It was 10 p.
m.
Time to go to bed.
When Rena later returned to the master bedroom, she didnât see Waylen there.
So she went to the study to look for him.
The door of the study was half closed and a faint yellow light spilled out from the room.
Waylen was standing by the window, smoking.
He had opened the window, so the smell of smoke inside the study wasnât too strong.
Rena stood outside for a while and then decided to walk in.
Still thinking about Ceciliaâs pregnancy, Waylen didnât notice Renaâs presence until a pair of soft hands hugged him from behind.
âHave the children all gone to bed?â he asked in a hoarse voice.
Rena nodded.
Then she inquired about how his coaching of Leonel was going.
âHeâs really a smart child,â Waylen shrugged.
After a while, he murmured absentmindedly, âWhat a pity!â
Rena was still holding him in her arms.
She inhaled his scent and asked softly, âWaylen, you have something on your mind, donât you?
Are you worried about Uncle Markâs health?â
Waylen didnât answer the question.
He simply put out the cigarette in his hand.
After a while, he turned around and gently cradled Rena in his arms.
Rena rested her head against Waylenâs chest.
He only wore a shirt.
Rena could feel his heartbeat through the lightweight material infused with the distinct smell of tobacco.
It was quite charming.
âWhatâs wrong?â she asked in an incredibly gentle tone.
âIâve consulted experts, and if my uncle ensures proper treatment, it shouldnât be a big problem.
â
He gently caressed her flowing brown hair and, after a prolonged contemplation, whispered, âCecilia is pregnant.
â
Rena was caught off guard by his revelation.
Her body, nestled in his embrace, tensed up.
After a prolonged silence, she finally found her voice.
âWait, what did you just say?â