Chapter 18 Jessica's Joyful News
Panic gripped Jessica's heart, but before she could speak, Gabriel cut in. "Charlotte, that's not it. She can't be pregnant."
"But Timothy, based on my experience, Jessica's symptoms are classic signs of pregnancy."
Gabriel furrowed his brows, his voice firm. "It's not possible."
He was about to mention the contraceptives and the pill Jessica took, but he feared Xavier would hear of it and there would be a scene, so he chose his words carefully.
Lately, my work has been time-consuming, with half of my time spent on the road—I mean, my wife and I have hardly shared a bed," he reasoned.
Those words effectively snuffed out the last embers of Charlotte's suspicions.
Although a bit disheartened, she immediately served Jessica another bowl of bird's nest soup. "Jessica, you're still young. Just take good care of yourself, and I'm sure you'll have a baby in no time."
But as for Xavier, considering his health, one couldn't be sure if he would be around to see that day.
Once dinner was over, everyone scattered to tend to their own business.
Recalling Charlotte's mention of pregnancy, Jessica couldn't hold back and turned to ask him, "Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" Gabriel replied.
"When Charlotte brought up the possibility of me being pregnant, why were you so calm, so sure? Didn't you ever consider, what if I was indeed pregnant?"
Gabriel narrowed his eyes suddenly, his gaze growing darker. A moment later, his cool voice washed over her like a draft, "There are no what-ifs, and there can never be."
"I mean, just if," Jessica still pressed, hoping for some alternative response.
"Even if." His eyes deepened further, and he continued, "We're not in the right place for that now, and I certainly wouldn't allow it."
The words struck Jessica like a blow, confirming what she already knew that he had never considered having a child together. If he ever found out about her pregnancy, he'd surely view it as a burden, a nuisance.
"I'm sorry, baby," she whispered to herself. "Mommy couldn't win over Dad's love for you."
"But don't worry, no matter how tough it gets, Mommy will never give up on you. No matter what Dad decides, I'm looking forward to your arrival. So, make sure you grow strong and healthy in Mommy's belly, okay?" Despite her heartache, Jessica forced a smile, careful to hide her despair.
They had just settled in the living room for a few minutes when Timothy came downstairs to announce that Xavier was awake.
"Really? Let's hurry upstairs then." Overcome with joy, Jessica linked her arm through Gabriel's and led him upstairs.
Gabriel let her take his arm, following her pace as they ascended.
Xavier's room was the quaintest in the mansion, it was essentially a ‘Study Room’ with a bedroom, a sitting area, and a drawing room. All in one, well-illuminated and airy space.
As soon as Jessica entered, arm in arm with Gabriel, she saw Xavier approaching with the aid of a cane.
"Xavier!" she called out, excitedly. She instantly let go of Gabriel and skipped over to Xavier, taking his arm.
Xavier gazed at Jessica as if she were his real granddaughter, while his actual grandson seemed more like an outsider or son-in-law.
"Ah, Jessica," he beamed. "I've been waiting for you to come back. It felt like an eternity!" Seeing her brightened his spirit and added a rosy tint to his otherwise pale complexion. His face glowed with vitality.
Timothy observed with a hint of awe, "Jess, you've got some sort of magic touch. The moment you come back, Xavier here perks up in a way that my whole month of care can't even match."
"Nonsense, Timothy, it's just that you and Xavier treat me so well, making me feel spoiled."
The trio exchanged pleasantries, clearly enjoying the banter and laughter between them. Xavier's hearty chuckles echoed through the room. The afternoon sun draped his soft garments in a golden aura, gentle and bright.
For Gabriel, this was a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time, and for that, he silently thanked Jessica.
Growing older, Xavier had become more like a big kid at heart. He was playfully stubborn and sometimes a bit grumpy. Yet, Jessica always handled him with patience and a knack that could effortlessly lift his mood, something Gabriel, the true grandson, realized he fell short of.
When Gabriel snapped back to reality, he was alone in the room. Jessica had escorted Xavier downstairs, saying something that had him bursting into laughter.
In a way, Gabriel felt utterly left out in the cold.
Throughout the afternoon, Jessica was by Xavier's side, sharing tea, conversations, watching TV, and telling stories. Around him, she was like a joyous pistachio—lively, playful, tender, and endearing, her presence alone was enough to lift anyone's spirits with just one glance.
Gabriel watched her radiant smile and suddenly grasped why Xavier was so insistent on him marrying Jessica. His temperament was rather aloof, sometimes bordering on reclusive.
Jessica's brightness and cheer seemed to perfectly fill in the gaps in his personality. Vibrant as a little red sun, she constantly brought warmth and strength to those around her.
But as for who her rays would shine upon after three days, that remained unknown.
That night, only after Xavier had settled for bed did Jessica retire to her room. Gabriel had already showered and was lounging in bed with a book, clad in a dark grey bathrobe that accentuated his dashing looks of an effortless blend of sexiness and allure.
Jessica's heart skipped a beat, her chest fluttered with the rapid pace of a startled fawn. This man, lying there so nonchalantly after a shower as if to tempt her, without a single trace of embarrassment.
Jessica spun around and swung open the closet door in search of her pajamas. Before her hand could even graze the fabric, Gabriel's low voice resonated in the room, "No need to look. I've already picked out your nightwear."
"What... what?" Stunned, Jessica's gaze met his as a blush crept unbidden across her cheeks.
Realizing that an excessive reaction might be uncalled for between husband and wife, she quickly regained her composure and asked, "How come you have my pajamas? Did you maybe grab the wrong ones by accident?"
"No," he said nonchalantly.
"Then where are they?" Jessica's eyes swept over the bedroom but saw no sign of her sleepwear.
"They're in the bathroom," Gabriel’s eyes hinted toward the bathroom as he spoke, "You've had a tiring afternoon taking care of Xavier; it’s the least I could do for you."
Jessica stood dumbfounded. But she had never asked him to do that!
She had several sets of cotton pajamas around the house, innocuous and cozy, all except for one pair. Which was a short lace nightgown that left her shoulders and the graceful sweep of her back exposed, seductively revealing her shoulder blades.
As she advanced towards the bathroom, Jessica found herself desperately hoping that this wasn't the nightgown Gabriel had chosen.
But as luck would have it, what she feared most greeted her the moment she stepped inside. There it was… the lace backless nightgown. It was not just laid out, but displayed as if it were a finely tailored suit meant to impress.
Catching a glimpse of the delicate lace detailing, Jessica's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She felt utterly mortified. Should she change into a different nightie? After much deliberation, she bit the bullet and decided to opt for another one.
Returning to the bedroom without taking a shower, Gabriel, concerned something might be amiss, looked up immediately, "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, I just…" She stuttered, "I think I'm catching a cold and wanted something a bit warmer to wear."
"I'll have someone buy you a new set tomorrow," Gabriel offered.
Jessica was puzzled. Why wait until tomorrow when she could simply find another one right away? After a fruitless search, she looked at Gabriel defeated, "Where are my other pajamas?"
"I threw them out," he replied cooly.
"What?" she said, dumbstruck and in disbelief.
