Chapter 369 Jessa Is Pregnant
Elissa had no clue when she dozed off, but when she woke up, her phone had died on its own.
She got up, found the charger, plugged it in, and turned the phone back on. That's when she saw the video call had lasted five hours.
And that was with the phone shutting down. If it had stayed on, they would've been chatting till morning.
Elissa was a bit taken aback; she'd never felt this way in her past relationships.
Elissa: [Good morning.] She shot a message to Francis, then got ready and headed to work.
On her way, she grabbed breakfast and snapped some pics to share with Francis.
Francis replied to each one.
At the breakfast table, only Francis was glued to his phone, and he'd been nursing half a bowl of oatmeal for ages.
No one at the table said a word.
Jacob, who usually couldn't keep quiet, stayed silent, and even Rainey, who always had something to say, ate quietly.
Francis, of course, noticed something was off today, but he couldn't be bothered to ask.
It was probably because Jessa had said something to Rainey last night.
The rest of these folks at the table were naturally united.
"I've got work at the company, enjoy your meal." Francis got up, grabbed his coat at the door, and left.
After Francis's car left The Peterson Mansion, Jacob asked Rainey, "Is this really gonna work?"
Rainey had listened to Jessa.
Jessa had come to her room last night, saying that Francis was in the honeymoon phase. Simply opposing him would only make Francis more rebellious and more determined to be with Elissa. In the end, he might even abandon the Peterson family.
Rainey naturally found it hard to believe because Francis's personality didn't seem capable of such rebellion.
But during these past few days, Rainey felt that the Francis she had painstakingly raised and nurtured had become very unfamiliar, as if he wasn't her own child. She had no choice but to try.
"Let's observe for now," Rainey answered.
Jacob asked again, "Why didn't Jessa come down for breakfast?"
Rainey replied, "She said she wasn't feeling well."
Jacob frowned, "There's something I've been hesitant to ask. Find a chance to probe."
"What is it?"
Jacob continued, "Did she and Francis use any contraception that night?"
Meanwhile, Elissa had a meeting at the company and then went to the mall to check on sales.
She discussed with Hope about expanding the store.
It was lunchtime, so she bought lunch for the employees and ran into Francis, who was inspecting the mall. The two exchanged pleasantries.
Elissa greeted, "Mr. Peterson, what a coincidence."
Francis smiled warmly, "I heard Ms. Wilson has plans to expand the store. If you're free at noon, shall we talk?"
"Sure."
Elissa handed the lunch to the employees and turned around. Francis had already dismissed the executives who were following him.
The executives didn't dare to ask and left with puzzled expressions.
Elissa teased him, "Mr. Peterson, you're mixing business with your personal matters."
Francis pulled her into the fire escape and kissed her without a word.
Elissa wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to him.
In the dim stairwell, the sound of passionate kissing echoed.
After a deep kiss, both were slightly out of breath. Their foreheads were pressed together. Francis asked in a hoarse voice, "Shall we go home to eat?"
Elissa laughed, "Your intentions are too obvious."
Francis had always been indifferent to everything, even in matters of emotion. His life was pretty much planned out.
Elissa was an unexpected twist in Francis's life, and he didn't expect to become addicted to her after their encounter.
He never thought he could be so open with his feelings.
Francis looked down at Elissa, "Ms. Wilson, you seem to be enjoying this too?"
Elissa did enjoy being close to the one she loved. But her waist and legs were definitely feeling it.
"There's a great BBQ spot on the fourth floor. Let's check it out, and you can grill for me," Elissa suggested.
"Sure," Francis agreed easily but didn't move.
Elissa nudged him, but he just pulled her closer. "Let's just stay like this for a bit."
On set, Garry and Efren wrapped up their scene.
The crew immediately swarmed in, each doing their job.
Garry sat on a nearby chair, taking the water handed to him by his assistant.
Efren, not having such status, quietly memorized his lines on the side.
Garry glanced over and then walked up to him, "When you're acting, you need to let go of yourself."
The sudden voice startled Efren, who took a step back in panic.
Garry's demeanor was gentle, "Sorry."
Efren quickly waved his hand, shaking his head, not as relaxed as he was when he first met Garry, feeling very uneasy.
