Chapter 35 She's Growing on Him
"Get the renovations done in three days," Aaron said before hanging up. Susanna looked at the contract in her hand, touched her belly, and silently thought, 'Baby, we're moving to a new home.'
The next day, Susanna went to the furniture market to pick out some pieces. She knew Aaron's tastes well, so it wasn't hard for her.
She selected a few sets and called Aaron. To her surprise, he hung up and video-called her instead. Susanna was a bit taken aback but quickly composed herself. "Mr. Abbott, these are the latest styles. Do you like them?"
Seeing Susanna, Aaron felt unexpectedly cheerful. "Are there better options? Pick out some more that you think are good."
Susanna, sitting on a couch, frowned slightly. "There are better ones, but you might not like what I choose."
"That's fine. I trust your judgment. Gotta go, I'm busy." Aaron hung up before Susanna could respond. She didn't mind and turned to the store clerk with a grin. "Got anything pricier? Give me a good commission!"
The clerk was delighted. "Absolutely, right away."
Meanwhile, at the Abbott Group, Aaron couldn't stop thinking about Susanna's face from the video call. Lately, she seemed more and more appealing to him.
His phone rang, and Aaron's expression darkened. He answered, "Mom, what's up?"
"Aaron, have you started the divorce proceedings with Susanna? If not, hurry up," Maud replied.
Aaron paused. "Why?"
"I heard Susanna is buying a new house with another man. She's already moved on. Be careful, Aaron. If rumors spread, it won't look good," Maud said.
Aaron's eyes narrowed. "Who is she buying a house with?"
Maud answered, "I don't know the details, but she's definitely buying a new place. That house costs at least $7 million. How can she afford it? Either she's been stealing from your family, or she's got another man footing the bill. It's disgusting!"
Aaron frowned, pressing his lips together. "How do you know all this?" He had no idea about any of this, so how did Maud?
Maud coughed. "That's not the point. The house costs over $6 million."
Aaron's frown deepened. "Mom, she's not like that."
"Aaron, why are you defending Susanna? You never used to," Maud retorted.
Aaron grew more impatient. "Mom, I said I'll handle it. Stay out of it."
"I'm just looking out for you. Ms. Jones is right there, and you're missing your chance. You two belong together. Unless you've fallen for Susanna, why are you dragging out the divorce?"
Aaron rubbed his temples. "Mom, don't jump to conclusions. Grandma's health isn't great right now. I want to wait until after her surgery to finalize the divorce."
Mentioning Maria, Maud sounded displeased. "Fine, I'm just warning you. Don't let Susanna fool you. She's already betrayed you and secretly bought a house. Aaron, you can't fall for a woman with such bad intentions!"
Aaron didn't want to talk anymore. He hung up and sat in his chair, silent. Suddenly, he realized he had never really cared about family matters before. His default reaction was always to blame Susanna, not because he lacked principles or always sided with Maud, but because... it was just easier.
He picked up his phone and saw a new message from Susanna with pictures: [Which ones do you like, Mr. Abbott? I can place the order early.]
He stared at the screen, realizing why Susanna's attitude had changed so much during their call yesterday. After a long pause, he replied: [You decide.]
Aaron closed the message, loosened his tie, and thought about how much time he had wasted on Susanna.
At the furniture store, Susanna was nearly dozing off when she finally got Aaron's reply—just two words. As always, he was distant. She finished her juice and told the clerk, "I'll give you the order now. Deliver the in-stock items immediately."
The clerk asked, "Susanna, do you need a crib? With all these purchases, there's a free gift. Most new homes need a crib."
'A crib?' Susanna walked over to see the cribs on display. They were small and cute. She touched one, thinking about her soon-to-be-born child, and felt a surge of happiness. But she didn't need it just yet.
She patted the crib. "Sure, include this."
'Wish Aaron and Erica a happy family!' she thought.
After the furniture store, Susanna followed the delivery truck to Aaron's villa. Having spent three years decorating it before, she expertly arranged the living room. Finally, she stood in front of a wall, instructing the workers to create a photo wall for a large wedding picture.
Brenda approached her. "Susanna, what about the bedroom?"
"Just tidy it up and replace the bed and mattress," Susanna said.
"Susanna, I'm not familiar with the bedroom. Mr. Abbott usually doesn't let us upstairs, especially not into the bedroom. You should check it yourself," Brenda uttered.
Susanna glanced around the living room. Despite her reluctance, she headed upstairs to the master bedroom. Standing at the door, she hesitated. She feared seeing traces of Aaron and Erica's life together. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open. She had to face it sooner or later.
As she entered, she saw their wedding photo still hanging above the bed. "It's still here!"
"Of course, it is. No one would dare take it down without Mr. Abbott's permission," Brenda said.
Susanna found it odd. "Really? Ms. Jones didn't mind?"
"Ms. Jones? She never lived here," Brenda replied.
"What? That's impossible!" Susanna was shocked by Brenda's response.
"She really never lived here. Since you left, Mr. Abbott has been living alone in the master bedroom."
Susanna listened to Brenda, walking around the room, even checking the walk-in closet. It was just as she had left it, with no signs of another woman ever living there. It was as if Erica had never been here.
"But that night when I left, I clearly saw..." Susanna hesitated.
