Chapter 88 Why do you want this child?
Moonlight spilled outside, softening the dark night.
Yvette slowly pushed open the door to the private room. The men inside stopped talking and turned to look at her.
Albert glanced up, watching the interplay of light and shadow from the hallway outline Yvette's figure. Her shadow stretched long, making her seem even more distant and lonely.
She was a newlywed and pregnant, yet she had a certain coldness about her.
Albert's broad shoulders sagged slightly as he pulled out the chair next to him for Yvette. "What took you so long?"
Yvette thought about her time in the restroom and casually said, "The bathroom was crowded, so I had to wait."
Albert's lips pressed together slightly as he looked at Yvette's empty plate and reached out to serve her some food.
At dinner, Yvette had barely touched her food. As a pregnant woman, she should eat more to ensure proper nutrition.
Yvette noticed his fingers as he served her food—long and clean.
She stared at his attractive hands but was lost in thought about what she had just overheard.
Victor, being close to Albert, naturally knew some inside information. If Victor had said it, there was likely some truth to it.
Along with Albert's recent puzzling behavior, like his sudden display of care and kindness, it was evidently for a reason.
Maybe Albert cared so much about this child because his grandfather was in poor health and was going to distribute his inheritance.
Having this child would be beneficial for Albert in the inheritance, so he insisted she keep the baby.
It all seemed simple and reasonable.
Yvette's lips curved slightly as she casually lowered her gaze to the roasted cabbage Albert had just placed in her plate, feeling that it was as bland as their relationship.
Yvette gently poked the soft, flavorful cabbage with her fork, instantly mashing it.
She felt like laughing. This cabbage was just like their 'relationship', falling apart at the slightest touch.
Her actions caught Albert's eye, causing his expression to darken slightly. His face tensed, and he furrowed his brows, exhaling slowly in restraint.
"Why aren't you eating?"
Yvette blinked. "I don't like cabbage."
"Okay," Albert responded.
In the early stages of her pregnancy, Yvette suffered from severe morning sickness. The smell of meat made her nauseous, and she had lost some weight.
Thinking of this, Albert reached out to serve her a steak. "Then eat some meat."
Yvette's eyes were indifferent as she replied disinterestedly, "I don't like meat either."
Albert raised an eyebrow and picked up a fork again. "Then eat some salmon."
"I don't like salmon either."
As soon as Yvette finished speaking, she noticed Albert's face darken slightly, his brows full of impatience.
Albert asked in a low voice, "What do you want?"
He was probably unhappy that she hadn't eaten much tonight, starving his bargaining chip for the inheritance.
Even if Yvette didn't want this child, as long as the baby was in her womb, she couldn't let it go hungry. That was her duty as a mother.
With this thought, Yvette silently picked up her fork and ate all the food Albert had placed in her plate, including the mashed cabbage.
Though it was hard to swallow, she managed to eat it.
Albert watched Yvette intently, emotions swirling in his eyes. His lips pressed into a straight line, and he finally closed his eyes.
When he opened them again, his gaze was calm. He looked away, content that she was eating.
The night breeze was cool, but the streets were still lively.
Albert leaned against the car, smoking, listening to the group of men discussing their next plans.
Through the drifting smoke, Albert looked at Yvette. She stood obediently by his side, arms crossed.
Today, Yvette had behaved well in front of his friends. They seemed like a loving newlywed couple—he was reserved, she was calm, a harmony that made others envious.
Even Albert felt a twinge of envy.
"Albert, we're planning to go to a bar. Want to join us?"
One agreed, "Let's go! We have to have fun tonight!"
Albert glanced at Yvette. Though she didn't refuse directly, her gaze was cold, and she instinctively placed a hand on her belly.
"No, it's too late. Maybe another time."
With that, Albert walked to the passenger side and opened the car door for Yvette. "Let's go home."
Yvette nodded, pleased with Albert's decision.
"We agreed to hang out, and now you're leaving early."
Albert smirked. "Next time."
"Fine, we won't force you. We'll have fun on our own. See you next time!"
Albert waved goodbye to everyone and gave Victor a warning glance before the car slowly pulled away.
As Albert's car drove away, the group began booking a room for drinks, while Violet's already weary face showed even more sadness and resentment.
She knew how Albert behaved when he cared about someone, so she could tell he cared about Yvette.
Violet's eyes were cold, and she trembled slightly in the cool night breeze.
Victor, knowing Violet was upset, patted her back in comfort. "Want to join us at the bar?"
Violet didn't want to go. Without Albert, the gathering was meaningless. But right now, she didn't want to cry alone at home.
"Okay."
Albert's car merged into traffic, the interior filled with a calm silence. Neither spoke first.
It wasn't until Albert stopped at a red light that Yvette spoke.
She looked at the long line of cars outside the window, her voice calm and distant. "After this intersection, pull over and find a place to drop me off."
Albert's hand tightened on the steering wheel, his fingertips turning white. "I'll take you home."
He paused and added, "It's too late for you to take a cab alone."
"No need. I'll go back myself."
Albert frowned and looked at Yvette.
Yvette was gazing out the window, her profile illuminated by the red lights outside, casting shadows under her long lashes. Albert's throat tightened, his eyes deepening. "Yvette, why are you acting so difficult tonight?"
Yvette slowly turned to face him. "What do you mean?"
"It's just a meal and a ride. Why are you making this so hard?" Albert's eyes showed restraint. "I'm taking care my child's mother. What's the problem? Why are you resisting?"
Yvette met Albert's gaze directly. It seemed he had no idea she knew about the inheritance.
She blinked and calmly asked, "Albert, why do you insist on having this child?"