Garry didn't ask much, only said, "Relax, it's okay, I'll guide you."
Efren struggled to find the words, finally saying, "Why did you still recommend me for this role?"
Garry's eyes softened with a smile, "Do you think that because you had a conflict with Elissa, I would side with her and make things difficult for you in the industry?"
Efren rubbed his hands, not speaking, which was an admission.
Garry said, "In all my years in the industry, I've never done such a thing to anyone, unless they're misbehaved. I don't interfere in your matters with Elissa. You young people have your own ways of thinking and handling things. I'm older, my thoughts and advice may not suit you."
When Efren returned, his audition for the crew didn't go well.
He suspected it was because of Francis.
In Maple Valley, offending Francis was like offending Jerry.
Efren couldn't leave directly. Because his grandmother couldn't be moved easily, and no other nursing home could compare to Maple Valley's.
Just when he was about to hit a dead end, Efren received a notice to join the crew.
After joining, he overheard the crew chatting, saying that Garry had specifically called him in.
Efren struggled internally.
So, he went to Elissa's apartment, wondering if he should reveal what happened that night.
But upon learning that Jessa had moved into the Peterson Mansion, he turned and left.
If Francis really liked Elissa, then regardless of whether he believed he had a relationship with Jessa that night, and regardless of whether the surveillance was restored, he should draw a clear line.
However, keeping a secret didn't feel good, especially since Garry had helped him.
Efren stammered, "Garry..."
"Some things you shouldn't tell me. Compose yourself; the next scene is about to start," Garry said.
After Elissa and Francis finished eating, they went home and got entangled.
Their clothes started coming off at the door, kissing passionately.
Neither had urgent matters to attend to in the afternoon, so they spent most of the time in bed.
By evening, Francis got up to cook for her and checked his phone.
The Peterson family had been unusually quiet all day, but they weren't as calm as they seemed.
Rainey went to bring food to Jessa, remembering what Jacob had said, but couldn't find a way to ask and was worried if they hadn't used contraception.
Jessa couldn't have Francis's child.
So, Rainey's expression wasn't very good.
Jessa thought Rainey was worried about Francis and tried to comfort her, "Rainey, don't worry. They'll definitely break up eventually."
Rainey was puzzled, "Why are you so sure they'll break up?"
Jessa had a plan, but she couldn't reveal it just yet. She was waiting for the moment when Francis and Elissa's relationship was at its peak to drop the bomb. Watching them suffer from the forced separation would be the only way to quell Jessa's anger.
Jessa said, "Rainey, you want them to break up, right? Then cooperate with me."
She added, "I've been under your care since I was a child. Even though Mr. Peterson sent me abroad later and you couldn't help, I still remember your kindness. That's why I've always wanted to share your burden and help you achieve your wishes, to repay your kindness."
Hearing this, Rainey found it hard to speak.
Rainey thought that if Jessa was really pregnant, then she could have the baby. The Peterson family could afford to raise it.
After all, Jessa had grown up under Rainey's watch. Even if she couldn't marry into the family, it wouldn't be a problem to give her a reasonable status.
"You don't look well. Eat something and rest. Don't worry, I will cooperate with you," Rainey said, showing concern.
Jessa was very satisfied with achieving her goal but still forced a weak smile to make herself look pitiful, "Thank you."
"No need to be so polite with me," Rainey patted her hand, "I also have things to make up for. If you need anything, let me have a chance to compensate you properly."
Rainey's words sounded nice, but if Jessa asked to marry Francis, she would be the first to disagree.
Jessa obediently nodded, "I'll listen to you."
In the following period, Elissa and Francis worked from home. They only went out if they absolutely needed to go to the company.
This house was bought by Elissa to give herself a sense of security; it wasn't big.
But it was her safe haven. She had carefully decorated every corner, making it look cozy and comfortable, like a home.
However, it always felt like something was missing.
It wasn't until Francis moved in and started cooking at home that Elissa realized it was the sense of life missing.
The two enjoyed about a month of sweet life together.
One morning, Francis's phone vibrated wildly.
