The news came so suddenly that Johnny was completely taken aback.
Caroline continued speaking softly, “Back then, you said you didn’t want to get married and definitely didn’t want kids, so I didn’t dare tell you. I was afraid you’d drag me to get rid of the baby! You’re the father of the baby, and I couldn’t bear to do that…”
“Wait a minute, wait a minute!” Johnny instinctively glanced upstairs and then pulled Caroline into his car. “Don’t talk about it here.”
He drove off without even checking his phone.
Upstairs, Tilda stood by the window, watching what was happening below.
To say she wasn’t concerned would be a lie.
Initially, she thought Johnny’s words would be harsh because he was known for his sharp tongue. His reputation as a scoundrel was undeniable. Caroline’s face grew increasingly distressed, and tears began to fall in large drops.
As a fellow woman, Tilda felt sympathetic and wanted to call Johnny, advising him not to be too harsh and to break up amicably. But just as the call connected, she saw Johnny pulling Caroline’s clothes and dragging her into his car before driving away.
He just drove off?!
Tilda was stunned and instinctively hung up the phone.
Where was Johnny taking her?
Was he sending her back?
Tilda watched his car disappear from the neighborhood before stepping away from the window.
Her intuition told her something was off!
But she couldn’t pinpoint what it was because Johnny hadn’t been affectionate with the woman. He simply drove her away.
Tilda remembered him saying that she was a cousin of a friend. Perhaps due to this relationship, he felt the need to personally drive his ex-girlfriend home.
“Knock knock-”
Outside, Mr. Wales knocked on the door.
“Your mom is about to start making the ravioli. Do you want to join us?”
“Oh, okay.” Tilda snapped back to reality and went to open the door. “Is the filling ready?”
“Yes!” Mr. Wales smiled. “Do you know if Johnny prefers salty or mild flavors? If he likes it salty, I’ll add more salt!”
“He isn’t picky.”
Tilda pulled up a chair, washed her hands, and sat at the table.
Mrs. Wales glanced at her and noticed something was off. “Where’s Johnny?”
She had been busy in the kitchen and hadn’t seen him.
“He had some work to attend to.” Tilda didn’t want to ruin the image Johnny had worked hard to build with her parents. “He’s been working really hard lately, so he hasn’t had much time for me.”
Mr. Wales spoke seriously, “A man should have a sense of responsibility toward his career! You shouldn’t be capricious, understand? You two are going to spend a lifetime together. Don’t always throw tantrums. Johnny has already accommodated you a lot!”
“Dad, you take his side so quickly?” Tilda pouted. “You previously strongly opposed us being together! Now you’re defending him!”
“Your dad was worried that with his strong family background, he might not genuinely care for you,” Mrs. Wales explained candidly. “But later, we saw how well he treats you. With someone like Johnny, he could have any girl he wants, yet he’s willing to revolve around you every day-that shows his sincerity.”
Listening to her parents praise him brought Tilda some peace of mind.
Though dealing with his ex-girlfriend was troubling, Johnny’s attitude reassured Tilda.
He had a past, and so did she. There was no need to dwell on it.