Penelope also wanted to take care of his feelings. After all, it wasn’t easy for him to come up with such an idea.
Penelope took the initiative and kissed his lips, saying, “You’ve forgiven me, haven’t you?”
“For which time are you asking?” He tried to sound aloof.
“Have I made you angry many times?” Penelope whispered, moving closer to him.
Warren quickly retorted, wearing a composed expression as he said, “Just ten minutes ago, you were being quite flirty with a lot of guys in the hall.”
Penelope felt like an arrow had pierced her chest. “That was for the stage effect, not flirting…”
His hand slowly caressed her breast, and he stepped closer, pinning her firmly between himself and the tree trunk.
The air grew thinner as she looked up, allowing him to kiss her neck. Her clothes on the left shoulder slipped down, revealing most of her body.
“Are you out of your mind?” She couldn’t help but exclaim.
He shifted slightly, blocking her body, leaving the view just for himself. He kissed her lips fervently as if trying to teach her a lesson. His hands traveled down her neck and then along her spine.
His kiss left her dizzy. For the first time, she realized that a kiss could also be a form of punishment.
“You, you, you…” She couldn’t get a word out before he silenced her with his kisses.
The dark grove indeed proved to be a fitting place for their intimate moments. Half an hour later, the driver brought the car to the avenue next to the path. Warren stepped out, draping his coat over Penelope’s shoulders.
“Take us home,” he instructed the driver, holding the woman close to him.
“Yes, sir,” the driver replied without daring to glance at them.
Penelope lay in his arms, reaching out toward his chest but nearly breaking her nails. Warren took her hand and tenderly kissed her fingers.
****
Going to class is important, but rest and relaxation are crucial too.
Penelope was always punctual for her classes during school. She never arrived late.
Although she was enjoying her long-awaited college life, it brought some side effects, like morning laziness.
On the first day, she was still asleep at ten o’clock. Even little Chris was trapped under her. He struggled, waiting for his dad to rescue him, but Warren didn’t come. Instead, Mrs. Brown came to his aid.
“Get up quickly. Do you know where Mr. Duncan went?” Mrs. Brown tapped her quilt, concerned about Penelope.
“Wherever he went…” Penelope mumbled, half-asleep.
“He’s with another woman. Doesn’t that bother you?” Mrs. Brown asked while picking up little Chris.
“It’s just business. Don’t worry,” Penelope replied, still half-asleep.
Mrs. Brown clenched her teeth. “This woman was introduced by the old Mrs. Duncan. She’s a successful businesswoman. If you don’t take action, Chris might have a stepmother in the future.”
Penelope immediately sat up and asked, “How do you know this?”
“Mrs. Jones called the old Mrs. Duncan, and I happened to overhear it,” Mrs. Brown explained.
“Mrs. Brown, you have quite the spy potential,” Penelope remarked with a smile.
“Aren’t you worried?” Mrs. Brown asked.
Penelope kissed Chris’s little face, put on her slippers, and replied, “Why should I worry? If he dares to be with other women, I’ll have no qualms about finding other men. Trust me, I’m attractive enough. Besides, Warren is somewhat enchanted by my beautiful face.”
Penelope then winked and patted her own face.
“Childish,” Mrs. Brown commented.
“It’s not childish; it’s true. Even though he’s angry with me for being married to another man before, I believe he won’t betray me.” Penelope yawned and stretched.
“If that person is his ex-girlfriend, aren’t you afraid?” Mrs. Brown teased her further.
Penelope paused and turned around. “Ex-girlfriend? Did he go out with his ex-girlfriend?”
“Yes. He left just thirty minutes ago, honey,” Mrs. Brown emphasized.
Penelope ran her fingers through her hair and smiled.
“You’re surprisingly calm about it,” Mrs. Brown remarked, not understanding her peculiar smile.
Penelope clenched her fist and smiled broadly. He was upset about her previous marriage to her ex-boyfriend, and now he’s going on a date with his ex-girlfriend. They’re even now!
“Mrs. Brown, do you know where they went?” Penelope asked.
“She mentioned their usual spot. I’m not sure exactly. But you can ask the driver; he’s been there,” Mrs. Brown replied.
Penelope nodded and said, “Mrs. Brown, please help Chris change his clothes. We’ll go take a look.”
“Well…” Mrs. Brown looked at Penelope, who was in an unusually good mood. She couldn’t help but wonder why Penelope seemed more like she was going on a leisurely outing.
Penelope got dressed, went downstairs, and asked the driver, “Hey, do you know where Mr. Duncan and Miss Bryant usually go?”
“Yes, I know the place, Miss Seinfeld,” he replied.
“That’s good. Let’s go!” Penelope snatched the diaper bag from Mrs. Brown’s hand and took Chris into the car.
“Behave yourself,” Mrs. Brown warned, concerned that Penelope might do something impulsive.
“We’re just going for lunch. Why are you overthinking?” Penelope winked and waved her hand dismissively.
Mrs. Brown watched her, realizing that only a fool would believe they were just going out for lunch.
Penelope wrinkled her nose and closed the car window with a smile. Chris was still asleep, unaware of what was happening.
“My sweet baby, there’s going to be an interesting show!” Penelope bent down to touch his little belly. Chris twisted his body and frowned impatiently.
Penelope poked his face. “You have quite the temper. You’re just like your father.”
In an expensive restaurant, Warren and Joey Bryant sat facing each other. Warren hadn’t wanted to come to this meeting, but his mother had insisted. After all, she was his mother, and he didn’t want to make things awkward, which might complicate Penelope’s future marriage to him.
“I haven’t seen you in years, and you’re still as handsome as ever. You haven’t changed a bit,” Joey Bryant said, gazing at him with her sweetest smile. She was a successful businesswoman who always displayed her competence at work. This time, she had changed her style to see him, opting for a more ladylike appearance.
Her favorite bright red lipstick had been replaced with a soft cameo brown, and the black and white suits she typically wore were swapped for an elegant nude dress. She had even painted her nails, a practice she had given up for years, all in pursuit of her goal.
“You’ve been looking good lately,” she tried to flatter him.