He immediately woke up, silenced it, and looked at Elissa in his arms. He tucked her exposed arm back under the blanket before getting up to answer the call.
Francis spoke in a low voice, "What's up?"
Simon wouldn't call so many times unless it was urgent. "Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Peterson took Jessa to the hospital."
Francis's voice turned cold and impatient, "Is that really worth..."
"Mr. Peterson." Simon quickly got to the point, "The OB-GYN department."
Francis paused, "Jessa is seeing an OB-GYN? For what?"
Simon immediately replied, "It seems Jessa is pregnant."
Francis rubbed his forehead, not understanding why Simon was calling him frantically just to say this.
"What does that have to do with me?" Francis said.
"It has everything to do with you," Simon said.
Francis found it laughable, "She took birth control pills."
Simon added, "But Mr. Peterson, you didn't see it with your own eyes."
Francis was annoyed, "It's impossible for her to be pregnant with my child. Keep an eye on them and make sure they don't tamper with the report."
"Yes, sir." Simon hung up and went to handle it.
Rainey was also cautious, worried that Jessa might be lying.
She stayed close the entire time and chose this hospital because she was familiar with the fertility doctor and knew the director, making it impossible to fake the results.
Jessa had anticipated this. Fortunately, she was indeed pregnant.
However, it still wasn't clear whose child it was, and even if they wanted to check, it would take some time.
But Jessa wouldn't give them that chance.
As long as the child existed, it would be considered Francis's.
"Mrs. Peterson," the doctor personally brought over the report, "One month and seven days, the baby is growing just fine, but Ms. Greer's health isn't great, and she seems a bit down. For the baby's sake, she needs to adjust her mood. You should talk to her more."
The doctor was an insider who wouldn't ask too many questions and wouldn't spread the news.
Back home, Rainey first let Jessa rest and then called Jacob.
Jacob was busy and didn't answer, but he messaged back saying he would be home for dinner.
Rainey thought for a moment and called Francis.
Francis was cooking in the kitchen and wasn't surprised to see the caller ID.
He didn't answer the first call.
Rainey immediately called a second time.
Francis finally answered slowly and directly, "If you're asking me to come home, I suggest you save the words."
Rainey, unusually calm, said, "We can't determine if the child is yours yet, but for now, you have to acknowledge it."
Rainey knew Francis must have received the news.
Francis remained unhurried, "I wasn't the only man on the top floor that night. She did wake up in my bed, but the surveillance record was gone. Before that, she had the chance to be with someone else."
Rainey said, "I can't just listen to both of you arguing. No matter what, you need to come home tonight. You don't want Elissa to hear about this, do you?"
Francis was completely unfazed, "I'll tell her myself, no need to trouble you."
Seeing that Francis wouldn't listen, Rainey said, "Francis, if your father gets involved, she will definitely get hurt. Come home and explain; it won't take long."
Francis poured the food onto a plate, remained silent for a few seconds, and then agreed, "Okay."
Rainey hung up.
Francis went to call Elissa for dinner.
Turning around, he saw her at the kitchen door, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, looking at him with a teasing expression.
"Heard it?"
Elissa walked in and poked his firm chest, "Didn't hear everything, just that you have something to tell me."
"Yeah, Jessa is pregnant."
"Yours?"
Francis lifted Elissa onto the counter, "If I say no, do you believe me?"
Elissa traced her finger along his defined jawline, lightly grazing his Adam's apple, "No."
"Alright." Francis took off his apron, "Eat your meal. I'll go home now and get you the evidence."
Elissa followed him to the door and asked, "Mr. Peterson, is the surveillance restored?"
"No." Francis put on his coat, turned around, and kissed her. "Out of respect for her grandfather, I've already given her a chance. Since she didn't take it, I have my ways to find out what happened that night and whose child she's carrying."
Elissa didn't say much, "Drive safely."
Francis patted her head, "Make sure you eat, or you'll get a stomachache again."
Elissa had a stomach condition from working hard to pay for school, often skipping meals, which had accumulated over time.
Besides Hope, she never thought anyone would care so much about her illness and take such good care of her.
"Francis," Elissa called.
Francis paused at the door.
Elissa put her hands behind her back and smiled at him, "I really like you."
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