Chapter 9
By the time we finished all the paperwork, it was almost noon.
Julian’s mom, Rosemary, was about to arrive at the station. I had some time to kill, so I swung by a nearby jewelry store and picked up a gold bracelet. It is imperative to make a strong first impression.
After picking up Rosemary, I told Julian to grab the luggage. Then, I whipped out the gold bracelet and personally put it on her wrist.
“Mom,” I said, laying it on thick, “it’s all my fault. I’m trying to be better at taking care of our home and Julian. I hope this bracelet is a start. What do you think?”
Rosemary’s eyes were glued to the hefty gold bracelet on her wrist. She could only nod, speechless.
“Oh my… Emily, this must have cost a fortune!”
I linked my arm with hers, acting all chummy.
“Nah, it was only like two or three grand. Besides, when it comes to buying things for you,
Mom, I don’t mind splurging.”
Then, I turned to Julian.
“Honey, why don’t you take the luggage home first? I’ll take Mom to the nearby mall to pick out some new clothes.”
No woman can resist new clothes, especially when they’re free, right?
Rosemary was ecstatic and practically shoved Julian out the door so we could hit the shops.
Once we were at the mall, I went full–on good wife mode and pointed her towards the
pricier items. We snagged one outfit right away.
But as we continued browsing, Rosemary hesitated.
“Emily,” she said, “isn’t it a bit extravagant to be spending Julian’s hard–earned money like
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this?”
Thankfully, I’d anticipated this question.
“Oh no, not at all! Julian’s money is all in his own account. I’m using the money my parents gave me.”
Which was true. In the three years we’d been married, Julian only ever got me cheap, cheesy gifts. Anything expensive, I bought myself.
Relieved of her worries, Rosemary embarked on a shopping spree, finally calling it quits after purchasing five new coats.
The cost was a bit of a blow, but seeing her happiness made it all worthwhile.
Back at the house, we had a room set up just for her.
“Mom, make yourself at home. Let me know if you need anything.”
The room had been decorated some time ago, and I’d taken special care to select the most luxurious bedding.
Rosemary sat on the plush mattress, taking in the luxurious decor. She was completely mesmerized. She barely registered anything I said, just nodded and said “Okay.”
I always have a glass of warm milk before bed. Tonight, as I was making mine, I made one
for Rosemary, too. I went to her door and heard hushed voices coming from inside.
Straining to hear, I only managed to catch fragments of the conversation, including,
“Grandma misses you too.”
See? Old folks might be wise, but they aren’t as good at hiding their crap as the younger
generation
When I knocked and entered, Rosemary clearly panicked and shoved her phone under the
covers. The corner of the phone was still glowing.
I handed her the milk, acting as if I hadn’t seen anything. “Mary, a warm glass of milk before bed is good for sleep and your complexion.” Then, with a purpose, I subtly shifted closer to her, near the hidden phone, and gently cradled my belly.
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Chapter 9
“My mom told me she went to a fortune teller,” I said, raising my voice slightly. “Apparently, the timing of this pregnancy is auspicious. It’s probably a boy!”
“Really?” Rosemary’s eyes lit up.
I raised my voice a bit more. “Absolutely! This fortune teller is renowned for her accuracy. She’s even consulted by top CEOs for major business decisions.”
“Oh my, that’s fantastic!”
As Rosemary grasped my hand, the guarded look she’d worn upon arrival vanished entirely, replaced by a connection that felt genuine and hopeful.
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Chapter 10
