Lucian hadn't seen Calista for a good deal of the day. All he wanted was to gather her into his arms and shower her in affection. He wasn't the least bit interested in random articles of clothing.However, Calista had thrust the sketch in his face. She seemed ready to tear him apart if he refused to look.Lucian looked down and gave it a passing glance. Men's clothing was more or less the same. But, if it were designed by his wife, it looked better than anything anyone could come up with. So, he nodded."It does look nice. I'll have someone make it right away."He was so happy that he wanted to hug her."Can you be the one to design all my clothes in the future? My wife is the best. She restores cultural relics and designs clothes."While Lucian was over the moon, Calista's smile was icy. He couldn't even recognize clothing that belonged to him. And, he was expecting her to design clothes for him? Dream on.She pulled away and took a look at the drawing she made. She had been dr
"Of course not. I just think the doctor is being a little shady. He included every possible test in the program," Lucian said."Every possible test" was putting it lightly. It was going beyond the standard with tests for HIV and syphilis included in the mix.The doctor was at a loss for words. Did Lucian have to say it to his face? He was just about to explain when the door closed.There were no queues for a checkup in a private hospital. It was only 11:00 a.m. when everything was said and done. Save for the ultrasound, the other test results would be available come afternoon, although some would take up to three days. Lucian held Calista's hand while affectionately massaging her fingers."Shall we go home? I'll have David come pick up the reports later.""Don't order him around during the weekend. What if he's out on a date with his girlfriend? We still need to speak with the doctor once we get your test results this afternoon," Calista said.He was rendered speechless. The ic
Lucian studied the ring on Calista's finger and couldn't help but smile."You're right."However, while they were hugging, panic and confusion filled his gaze. Thankfully, she failed to catch it. Something welled up from the depths of his heart, leaving behind burning hollows as it passed through him. It hurt and caused him discomfort. He was afraid that he'd forget her.Calista couldn't see Lucian's face, nor could she guess how he was feeling. She only felt his grip around her waist tighten to the point where she thought he wanted to forcefully stuff himself into her.He probably realized that he had exerted too much force and was causing her pain. So, he quickly let go.Although it happened for only a brief moment, Calista couldn't ignore the uneasiness that his unusual behavior brought her. She frowned and carefully studied Lucian's face."Are you not hiding anything from me?"Part of him instinctively wanted to turn away as she scrutinized him. But, she cupped his face to
Lucian was acting like a fussing father when he gave her detailed instructions on everything Calista had to pay attention to.It soon came time for them to pass through the security check. Lucian's reluctance surged to its peak and overwhelmed him.He swept her into his arms in the middle of a bustling airport where middle-aged people were milling about."Be careful out there, Callie. Take care and come home soon."Calista was about to speak when Lucian let go of her and pushed her toward the security checkpoint."It's time to go."If she didn't leave now, there was a chance he might not be able to suppress his impulses to whisk her back with him. Calista needed clarification.Was all his reluctance an act? He seemed extremely eager to send her away. She turned and left without saying goodbye. It was all done without any fanfare.Augustus finally had the chance to speak with her once they were in the departure lounge."You and Mr. Northwood are very close."Calista thought ab
Timothy was silent. He had overheard their conversation despite being busy with other matters. When the flames of conflict reached him, he was a little confused, but not so much that he was left bewildered.His eyes flicked upward to meet Lucian's gaze. "Are you sure?" he mused.Was Lucian certain that he wanted to humiliate himself? Timothy was being subtle. Save for Cade, no one else caught onto the nuance behind his words.Cade could pick up on it because Cameron had tormented him. After all, no one had it worse than him. Before entering the bedroom, he had to gauge his wife's mood to decide whether to step in with the left or the right foot first. Going about it wrong meant he'd end up sleeping in the study.With the pressure he had to endure, even a pig would develop some resilience. Besides, he had probably figured out why Calista was ignoring Lucian.Lucian had never been the confident one in their relationship. So, he instinctively hesitated but ultimately said yes. Ti
Of course, Yara was more afraid of him falling apart and becoming entirely dependent on her. She thought Timothy would've wanted to have a few words with her. But, he agreed fairly quickly."Fine. But, shouldn't you be breaking up with me in person? You were the one who took Yaya home. You should be the one telling it that you don't want it anymore. It's been sitting by the door waiting for you to show up every day and refuses to move even when called."Yara had only wanted to speak over the phone. There were no plans for them to cross paths again. Their relationship had begun in such an unconventional way anyway. But, she softened up when Timothy brought up the dog. She was such a kind-hearted girl."Let's grab a bite somewhere then. You can bring Ya …"She smacked herself. Timothy had nearly led her around by the nose again."Bring the dog."She did feel rather guilty. The dog had wanted to leave with her. But, she had abandoned it with Timothy and never looked back.Her hea
Calista was not expecting to spot Lucian in the crowd the moment she looked up. He was supposed to be back in Capeton. Today wasn't a holiday. So, there weren't many people milling about in the museum. Lucian's features stood out among the distinctly foreign faces of local Lusposians. His tall stature and handsome face attracted the attention of many girls who were going up to speak to him. However, all of it became background noise to Calista.Lucian's appearance here was completely out of her expectation. He looked at Calista who was still dumbfounded and approached her with long strides. The reserved man who had been poised instantly resembled a pitiful pup who had been abandoned and had traveled thousands of miles to reach its owner.What came out of his mouth right off the bat was an accusation."You refused to answer both my calls and texts."Calista had a sneaking suspicion that he would've rested his head against her shoulder if they weren't out in public.She had be
Lucian whispered in defense, "You were the one who kissed me first."He just couldn't restrain himself.He had originally intended to accompany Calista home. But, considering her circumstances with the Everharts, he didn't want them giving her a hard time if they saw her drunk. So, he sent her to a hotel.It was after Lucian set her down on the bed did the woman's delicate features caught his attention. He was captivated by the rosy flush on her cheeks and her tear-misted eyes. By the time he came to his senses, Calista had already wrapped her arms around his neck. The woman was squinting slightly. There seemed to be starlight in her crystalline eyes.She raised her head as her plump lips closed in on him. Lucian could smell the wine in her breath as well as the peach-scented shampoo in her hair. Could he have avoided it?He could if he wanted to. It wouldn't take much force. The arms around his neck were so weak that they could slip off with just slight movement. Yet, they fe