Part 72
“Come on, don’t listen to them. They’re just jealous people,” Tessa replied casually.
After washing their hands, they stepped out of the restroom area. Once again, Adaline felt uneasy. Was it just her imagination, or were people looking at her differently now? What were they thinking? Were they mocking her? Or were they passing judgment on her? Adaline couldn’t find the right words to describe how they were looking at her, but she definitely felt uncomfortable.
Tessa wrapped her arm around Adaline’s shoulder and squeezed her arm tightly. “Don’t think negatively,” she whispered softly. “Remember the baby in your belly,” she reminded. Reflexively, Adaline’s hand reached for her stomach, which was now slightly protruding.
After work, Tessa invited Adaline to hang out again, hoping to cheer her up. Since Adaline was craving sweets, they chose a cafe with a variety of desserts on the menu.
Adaline’s tray was filled with a slice of cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, and a bowl of soup. She opted for a chocolate milkshake as her drink, while Tessa chose a regular dinner without dessert.
“Pregnant women sure have big appetites, huh?” Tessa teased as she looked at Adaline’s food. Adaline smiled shyly. “But it’s understandable, you’re carrying twins after all,” Tessa continued sympathetically. “But shouldn’t pregnant women avoid eating a lot of ice? They say it makes the babies too big.”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure either. But not having ice feels strange. I’ve been holding back,” Adaline replied honestly.
“It’s okay, as long as it’s within reason. Be careful, okay? Watch what you eat, don’t eat too much spicy food, blah blah blah…” Tessa gave her advice as if she were a mother talking to her child. Adaline listened attentively, nodding along. “But where’s Joanna? She said she’d catch up but she’s not here yet,” Tessa looked around.
Her eyes scanned the parking area, which they could still reach. Joanna had said she would join them after her photoshoot was finished. But until their food was almost gone, she hadn’t shown up.
When they finished eating, Joanna finally arrived. However, the surprising thing was the person who came with her.
“Sorry, I’m late,” she said apologetically.
“Did you get stuck in traffic or have stomach trouble? You said you were on your way but it took forever for you to get here,” Tessa grumbled.
It was clear that Tessa didn’t like the guest her friend brought, although she managed to hide her dislike well. Yes, Tessa knew who Jovanka was. Adaline had told her everything earlier that afternoon, and since then, Tessa’s view of Jovanka had changed.
“Sorry… Oh yeah, coincidentally, we were heading the same way earlier. It’s okay if Joe joins us too,” Joanna said, glancing at Jovanka who was still standing beside her.
“It’s okay. Are you hungry? We’re done eating,” Tessa replied, noticing Joanna looking around and eventually nodding.
“Man, I’m starving. I’ll order some food first, okay? Joe, what about you?”
“I’m not having dinner. Mind if I sit down?” Jovanka asked. Adaline and Tessa nodded, while Joanna headed towards the buffet-style food area. “It’s been a while since we last met. How are you and your baby? Are you both healthy?” she asked with concern.
“We’re both very healthy. We’re almost five months along,” Adaline replied casually.
“Wow, it feels like just weeks ago when we last met. Time really flies, huh?” said the woman, receiving nods from Adaline. Meanwhile, Adaline noticed Tessa’s sharp gaze directed at her friend.
“Yeah, time flies fast. When we look ahead, it feels like it’s taking forever. But when we look back, it feels like the years that have passed were just yesterday,” Tessa replied as she sipped her drink. “How’s your film project going?”
“It’s done. Just waiting for the launch.”
“Then there’ll be a city-to-city promotion, right?”
“Yeah, but it’s still a few months away. There are still some stages to take care of,” the woman added.
Joanna returned with a plate full of food. Despite the buffet style, she never had any food restrictions. She was diligent about exercising, and her body had always been slim.
“Seriously, what were you two talking about?” she asked, curious.
“We weren’t talking about anything. We were just discussing your film,” Tessa replied.
“Ohh…” Then the girl started eating. “Don’t miss me too much, okay, when I join the city-to-city promo event. But don’t worry, I’ll bring back souvenirs.” She replied, then turned to Adaline. “For Adaline.”
“Just for Adaline? Not for me?” Tessa asked with a pouty expression.
“You’re already wealthy. Your lover also has a big salary. You can ask him later,” Joanna replied casually.
“Wow, what does Tessa’s lover do? Is he a businessman?” Jovanka asked, curious.NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.
“Not yet, but he might be heading there soon,” Joanna replied sincerely. “Tessa’s lover is a hardworking person.”
“Wow, he must be a great guy then. My lover is also the type of hardworking man,” Jovanka proudly replied. They all turned to Jovanka simultaneously. “What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”
“No,” Tessa and Joanna replied simultaneously.
“Is the man you’re talking about now the same man you talked to us about some time ago?” Tessa asked, curious. Jovanka nodded. Adaline felt a pang of sadness in her chest. “So, are you two back together now?” Once again, Jovanka nodded. “Then, how is his relationship with his fiancee? Didn’t you say he was already engaged?” The question made Jovanka’s expression instantly turn sad.
“He’s not engaged,” Jovanka replied with a long sigh. “But he’s married,” she continued sadly. Tessa showed no reaction whatsoever, neither did Adaline. But Joanna clearly looked surprised.
“Married? But how can you two reconcile if he’s already married?” Joanna asked, forgetting her dinner instantly. “Don’t tell me you’re the third person in their relationship. That’s clearly a wicked act,” Joanna said sternly.
“My lover says he doesn’t love his wife. They got married so they could have a child. After their child is born, he’ll divorce his wife and come back to me.”
“What?!” Tessa and Joanna exclaimed simultaneously.
“Is that man insane?! Are you sure he’s a good guy?” Joanna asked angrily.