When Christopher paused deliberately, my heart almost stopped beating. If we werenât in public, I wouldâve leaped onto him and pinched him forcefully.
After shooting me an assuring look, Christopher replied, âMom, you know her too. Why are you so forgetful? Ms. Tanner gave you your favorite walnut cookies on Dadâs birthday. I remember you only shared it with Dad that night and refused to spare me one. I would never forget that.â
âIâm old and forgetful,â came Juliaâs cool reply. âCanât you hold your stuff yourself? Stop bullying her. Put the shopping bag in the car instead of asking her to hold it.â
âChris, you shouldnât bully women, especially a married woman. If someone else finds out, they will mock us,â said Shelley. Her unkind statement sounded like she was insinuating that Christopher and I were involved in an immoral relationship. Frowning, I racked my brains to recall when did I offend this woman.
âShelley, donât worry about it. I paid Ms. Tanner to carry my stuff. Who dares to mock me? I can help that person carry their stuff as long as they can offer me what I want, right?â Christopher replied nonchalantly while lighting up a cigarette.
âChris, youâre smoking again. How many times Iâve said that smoking is bad for your health? You always like to smoke in front of me, huh?â
âSee? Monica cares so much about you. What an ungrateful brat,â reprimanded Julia as she tugged on Christopherâs earlobe. âIâll ask the driver to send Ms. Tanner back home. Letâs go to Clove Eatery now. Monica has two movie tickets. I donât have time to watch the movie with her, so you should go with her.â
I realized Monica had retreated backward while frowning at Christopher. There was a hint of tenderness in her gaze as she stared at Christopher adoringly. I felt uncomfortable with her action. After all, the man she was staring at was my boyfriend, yet I could not and dared not admit it.
I was nothing compared to Monica. Clearly, Julia adored her and treated her as a future daughter-in-law. It was obvious by the way she kept trying to match them up. As her love rival, my only advantage was that Christopher loved me.
Monica was born into an influential family and had graduated overseas. She was also a famous pianist. On the other hand, I had nothing to boast about.
âMom, are you seriously asking me to watch a yucky romance movie? Iâll fall asleep during the movie. Ask Shelley to watch the movie with Monica. Darius is busy inspecting some upgrading work in the city, so heâs too busy to spend time with her. Alright, thatâs enough. I need to go now. Zachary is waiting for me,â declared Christopher hastily.
He wagged a finger at me. âWell? Why are you standing there? Hurry up and bring the stuff to my car.â
Finally, the ordeal was about to end. I wiped the sweat off my forehead and gripped the huge bag in my hand, about to leave. Suddenly, Shelley stopped me and asked, âChris, what did you buy? This is such a huge bag.â
She reached out promptly to open the bag. My mind went completely blank. Shit. Itâs full of condoms and random mysterious adult stuff. How should I explain and pretend I know nothing about them?
Christopher grabbed her arm to stop her. âShelley, some menâs stuff isnât suitable to show women.â
âHuh? Youâre being secretive.â Shelleyâs interest was piqued.
âOf course. Only Zachary and the others can go through the bag. Are you sure you want to take a look?â In return, Christopher folded his arms and gestured for Shelley to go ahead.
âShelley, stop it. Some things are better left unknown.â Julia gave a dismissive wave and ordered, âWeâll be waiting for you at Clove Eatery. If you donât show up, Iâll tell your dad tonight that you bullied me and Monica.â
âMom, youâre no longer young. Donât you feel shy saying that in public?â Christopher seemed exasperated.
Seeing that, I finally realized where Christopher got his childish and coy actions from.