Andrew closed his notebook and turned to look at her. She tilted her head back, smiling cutely and innocently at him, “Soldier Uncle, you’re so handsome.”
He laughed softly and helplessly, “Alright, stop fangirling. Mrs. Turner, you can look at me for the rest of your life, no need to rush right now.”
“Stop being so smug, I’m not Mrs. Turner yet,” she blushed and teased.
Andrew took her right hand and gently kissed the ring on her ring finger, “Mrs. Turner, you’ve already accepted the engagement ring. I checked, this Thursday is a good day. Let’s go to the civil affairs bureau and get our marriage certificate.”
“I have no objections, but we need to get the household registration book with my father. Mr. Turner, you’ll have to handle that personally,” Isabella said with a smile, cupping his face. She added, “Whenever you get the household registration book, we’ll get the certificate. I’m in no rush.”
“Smart as always, pushing the tough job onto me.” He flicked her forehead lightly with two fingers.
“Ouch, that hurt,” she pouted, rubbing her forehead.
He pulled her hand down and kissed her forehead softly. Then, holding her hand, he said, “I guess your dad is holding onto the household registration book to use it as leverage, wanting me to help him win the election.”
“He’s always had a big appetite. This election won’t satisfy him. He’ll definitely have bigger ambitions in the future,” she said with a hint of sarcasm.
“He has high hopes for me.” He looked at her and said, “Isabella, we’re about to have our own family. And… should we give Asher a little brother or sister?”
“You can explain it nicely to Asher,” Isabella said seriously.
Andrew raised an eyebrow with a smile.
“A sister then. One son and one daughter, perfect. The son like you, the daughter like me,” Isabella said, blushing shyly.
Andrew’s gaze grew warmer, and Isabella, understanding his intent, quickly placed a hand on his chest. “Andrew, don’t get the wrong idea. I didn’t say I’d give you a baby right now.”
“Yeah, I know. In the bedroom, there’s a box of condoms in the bedside drawer,” Andrew said as he picked her up.
A whole box! Isabella felt a bit dizzy. Tonight’s going to be intense.
He carried her to the bed, and they fell onto it together, their bodies pressed tightly against each other.
As he began to undress her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and softly called, “Soldier Uncle.”
That moment felt like a bucket of cold water being poured over him, extinguishing his desire completely.
For a soldier, the profession is sacred. When wearing the uniform, his duty is to protect the people and the weak. Andrew couldn’t accept her calling him that in bed.
Worse still, her clear eyes were just like six years ago, making him feel like he was seducing an innocent girl.
He even doubted himself, wondering if his initial act of saving her was purely altruistic.
He sat up, putting on his shirt by the side of the bed.
She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, “Uncle Andrew, could it be that you’re too exhausted and can’t do it?”
He raised an eyebrow, grabbed her mischievous hand, and laughed, “Seems like I’ve really spoiled you.”
She rested her head on his shoulder, smiling, “Are we done for tonight then?”
“What else?” He pinched her chin with both hands, his handsome face close, lips brushing her cheek.
“Of course not,” she wrapped herself in the blanket, playfully pushing him.
Her shy and coy manner, both rejecting and inviting, made Andrew’s heart itch. But the passion had cooled, and he no longer felt the same urge.
He pulled her back down onto the bed, holding her close as they fell asleep. “Isabella, get some rest.”
“Alright.” She responded, feeling a bit confused by him.
“And, from now on, don’t call me ‘Soldier Uncle,'” he added.
“Why?” She didn’t understand.
His firm lips tightened, and he didn’t reply. Internally, he thought: because it makes me feel guilty.
She didn’t press further, guessing that since he had taken off his uniform, it might bring back bad memories.
“If you don’t like it, I’ll change it.”
“Alright.” He looked at her warmly, “In most families, what do wives call their husbands?”
“Honey,” she replied without thinking.
“Alright.” Andrew responded with a smile.
She realized what she had said, blushed, and lightly punched his chest with her small fist. Then she turned her back to him, wrapped in the blanket, and ignored him.
Andrew was already used to Isabella’s childish behavior. He hugged her from behind, finding a comfortable position for both of them, and closed his eyes.
They had a good night’s sleep.
The next day, Isabella woke up naturally again. Then she went downstairs to eat.
Amelia had made old duck soup, Isabella’s favorite. She had just taken a couple of sips when her phone rang.
Surprisingly, it was a call from Elowen, inviting her to meet at a cafe near the Harris family home.
Isabella agreed. After hanging up, she put on her coat and left.
The apartment wasn’t close to the Harris family home, so she drove to the agreed cafe. Elowen was already waiting there.
“I didn’t expect you to be so late. The coffee I ordered for you is already cold.” Elowen pointed to the cold coffee with a guilty look.
Isabella smiled faintly, knowing Elowen was subtly blaming her for being late.
“I didn’t expect you to choose this place. Driving here took some time,” she explained.
“I had no choice. Your grandmother and father treat me like a protected animal. They don’t allow me to stay out too long. It was hard enough to get out this time,” Elowen boasted with her chin up.
Isabella didn’t bother to beat around the bush and directly revealed, “Being treated like a protected animal feels good, but it’s not a long-term solution. Once the fetus is over three months, the medication you got from the hospital might not work anymore.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Elowen’s face turned pale. Her hand trembled, spilling coffee all over the table.