I knew Anthony was worried for me, but he shouldn’t blame them for my grievance.
Now that the score was even, I tugged on Anthony’s elbow and asked, “Are you done with work? My stomach’s growling.”
He chuckled lightly before giving a light tap on my nose. He had no qualms about showering me with affection in front of a crowd. “All right. Let’s go grab something delicious.”
Anthony led the way out of the studio. Once outside, I let out a sigh. Looks like Featherstone Corporation will go into a frenzy.
The prediction was realized sooner than expected. Behind me, there were loud murmurs. ”Who is this woman?”
“So who exactly is the replacement here?”
Only after we got in the car, then there was finally some respite. I turned over and asked, “Do I really look like Nancy?”
He smiled as his fingers trailed down my cheeks. “No. She’s not worthy to be compared to you. You’re way better than her.”
Upon hearing his words, I pursed my lips in embarrassment. Did he become gentler? The truth was, Anthony had not. He had only gotten more ruthless over the past four years. What made the difference was, he was now good at concealing his emotions. The only ounce of warmth he had left was all reserved for me.
Back at the villa, Summer was having fun with a furry little dog.
I was surprised to see her here. I turned and asked, “Were you the one who brought her here?”
Anthony nodded. “Once everything is settled, we’ll return to K City. I’ve already chosen the school Summer would be attending. Meanwhile, let her enjoy herself first.”
Noticing our arrival, Summer ran excitedly towards me with expectant eyes. “Mommy, can we keep it?” She pointed at the brown fluffy dog behind her. It looked to be approximately three months old.
I reflexively frowned at her request. Just as I was about to say no, Anthony interjected. “When we’re busy, this little buddy here will make a good companion for Summer.”
I did notice. Back in R Province, with Michael by her side, she had been an unstoppable chatterbox. But ever since our return, Summer had mellowed down considerably.
I could not blame her. It was a new environment, and she had no friends. I guess a dog will make a good companion for her.
I caved.
Back inside the villa, dinner was being prepared. Due to Mrs. Eriksen’s old age, she had retired. Anthony found a new housekeeper to replace her duties.
She was a woman in her mid-forties. Her name was Susan Madden.
While waiting for dinner, Joseph had arrived at the villa. He was greeted by Anthony, who was sitting placidly in the living room.
He mustered up his courage and said, “Mr. Featherstone, what happened just now was due to my negligence. What shall we do with Nancy?”
Anthony continued tapping away at his phone, his demeanor languid. “She’s no longer carrying herself the way a celebrity should. Four years of being in the limelight is enough. It’s time to make way for the new generation.”
“I understand. What about her mother, Vanessa?”
“You make the call. Also, find another celebrity to replace Nancy. This time around, get someone decent.”
Joseph nodded. He gave me a quick look before leaving.
Back in the living room, Summer was chatting happily away with her dog, Snowfluff. It was indeed a wonderful companion for her.
Meanwhile, I tried placating Anthony about the incident earlier on. “There’s really no need to go this far on Nancy!”
He responded with an enigmatic smile. He proceeded to blow on the hard-boiled egg Susan had cooked before gently placing it on my bruise; this helped ease blood circulation.
It was not as serious as Anthony had made it out to be. The marks were barely visible now.
“She needs to learn her place. There are some people in this world she can’t afford to offend,” he said indifferently.
Before I could respond, Anthony noticed Susan had finished preparing dinner. He took my hand, carried Summer in one arm and led the way into the dining room.
Soon, the weekend arrived. Anthony had booked an early flight for us to return to K City. Summer was still fast asleep in his arms.
It was only in the waiting area that Summer had woken up. She noticed beside her, there was a kid approximately seven or eight months old being cradled in by his mom.
The vivacious child was moving about spiritedly. When he saw the donut plush Summer was holding, he reached out his tiny set of hands. Conflicted, she looked at her precious donut, and then at the kid’s expectant pair of eyes.
After some moments of deliberation, she walked towards the child’s mom. “Miss, can he play with this?” Summer gestured at her plushy.
The woman understood her grand gesture and nodded appreciatively.
Seeing her donut given away, Summer surpassed the sad longing that was welling up within her. She ran back to Anthony and me before asking, “Mommy, will you give me a brother in the future?”
Clearly, Summer did not understand the complexities of her words. Anthony chuckled before pulling her into his arms. “Not so fast, brat. Your mommy is going to give me a child.”
It was amusing to see him take her seriously.
Summer pursed her lips, looking serious. “Then, will you marry Mommy?”
“Of course!” Anthony proclaimed. His gentle gaze looking right at me.
Feeling satisfied with his response, Summer asked chirpily, “Mommy, once you’re married to Mr. Featherstone, will I have a daddy? Will I also have a brother too?”
I could only answer with a helpless smile. Noticing the clock, I stood up. “It’s time for boarding. Let’s go.”
Summer felt unsatisfied with my answer, but just like a child of her age, she was quick to forget.
Fast forward in the cabin, Summer had fallen sound asleep. Anthony chose this time to pick up where they left off earlier. “How about we get married in October?”
That’s next month!
This was happening all too fast for me. “Anthony, let’s just take things slow.”
Compared to marriage, Summer’s future was my priority once we returned to K City.
Despite my rejection, he replied patiently, “Ok. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
I slept throughout our four-hour flight.
Upon touchdown, Anthony received a work call. As the chairperson of a listed company, it was natural for him to be busy.
He glanced at his watch before saying, “I’ll get the chauffeur to send you and Summer back to the villa first. I’ll be back in time for lunch.”
“What time will that be?”
“Half-past twelve.” With that, he gave a light peck on my forehead before sending us off.
Approximately forty minutes later, Summer and I arrived at the villa. Anthony had been living here for the past four years, and even the housekeeper had changed.
The chauffeur carried our belongings in and gave the housekeeper a few instructions before he bade farewell.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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