We were all used to Jackson’s habit of frequently changing phone numbers by now. “Well, tell me and I’ll save it now.”
I then put Macy on speakerphone and prepared to update his contact details. I also caught a glimpse of Molly, who was wiping the tables in the living room. I walked in and said hello.
As I made my way upstairs, Macy could hear all the movements I had been making. “Well, don’t take it down while you’re walking. Either find something to write on, or I’ll just text you.”
I was feeling alright, but since she called, I figured we’d chat for a while longer. I did not feel like hanging up so soon. ” Give me a moment. I’m going to pop into the study and find something to write on.”
The study was very large and well furnished, all according to Ashton’s tastes. As I made my way around the table, I rummaged through the drawers and found a piece of paper that I could jot down what Macy told me.
As we continued our banter on banal topics, I noticed a hard, yellow folder in the drawer. Keeping her on the line, I reached for the folder and opened it.
Seeing the contents of the file, I was momentarily distracted.
“By the way, do you still have morning sickness? I’d heard some old wives’ tale about how we seem to stop vomiting when we reach our third trimester. But that will take ages!” Macy whined from the other end of the line.
As I stared at the words on the file, I lost all desire to chat. “I’ll get back to you in a bit, Macy.”
“What’s up?”
“I need to tend to something. We’ll talk later.”
After hanging up, I closed the drawer and felt a strange heaviness in my heart. It could be that the atmosphere in the study was too dull.
When I went downstairs again, Molly greeted me with a smile. “Mrs. Fuller, is there something you feel like eating? Some dessert, maybe?”
“No, thank you.” My reply was listless, but I truly didn’t have the energy to deal with her. With that, I left the living room.
K City was a large city. Where could I go if I wanted to be alone for a while?
I ventured out of the villa and wandered aimlessly on the street. As I looked at my surroundings, everything felt unfamiliar.
I contemplated my current situation. Things were not that bad. I’d been mentally preparing myself for a divorce since I married Ashton, after all.
However, if not for this child, we’d have likely burnt our bridges much earlier.
My listless wandering had landed me in a bit of a tough spot. It took me a while to realize that I was lost. I gazed at all the people around me and couldn’t quite make out where I was. I had even lost track of time!
The weather was too hot, so I simply found a place to sit down. Unfortunately for me, I even forgot to bring along my phone and bag.
It would seem that I was truly lost.
Seeing that the sky was darkening, I tried to borrow a phone from the passers-by but was promptly refused.
I had noticed a black BMW on the other side of the road. Thinking he wanted to park where I stood, I turned around and began walking in the other direction.
“Scarlett?”
A man’s baritone voice called out to me from behind. It was unfamiliar, so I had to turn around to check. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the car window was rolled down, revealing the man’s clear profile.
Wait a moment, was that Marcus?
What was he doing here?
“Mr. White! What a coincidence running into you here!” I chuckled, trying to hide my embarrassment.
Marcus didn’t seem like a man of many words. His gaze soon fell at my bare, bleeding feet. I’d taken my shoes off because they chafed my feet from all the walking.
Being scrutinized by him like this was so awkward, but I had nowhere to hide. All I could do was laugh.
“Get in the car,” he said, his tone neutral.
“No, it’s fine.” I’d refused him, instinctively. “I came out for a stroll, and I should be able to go back soon. There’s no need to trouble yourself for my sake.”
He frowned at me, slightly displeased. “It’s getting dark. You’d have trouble finding your way back.”
I swore inwardly.
Pursing my lips, I lowered my gaze to stare at my bloodied feet and sighed quietly. Now was not the time to play coy.
When I entered his car, all he did was glance at me and curtly asked me to fasten my seatbelt.
I nodded. Seeing that he’d started the car, I asked him to take me back to Southcott Residential Area.
The car ride was completely silent.
The quietness had an intimidating air. To add to my embarrassment, however, my stomach decided that it was the perfect time to growl weakly.
He turned to look at me again, with his eyebrows slightly raised. “What do you want to eat?”
The awkwardness I felt at the time was devastating. I lowered my head and said, “It’s fine. I’ll just eat when I get back home.”
“Something spicy? Pasta? Barbeque?”
“Barbeque, then.”
I opened my mouth, intending to refuse again, but I was so stunned that nothing came out. I stole a glance at him and saw that he was still observing me with raised brows. I bit my lip and cursed myself again for not having eaten anything before leaving the villa. Eating would be the death of me, the bane of my existence.
It wasn’t long until Marcus parked the car and asked me to follow him down.
I’d noticed that he’d chosen a fine establishment as well. It was well-decorated and had a steady stream of customers coming and going.
After a brief wait, a waitress found us a seat and gave Marcus a menu. I noticed that the girl’s pretty eyes would dart towards him as she stole glances at him several times.
Marcus flicked open the menu and asked, “What will you have?”
I looked through the menu myself, and without dwelling too much on it, just selected a dish that seemed appealing. After that, I met his gaze directly. “I have to warn you, Marcus. I didn’t bring my phone and wallet out.”
He nodded. “It’s on me.”
Seeing that he said this, I returned the nod and picked out something to quench my thirst as well. With that done, I returned the menu to the starry-eyed waitress who was staring at Marcus again.
I noticed that the young lady couldn’t help but sneak another glance at him before she left.
