“Thankful if Bella’s pregnancy progresses well and there are no problems at all. I hope everything goes smoothly until delivery time.”
Edward was on his way back to the hotel after a day of site inspection with Kairos. Remembering that today was Julia’s schedule to take Bella for a check-up, he decided to contact her and check on the baby’s progress in Bella’s womb.
“I’m done and on my way. Maybe after reaching the hotel, I’ll go straight to have dinner with Kairos. How about you? Have you had dinner yet?”
“I just finished showering and getting ready,” replied Julia, who was at home and currently applying makeup.
“Do you want to go out?”
“Yeah, Honey. Celina invited me to meet up and have dinner outside. Besides, it feels so lonely to have dinner alone without you.”
Edward nodded understandingly. He couldn’t possibly deny Julia, who must be feeling lonely right now because he was away.
“Well, if that’s the case.”
“So, when are you coming back to London? Day after tomorrow or Saturday?” Julia asked to confirm.
“Why? It’s unusual for you to ask. Usually when I’m on duty, you never care about when I’ll be back.”
An audible sigh came from Julia’s lips immediately. Truly, she was very aware of Edward’s slightly colder attitude than usual.
“Why so abrupt? Clearly because I miss you, Ed. Just imagine, I just got back and you’re already leaving me to travel abroad.”
“Maybe I’ll return to London on Saturday morning. Besides, there’s one more location I need to check.”
“Ah, fine then. I’ll wait for your return. Well, I’ll get ready now.”
“Be careful on the road.”
“Of course, dear. You don’t need to worry.”
“I’ll hang up now.”
“See you on Saturday, Ed. I miss you so much.”
Edward didn’t respond to Julia’s words. He simply hung up the phone and refocused on waiting for the car he was riding in to reach the hotel.
“I don’t know where the good side of your wife is.”
Kairos, sitting next to Edward, sounded disgruntled. His tone of voice was clearly disapproving.
“Even though, from the beginning, I’ve said that Julia-”
“She’s not the right woman for me?” Edward interjected, as if he knew exactly what Kairos was going to say. After all, this wasn’t the first time his friend had spoken ill of his wife. From the start, Kairos had never approved of Edward marrying Julia.
“Not just unsuitable, but I’m sure she’s been using you all this time. Using your wealth, fame, and also your family background for her own purposes.”
“Enough, Kairos,” Edward sighed, appearing bored. “How long will you keep saying things like that?”
“Until you realize.”
“If Julia really wasn’t good, there’s no way our marriage would have lasted this long.”
Sitting casually beside Edward, Kairos couldn’t help but chuckle. Really, he didn’t expect to have such a naive friend like Edward. Whether it was because he was too foolish or simply too trusting of Julia.
“Oh my, Edward. Your marriage lasted this long not because Julia is good, loyal, or capable of being an ideal wife. But because you’ve been blind and willingly fooled all this time.”
“Kairos!”
“I’m just speaking the truth,” Kairos replied unapologetically. “Not once have I seen Julia being affectionate with another man. And you don’t believe me at all. Moreover, you seem reluctant even to check for yourself.”
“What for?” Edward retorted with a bitter laugh. His face began to show signs of discomfort and annoyance. “I’ve told you many times, maybe at that time Julia was indeed being affectionate with another man. But, it was during our dating period and before we were married. And now, I believe she wouldn’t stoop so low as to jeopardize her career. So, why waste time paying someone to check on what she’s doing behind my back?”
Kairos sighed deeply. It was tiring trying to make Edward realize his foolishness all this time.
“Samuel is right. It’s hard to advise someone who is blindly in love. Besides, think about it, if Julia really were a good wife, who loves you sincerely, then she wouldn’t refuse when you ask for a child.”
Edward sighed. He was used to Samuel or Kairos expressing such things.
“Who refused? The evidence-”
“Julia agreed to undergo IVF? Borrowing another woman’s womb because she didn’t want her body shape to be ruined?” Kairos chuckled even more. “What era does your wife live in, Ed? The medical technology nowadays is extremely advanced. Let alone getting rid of flab in the stomach. If you want, Julia could even become a virgin again through surgery.”
“Enough. No need to talk so much. What matters is, soon we will have a child.”
Kairos just nodded. He was too lazy to continue advising Edward.
“Alright. I won’t nag anymore. I’ll pray that your marriage goes well. If it turns out in the future that Julia betrayed you, I’ll be the first one to laugh at your foolishness.”
***
After taking Bella for a check-up, Julia did decide to leave the house driving her own car. As she said to Edward, Julia went out for dinner with Celina at one of their favorite cafes.
However, at 11 PM, Julia changed locations. Still with Celina, she went to a bar to join some other friends.
“I think this is enough. I shouldn’t drink too much.”
“Are you leaving already?” Celina asked when she saw Julia preparing as if she were about to leave. “Yes, besides, it’s already 1 AM. I have to go back soon.”
Celina laughed mockingly. Usually, when Edward was away on duty, Julia would spend time having fun until dawn.
“But isn’t your husband not at home? Besides, it’s still too early for you to end the party.”
“I have other matters to attend to. You guys go ahead. My ride will be here soon.”
After saying goodbye, Julia decided to leave immediately. Five minutes later, the car Julia used to go out was already waiting for her in front of the bar lobby.
“Have you been waiting long?”
Julia got into the car. Smiling, she leaned forward, then gave a brief kiss to the man who picked her up.
“No, Arrow, Darling. I just came out.”
While driving Julia’s car, Arrow reached for Julia’s wrist. Then, he kissed the back of Julia’s hand affectionately.
“So, where are we going tonight? To the hotel? Or to my apartment?”
Julia turned her head. Smiling, she shook her head mischievously. It seemed like there was an unusual plan she wanted to convey to Arrow.
“Not either of those. I think there’s a better place for us to make love tonight.”
Arrow laughed while feeling curious.
“Oh, yeah? Where?”
Julia leaned closer. Approaching Arrow, then whispered directly into his ear. Telling him where they should go after this.
“You’re crazy!” Arrow immediately exclaimed and shortly laughed upon hearing Julia’s whisper. “Are you sure you want the two of us to spend time there? Together? Tonight?”
Julia nodded firmly. There was no trace of doubt on her beautiful face. “Of course.”
“But what if we-”
“No need to worry,” Julia assured. “No one will disturb us tonight.”
Arrow remained hesitant. And this made Julia ask again.
“Why? Are you reluctant? Or perhaps, are you scared?”
Arrow sighed heavily. Who was she to call him a coward?
“Scared? As if. I’m never scared of anything, Honey.”
“In that case, let’s do it! I’m sure our lovemaking tonight will be hotter, more passionate, and more thrilling than usual.”
“If that’s what you want, I’ll follow you right now.”
Arrow turned the steering wheel towards the place Julia requested. About fifteen minutes later, the car they were riding in arrived at Julia’s driveway.
Indeed, that was the place Julia wanted. Aware and knowing very well that it was already very late and believing that the workers at her house were no longer awake, let alone wandering around, Julia pulled Arrow to get out of her car immediately.
After closing and locking the door, Julia boldly kissed Arrow. Even without letting go of each other’s lips, they both walked upstairs to the second floor.
Arrow continued to kiss Julia aggressively. Even deliberately, Arrow lifted Julia, carrying her to the master bedroom.
Before entering, without putting down the woman he was kissing, Arrow tried to open Julia’s bedroom door. After successfully opening it, they both entered immediately. Then quickly closed the bedroom door tightly without realizing that Bella had been watching this scene with great shock all along.