Chapter 44 Undermining Ophelia’s Confidence
During the meal, the three of them rediscovered their old rapport. Or more accurately, it was as if Ophelia and Magnus had returned to the past; for Seraphina, she had no appetite at all. Her gaze kept darting towards Ophelia's belly from time to time. The thought that Ophelia was carrying Finnegan's child made her feel anxious, scared, and troubled.
Seeing that Seraphina was in a good mood today, Magnus took the opportunity to ask, "Seraphina, your boyfriend is still busy? Are you really not planning to bring him out to meet us?"
Ophelia chimed in, "What's wrong? You're still mad at me? Don't worry, I won't say anything. Seeing how well you are doing now, I believe your boyfriend is sincere about you. We are happy for you."
"No," Seraphina smiled and said, "He really is busy. It's not that I don't want to introduce him to you. He went on a business trip just a couple of days ago...to another country. It might be a few months before he comes back. When he does, I will definitely introduce him to you both."
While eating shrimp, Ophelia casually asked, "What's your boyfriend's name? You can at least tell us that, right? Or do you have a picture of him, so we can see him?"
"He doesn't like taking photos," Seraphina continued with her ruse, laughing, "Don't worry, when he comes back from his business trip, you’ll get to meet him."
Ophelia and Magnus exchanged knowing glances. It was clear that Seraphina was still reluctant to introduce them. Maybe the business trip was just an excuse.
It wasn't easy for the three of them to sit down for a meal together, and Ophelia didn't want to spoil the mood, so she didn’t press any further.
After a satisfying meal, Ophelia watched TV on the couch while Magnus did the dishes. Seraphina sat next to Ophelia, bombarding her with questions. One moment she was asking how big Ophelia's baby was, the next what her plans were for the future.
Seraphina never asked who the father of the child was—she knew in her heart.
"Ophelia, you’re still so young. Have you really decided to be a single mom?" Seraphina questioned. "What will you do about work when your belly gets bigger? You’ve just been promoted; won't your boss be upset? Who will take care of the baby after it's born? What about the costs of raising a child, everyday expenses, and education? Kindergartens in City A cost tens of thousands per year..."
Seraphina threw all the worst and most realistic problems at Ophelia. She seemed worried and acted as if she was considering Ophelia's wellbeing, but in reality, she was trying to persuade Ophelia to give up the baby.
However, Ophelia said, "I have thought it through. In the next few months, I'll save more money and spend less. That should be enough." She really had considered the future; with her current salary, by the time the baby was born, she should have been able to save up three hundred thousand, which ought to suffice.
At this point, Magnus came out of the kitchen with a sliced watermelon, "And you have my help too. After the baby is born, he will be my godchild, so of course, I'll help out. Let me make it clear now, I'll cover all the diapers and formula."
"Magnus, you are really too kind," Ophelia was touched but didn't dare to break the ice by acknowledging Magnus's feelings for her; otherwise, things would become awkward.
Naturally, she wouldn't really rely on Magnus or expect him to pay for anything. She appreciated the sentiment, but she would not accept the money.
With barely concealed jealousy, Seraphina said, "Magnus, you just indulge Ophelia in everything. If she becomes a single mother, how will she ever marry? It will not sound good, reputation-wise. Ophelia, I don't mean anything by it, I'm just worried about you."
Upon hearing this, Magnus blurted out, "Well, there's always me."
The atmosphere instantly became awkward.
Realizing his mistake, Magnus laughed and said, "What I mean is, when Ophelia is in trouble, we'll help out. No one is allowed to bully her. I consider both of you like my own sisters, and if anyone tries to bully you, I'll be the first to stand up for you."
Ophelia, eating her watermelon, just smiled without responding. Seraphina added, "We definitely can't let anyone bully Ophelia. And Ophelia, you should eat less watermelon, too much isn't good for the stomach. After all, you're still pregnant; you need to be careful."
After hearing Seraphina express her concern, Ophelia felt warmth in her heart. "I'll just have one piece," Ophelia replied cautiously, then asked, "By the way, I've got two days off. Do you guys have any plans for the next two days?"
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