking in the water until 11:00 a.m.

Tired and hungry, they finally stopped swimming, took a shower, changed into dry clothes and ate lunch in the dining room.

After lunch was over, Alpha Callum bid goodbye to Clarice. "I'm going back to the farm. You already know why. I'm sorry about this," he apologized sadly.

"I understand." Clarice smiled. "Take care. Give my regards to grandpa," she said calmly.

"See you tomorrow," he said, grateful that she was not throwing tantrums at all despite knowing he was going back to the farm to be with his wife. This is one thing he loves about Clarice. She is a mature woman, mature enough to understand his situation. She doesn't nag and lose control of her temper. She is calm, composed and truly in control of her emotions. She is exactly what he needs in his life.

He cupped her face gently and planted a kiss on her lips. "See you tomorrow, babe. If I have free time I'll just drop here anytime tomorrow." He reluctantly let go of her face when the sudden urge to smother her with kisses suddenly surged in his veins.

Clarice smiled. "Go now and take care," she said, with a gentle wave of her hand.

Alpha Callum blew her a kiss, then vanished from her eyes in the blink of an eye.

A few moments later Alpha Callum landed outside the farmhouse, wondering what his wife was doing at this very moment?

Right now, she's super mad for sure because he left in the morning without telling her where he was going. Before he enters the house, he braces himself for her non stop nagging.