I opened my mouth, but words eluded me. After a long time, I finally remembered that Christopher took me home for dinner after we came back in the evening the day before yesterday. Julia asked me to accompany her shopping today, and I casually agreed. However, Sabrina suddenly gave birth by the roadside yesterday, and Zachary had to go on a mission today, thus having no time to take care of the baby. I came over to take care of the baby and was so busy that I put the matter at the back of my mind.
Realizing that, I hastily apologized. âIâm sorry, Julia. I was tied up with something earlier. Where are you now? Iâll go and look for you right away!â
âIâm right below your apartment, and I want to see you in half an hour!â
A disconnect tone sounded as the person hung up the phone. I stared at my phone before shifting my gaze to Sabrina. All of a sudden, I sprang to my feet with my phone and hand and wailed, âOh God, Iâm doomed! I stood my future mother-in-law up! Iâm dead!â
ââWhatâs going on? Didnât you say that Mrs. Lane usually ignores you? The previous time, she even introduced a dozen or so ladies to Christopher at a single go. When did your relationship with her become so close that you even have a date to go shopping with her?â Sabrina inquired in puzzlement.
âI donât know either. I thought she was joking when she said she wanted me to go shopping with her, so I totally forgot about it. Youâve got to give me some tips, Sabby! How do you usually interact with your mother-in-law? Just give it to me straight so that I can brace myself.â My face was all crumpled.
âOh, my mother-in-law is really easy to get along with. She usually doesnât interfere in our affairs and only asks to meet us if thereâs something specific. We normally keep in contact by phone. Sheâll urge me to rest more and never raised her voice to me.â Sabrina scratched her head as she recalled her usual interaction with her mother-in-law. Then, she spread her hands helplessly.
âGah! That wasnât helpful at all!â
âAll the best.â Sabrina gave me a chin lift. âHurry up and go meet the true queen of your family. She is likely accepting you since she asked you to accompany her shopping. After winning over your mother-in-law, you can then officially become Christopherâs wife and receive everyoneâs blessings. Isnât it rather exciting?â
Exciting⦠my foot!
I swiftly ran out and hailed a taxi. Alas, when it rained, it poured. During the drive, there was massive congestion. A long line of cars stood at a standstill in front of me, stretching as far as the eye could see. I then glanced at the time. If I truly wait for the traffic to ease, Julia will be home long by the time I reach. She wonât wait for me!
Therefore, I had no other choice but to alight from the taxi and go on foot. By the time I reached home, I was already so weary that I was panting for breath. Standing in front of Juliaâs car, I couldnât even utter a single word. After some time, I stammered, âJulia, you⦠Iâm sorry for having made you wait⦠I apologize⦠Where are we going?â
Upon seeing that I was panting, Julia unexpectedly ceased speaking. She handed me a piece of tissue and waited until I had gotten my breath back before asking, âWhat kind of attitude is this when youâve already promised to meet me? Not only did you fail to take the initiative to ask me out, but you even went out by yourself.â
âSabby gave birth, so I was taking care of her in the hospital.â I flashed her a sheepish smile. Well, if I were to say that I forgot because I thought it was just a courtesy, then Iâm truly an idiot!
After hearing that explanation of mine, Juliaâs expression eased. âIs it a boy or a girl?â she queried. âZacharyâs parents would love a girl since theyâve always been grousing about him being so insensitive.â
âOh, Iâm afraid theyâd be disappointed, then. Sabby gave birth to an adorable baby boy!â I chortled. Hmm⦠The term âinsensitiveâ is really apt to describe Zachary! Heâs always with that grim face thatâs devoid of expression. Even when he consoles Sabby, his expression remains indifferent.
âAh, itâs a boy!â Juliaâs gaze then fell on my stomach. She stared for a very long time, frowning sometimes and smiling faintly at other times as though she was contemplating something. âChris was very mischievous when he was young. I wonder if his child would also be a naughty one like him.â
Embarrassed at her length stare, I immediately clapped my hands over my stomach. âWe use protection! We definitely wonât force your hand with a child before you agree, so donât worry!â
The corners of Juliaâs mouth twitched, and she actually looked speechless.
As realization dawned upon me, my hands almost flew to my big mouth. Oh my God, what did I just say? I actually discussed the issue of protection with my mother-in-law? Ugh! Iâm making it clear as day that Iâm a moron!